In vitro effect of triamcinolone and platelet-rich plasma on cytokine levels of elbow lateral epicondylitis-derived cells

Background The pathogenesis and treatment of lateral elbow epicondylitis (LEE) are still controversial. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the production of inflammatory cytokines by LEE-derived cells and to compare the anti-inflammatory effect of triamcinolone acetonide with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on cytokines production in primary culture of these cells. Methods Third passage cells from primary cultures of LEE were assessed for the production of the cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha by immune-enzymatic assay (ELISA), after the treatment with 1, 10 and 100 mu M triamcinolone compared to no treated controls at the time points 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, and to PRP at 48, 72 and 96 h. Results The cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were produced in high concentrations by LEE cells. One, 10 and 100 mu M triamcinolone induced significant decrease in the production of IL-6 and IL-8 at 48, 72 and 96 h, adding the time point 12 h for IL-8. Compared to controls, PRP caused a significant increase in the production of IL-6 and IL-8 and there was a significant increase in IL-10 production with the use of 100 mu M triamcinolone at 48 h. The production of IL1-beta and TNF-alpha was very low and did not change when the cultures were treated with triamcinolone or PRP. Conclusion LEE-derived cells produce IL-6 and IL-8, confirming the inflammatory nature of this condition. While triamcinolone inhibited the production of IL-6 and IL-8 by LEE cells, PRP induced an increase in these cytokines compared with controls.

Automated summary

Cells derived from lateral elbow epicondylitis produce high concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8, confirming the inflammatory nature of the condition. While triamcinolone inhibits the production of IL-6 and IL-8 by these cells, PRP increases these cytokines compared to controls.