A new paradigm for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: The role of hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ozone in the modulation of inflammation: A review

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of arthritis. Traditionally, OA was viewed as a "wear and tear" disease. However, metabolic and inflammatory factors are now being considered as pathogenic factors to the point that some authors are redefining OA as a "chronic low-grade inflammation" disease. Evidence: In knee osteoarthritis, many inflammatory signaling pathways and mediators are involved. The new treatment paradigm is based on cellular treatments on the signaling pathways of inflammation, based on cellular and protein components to combat the inflammatory environment of the arthritic joint and regenerate damaged tissue. Results: The approach of treating only one therapeutic target (nitric oxide inhibitors, nutraceuticals, urate reducing agents, and biologics) that have demonstrated their efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis has not been translated into effective management in OA. A treatment approach aimed simultaneously at multiple targets would be able to manage OA more efficiently. The standard guidelines (AAOS, OARSI, ACR, NICE, or EULAR) do not consider hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, or ozone, although these treatment options have shown immunomodulatory and healing properties. In this scenario, we hypothesized that hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and ozone are promising alternatives for the management of knee OA, due to their multidial properties, as will be seen in this review. Conclusion: In the present study the pathophysiology of OA has been reviewed, focusing mainly on the inflammatory mechanism, the signaling pathways involved and the possible goals of treatment. Hyaluronic acid, platelet- rich plasma and ozone are proposed as multi-target options for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.