Allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is superior to platelets or plasma alone in stimulating fibroblast proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and chemotaxis as relevant processes for wound healing

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is frequently used in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. One of the major problems concerning the use of PRP is the absence of a well-characterized and standardized product, which leads to a high variety in study outcomes. Therefore, more studies on the composition and standardization of PRP in wound healing are needed.

Study design and methods: Platelet concentrates derived from healthy blood donors were made in plasma (PC-plasma) or platelet additive solution (PC-PAS). The effects of PC-plasma, PC-PAS, and plasma were then tested on proliferation, differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts, as well as sprouting of endothelial cells in fibrin gels and chemotaxis of white blood cells (WBCs).

Results: PC-plasma stimulates the migration and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts more than plasma or platelets alone. Furthermore, platelet factors decrease the expression of α-smooth muscle actin in dermal fibroblast cultures. PC-plasma also stimulates sprouting of endothelial cells. Finally, PC-plasma also acts as a strong chemoattractant for WBCs.

Conclusions: Allogeneic PC-plasma has beneficial effects on various aspects of wound healing in vitro and is superior to plasma or platelets alone. PC-plasma is an attractive candidate for further in vivo evaluation.