Use of platelet growth factors in treating wounds and soft-tissue injuries

Abstract

Tissue repair begins with clot formation and platelet degranulation, which release the growth factors (GFs) necessary for wound repair. Platelet-derived GFs are biologically active substances that enhance tissue repair mechanisms such as chemotaxis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition, and remodeling. This review describes the biological background of the topical therapy of wounds and soft-tissue injuries with platelet gel (PG) and PG-derived GFs as well as the success of the clinical studies performed so far. Some other interesting topical applications of PG are also described. Platelet-derivatives represent a promising therapeutic modality, offering opportunities for treatment of wounds, ulcers, soft-tissue injuries, and various other applications in regenerative medicine.