<i>In Vitro</i> Model Exploring the Mechanisms of Dextrose Prolotherapy: Fibroblasts Exposed to Clinical Concentrations of Dextrose Exhibit Significant Rebound Effects 48 Hours After Exposure.

ABSTRACT: ObjectiveHypertonic injection of dextrose is an alternative treatment for reducing pain and increasing function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Dextrose prolotherapy (DP) is hypothesized to induce localized inflammation, leading to proliferation of cells in the joint space. This in vitro study explores how exposure to therapeutic doses of hypertonic dextrose affects fibroblast viability and proliferation, either directly or indirectly through exposure to secreted factors by dextrose-treated cells.DesignMRC-5 fibroblasts exposed for 15 to 120 minutes to dextrose solutions at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% were compared to a media-only control. Metabolic activity was measured by the XTT assay as an indicator of cell viability and proliferation.ResultsFibroblast

SUBMITTER: Harting BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12812509 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature