Effect of platelet-rich plasma on proliferation and migration in human dermal fibroblasts

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood fraction that contains high concentrations of several growth factors. PRP has been recently used in skin wound healing and rejuvenation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying PRP-induced wound healing are unknown.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PRP on extracellular matrix remodeling, which requires the activation of dermal fibroblasts.

Methods: Cell proliferation and migration assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis, and Western blotting were performed on PRP-treated human skin fibroblasts.

Results: Platelet numbers were enhanced by 4.6-fold in PRP compared to that in whole blood. PRP stimulated the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts and increased the expression of human procollagen I alpha 1, elastin, MMP-1, and MMP-2 in human dermal fibroblasts. PRP-treated human dermal fibroblasts also showed a dramatic reduction in the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), whereas total JNK levels were not significantly reduced.

Conclusions: Collectively, PRP induced increased expression of type I collagen, elastin, MMP-1, and MMP-2, thereby accelerating wound healing. Our findings reveal basic mechanisms underlying PRP-mediated tissue remodeling. Thus, these results could be exploited for clinical dermatology and skin rejuvenation.

Keywords: elastin; fibroblast; matrix metalloproteinase; platelet-rich plasma; type I collagen.