Effects of Tranexamic Acid Cytotoxicity on In Vitro Chondrocytes

Although its findings were highly reproducible, the present study had several limitations, including its in vitro nature and its use of a bovine and murine model rather than a human cell and tissue platform. It may be prudent to expose chondrocytes to TXA for a shorter time to try to mimic what theoretically occurs in vivo. In vivo studies may be a reasonable direction for experimentation. Clarifying the mechanism of cell death is of experimental interest as well. As the first of its kind, the present study provides an important initial database for exploration.

This study is the first to show that TXA has a cytotoxic effect on chondrocytes and that it damages cartilage at clinically used concentrations. Although more studies are needed to verify a safe concentration of TXA for topical use with human cartilage, our data indicate that TXA 25 mg/mL may be an effective yet safe dose for intra-articular use in native joints.