Autologous Protein CONCENTRATE (APC)
Los Angeles
WHAT IS AUTOLOGOUS PROTEIN CONCENTRATE?
Autologous protein concentrate (APC) is comprised of a high concentration of various proteins, with known anti-inflammatory profiles, found in blood. There are many pro-inflammatory proteins known to affect joints and tissues. Supporting the body’s response to inflammation and potentially reducing the inflammatory environment is being researched as an approach to creating a more favorable biological environment in joints and tissues, and possibly protecting the integrity of the existing tissues. Some of the more helpful proteins that have been researched are listed below:
| Protein | Physiologic effects |
|---|---|
| Alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) | Binds IL-1β and downregulates NF-κB–induced breakdown of cartilage. Also acts as a proteinase trap, reducing inflammation and cartilage damage by inhibiting MMPs. |
| Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) | Blocks the IL-1 inflammatory cytokine. |
| Soluble IL-1 receptor II | Resides in plasma and binds and inhibits the inflammatory cytokine IL-1. |
| Soluble tissue necrotic factor receptor I (sTNF-R1) | Binds TNFα and neutralizes inflammatory effects. |
| Soluble tissue necrotic factor receptor II (sTNF-R2) | Binds TNFα and neutralizes inflammatory effects. |
| Interleukin-10 (IL-10) | Suppresses inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1, and IL-6, which can contribute to tissue damage. |
| Albumin | Binds to inflammatory mediators including PGE2, leukotrienes, PAF, Lyso-PC, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. |
HOW DOES APC WORK?
Autologous protein concentrate (APC) is a concentration of various proteins and cytokines from blood that have individually shown to have an anti-inflammatory profile. Decreasing inflammatory and catabolic proteins such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF⍺), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13) is being researched as a way to support tissue health in areas such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Benefits of APC:
Autologous protein concentrate (APC) is a non-surgical therapy that can support the body’s natural response to joint injury and inflammation. The combined effects of various proteins, with anti-inflammatory profiles, may provide synergy with the body’s existing biologic mechanisms in place. Research is evaluating if reducing certain inflammatory and catabolic proteins can improve the integrity of joints and tissues.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR APC?
Individuals may consider APC therapy as part of a comprehensive plan designed to support joint health. Candidates may be seeking for a natural therapy to assist with the body’s response to injury. Some individuals explore APC therapy if other supportive measures such as rest, activity modification, medication, and physical therapy do not suffice. A consultation with Dr. Yoon is recommended to review the individual’s history, current condition, imaging, and goals to determine whether APC therapy is appropriate.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH APC Therapy?
The consultation with Dr. Yoon will include a thorough evaluation and discussion of your condition, goals, and available options and if APC can help. If APC therapy is pursued, Dr. Yoon’s office will provide a pre- and post- therapy handout. Additional prescriptions may also include orthotics and braces, biomechanics evaluations, physical therapy, and other supportive measures when appropriate. Because each patient and injury is different, expected outcomes and recovery recommendations will be discussed individually. Follow-up evaluations will be scheduled to assess progress and help optimize the overall recovery plan.
WHY CHOOSE DR. STEVE YOON FOR APC?
Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing autologous protein concentrate (APC) therapy in professional sports making him a top choice for patients in Los Angeles and around the country. He has extensive experience utilizing APC while in his role as Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine at the Cedars Sinai Kerlan Jobe Institute and as a consultant for many professional sports teams and sports agencies throughout the country. Dr. Yoon has successfully helped patients over two decades while specializing in the use of APC and other regenerative therapies to enhance recovery and performance. His personalized and tailored approach with patients and helping them with their quality of life has earned him numerous honors including being recognized annually in Los Angeles as a Super Doctor as well as a Top Doctor nationally by Castle Connolly.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Sun C, et al. A2M inhibits inflammatory mediators of chondrocytes by blocking IL-1β/NF-κB pathway. J Orthop Res. 2023 Jan;41(1):241-248.
Kuwasawa A, Okazaki K, Noda K, Nihei K. Clinical results of autologous protein solution injection for knee osteoarthritis with severe disease grade is inferior to mild or moderate grade. Sci Rep. 2023; 13:6404.
Mathieu S, Kuhi L, Binvignat M, et al. The relationship between circulating and tissue biomarkers and osteoarthritis-related pain: a systematic literature review. Osteoarthr Cartil Open. 2025;7(4):100684. doi:10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100684