What is Protokine?
Protokine refers to a proprietary protein solution derived through specialized processing of biological materials (typically autologous blood or placental extracts) containing:
✔ Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1Ra, IL-10)
✔ Growth factors (TGF-β, IGF-1)
✔ Matrix proteins (fibronectin, laminin)
✔ Exosome-like vesicles
Note: “Protokine” is a brand-specific term – similar products may be called “orthokine” or “autologous conditioned serum.”
Mechanism of Action
1. Inflammation Modulation:
– Downregulates IL-1β, TNF-α
– Upregulates IL-1 receptor antagonist
2. Tissue Repair:
– Stimulates collagen synthesis
– Enhances angiogenesis
3. Immunoregulation:
– Shifts macrophage polarization (M1→M2)
Clinical Applications
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
– Knee osteoarthritis: 64% WOMAC score improvement at 6 months (2023 RCT)
– Rotator cuff tendinopathy: 2.3x faster healing vs saline controls
– Lumbar disc degeneration: Reduced need for surgery
2. Dermatological Uses
– Chronic wounds: 40% faster epithelialization
– Androgenetic alopecia: Increased hair density (TrichoScan® analysis)
3. Emerging Applications
– Dry eye syndrome (TFOS DEWS II guidelines)
– Neuropathic pain (Preliminary animal studies)
Production Protocol
1. Blood Collectio*: 50mL venous blood
2. Activation:
– Glass bead incubation (24h/37°C)
– Alternative: EPR method (electrical pulse)
3. Processing:
– Serum separation
– Sterile filtration
4. Administration:
– Intra-articular (2-4 injections)
– Topical (eye drops/wound gels)
Safety & Regulatory Status
– FDA Classification: 361 HCT/P (when autologous)
– Reported AEs:
– Mild injection site reactions (9.2%)
– Temporary stiffness (6.8%)
– Contraindications:
– Active infections
– Coagulopathies
– Malignancy (relative)
Current Research Frontiers
– Protokine+HA hybrids for enhanced viscosupplementation
– Lyophilized formulations for extended shelf life
– Nebulized delivery for pulmonary fibrosis