Nano Chitosan Oligosaccharide vs Dextrose Prolotherapy: Effects on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) Expression in Rat Ligament Injury – a randomized controlled experimental study

Abstract

Introductions: Ligament injury is a musculoskeletal condition that requires effective regenerative therapy owing to its slow healing process. Dextrose-based prolotherapy has been widely used, while nano chitosan oligosaccharide (NCO) has emerged as a promising alternative with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study compared the effects of 0.4% NCO prolotherapy and 12.5% dextrose on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) in a Wistar rat model of patellar ligament injury. Material and Methods: A randomized post-test only control group design was used with 31 rats randomly divided into control, dextrose, and NCO groups. Prolotherapy injections were administered seven days post-injury. PDGF levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) on days 8, 14, and 21 post-injury. Results: No significant differences in PDGF expression among the groups (p > 0.05). However, distinct fluctuation patterns were noted. Dextrose was associated with an increased PDGF level during the mid-healing phase, possibly due to inflammatory stimulation. Conversely, the NCO group showed PDGF dynamics comparable to controls, suggestive of balanced modulation of inflammation and fibroblast proliferation. Conclusion: Administration of either 0.4% NCO or 12.5% dextrose did not significantly affect PDGF expression compared to controls. Further studies with larger samples, varied dosing, and additional healing parameters are recommended to further investigate the therapeutic potential of NCO prolotherapy in ligament healing.