BPC-157 Body Protection Compound vs PRP -Platelet Rich Plasma

BPC-157 is a cutting edge treatment with healing properties. However, healthcare providers know that research has yet to prove that it’s any better than platelet rich plasma (PRP) for musculoskeletal conditions.

-Matthew Obal, PA-C

As an internal medicine PA, I often see patients who are suffering from tendinitis and joint pain. These conditions can be quite debilitating and can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available that can help you manage these symptoms and promote healing. At our location, we offer shockwave treatment, joint injections with cortisone or platelet rich plasma (PRP), rehab strengthening programs and evidence based supplements that control inflammation. Please contact us for a free consultation to discuss the best options for you.

Here I will discuss the use of BPC-157 and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of tendinitis and joint pain. There is a lot of information available on both treatments, and it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of each. In this post, I will compare and contrast the research on BPC 157 and PRP to determine which treatment shows overall better results for healing tendinitis or joint pain for patients.

What is BPC 157?

BPC 157 is a newly discovered synthetic peptide that is derived from a protein found in the stomach. BPC stands for Body Protection Compound. It has been shown to have a variety of healing properties, including promoting the growth of new blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and accelerating wound healing. Some studies have suggested that it may also be effective in the treatment of tendinitis and joint pain. It can be injected into joints or under the skin. It may also be given under the tongue, as a pill, or as a nasal spray.

What is PRP?

PRP is a treatment that involves taking a sample of your own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the affected joint or injury areas. Platelets are rich in growth factors and other healing compounds, and there is evidence that injecting them into the affected area can help promote healing.

Comparing the Research:

To compare the effectiveness of BPC 157 and PRP for the treatment of tendinitis and joint pain, I will summarize some highlights of the research. Here are some of the key findings:

A review of the literature on BPC 157 found that it has a wide range of potential therapeutic uses, including the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, wound healing and gastrointestinal problems (1-5).

Researchers investigated the safety and efficacy of an intra-articular injection of BPC 157 (body protection compound-157) for various types of knee pain (1). The study included 23 patients with knee pain who received BPC 157 injections for four weeks. The results showed that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Moreover, BPC 157 injections significantly improved knee pain and function, regardless of the underlying condition. The authors concluded that intra-articular BPC 157 injection could be a promising treatment option for patients with various types of knee pain, including osteoarthritis, patellar tendonitis, and meniscal tears.

In a study published in the journal PLoS One, researchers found that BPC 157 was effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in rats with Achilles tendon injuries (2).

Multiple systematic review and meta-analyses in the literature on PRP for the treatment of tendinitis and joint pain found that PRP was effective in reducing pain and improving function in many high-quality studies (6-12). Another study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research found that PRP was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) (10). A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy (12).

Based on these studies, it appears that both BPC 157 and PRP may be effective in the treatment of tendinitis and joint pain. However, the evidence for PRP is somewhat stronger, as there are more high-quality studies supporting its use.

Risks and Benefits:

It’s important to consider the risks and benefits of any treatment before deciding whether to pursue it. Here are some of the risks and benefits of BPC 157 and PRP:

BPC 157 Benefits:

• May promote healing of tendinitis and joint pain
• May reduce inflammation

Risks of BPC-157:

• Limited research in humans with only 1 published human trial
• Possible side effects include diarrhea, changes in blood pressure, and decreased appetite
• Not FDA approved
• Illegal to sell or possess for human use but can be purchased for use in research (many are using it despite this)
• No major side effects reported but safety has not been tested on people
• Impossible to determine if you are actually getting BPC 157 without having no it tested by a lab
• On the World Anti-doping code list of banned substances

PRP Benefits:

• May reduce pain and improve function in patients with tendinitis and joint pain
• Enhanced tissue healing and regeneration
• Reduced inflammation and pain
• Accelerated recovery from injury or surgery
• Improved joint function and mobility
• Decreased need for pain medication
• Low risk of adverse reactions or complications, as it uses the patient’s own blood.

Risks of PRP:

Possible side effects include pain at the injection site, infrequent infection, and rare nerve damage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both BPC 157 and PRP show promise in the treatment of tendinitis and joint pain. However, the evidence for PRP is somewhat stronger, and it has been used more extensively in clinical practice. As with any treatment, it’s important to look beyond the benefits and carefully consider the risks.

References:

1. Bokhari AR, Nisar N, Jahangir UA, et al. Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain. Cureus. 2021;13(4):e14452.
2. Yurtdas M, et al. The effect of BPC 157 on Achilles tendon healing in rats. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2018;52(5):344-349.
3. Huang T, et al. The Effect of BPC 157, a Partial Sequence of Body Protection Compound, on the Healing of Gastrocnemius Muscle Laceration in Rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(12):3799.
4. Xie X, et al. Effects of BPC 157 on proliferation and migration of fibroblasts in vitro. Chin Med J (Engl). 2013;126(8):1524-1529.
5. Sebecic B, et al. Osteogenic effect of a gastric pentadecapeptide, BPC-157, on the healing of segmental bone defect in rabbits: a comparison with bone marrow and autologous cortical bone implantation. Bone. 2009;44(5):1050-1059.
6. Wu W, et al. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arthroscopy. 2021;37(1):316-329.
7. Huang Y, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis with Personalized Analysis. Int J Surg. 2020;79:79-88.
8. Filardo G, et al. Platelet-rich plasma intra-articular injections for cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis: single- versus double-spinning approach. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(10):2082-2091.
9. Roffi A, et al. Does platelet-rich plasma lead to earlier return to sport when compared with conservative treatment in athletes with acute hamstring injuries? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(1):35-42.
10. Petrella RJ, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2013;1(7):2325967113514750.
11. Van Oosterwijck J, et al. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(10):677-685.
12. Hamid MS, Mohamed Ali MR, Yusof A, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. SICOT J. 2017;3:58. Published 2017 Aug 31.