Is the combination of fat grafts and platelet rich plasma effective in rats?

Abstract

PURPOSE:To investigate if the association of fat grafts and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves graft viability in female rats. METHODS:This is an experimental, randomized and blinded study, which involved 47 rats. Fat was harvested from the inguinal region and grafted to the cranial region. The experimental group consisted of PRP-enriched fat grafts (n=22) whilst the control group consisted of fat graft only (n=25). After a 100-day period, the animals were euthanised and the fat grafts were analyzed using scores from 0 (absent) to 4 (abundant), in optical microscopy by two independent and blinded pathologists. RESULTS:Regarding fat graft cell viability, the PRP group scored moderate/abundant in 63% of cases and the fat graft only group scored absent/slight in 72% of cases (p=0.03). The PRP group also presented lower fat necrosis scores when compared to the fat graft only group (p=0.03). Tumors (dermoid cysts) within the fat grafts were observed in three animals in which the grafts were mixed with PRP. CONCLUSION:Platelet-rich plasma improves the viability and integration of fat grafts in rats, but more studies are needed to fully understand the exact mechanisms that lead to this improvement and assess the safety of the method for use in humans.

Comparison of the Effects of Repeated Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Platelet-Poor Plasma on Fat Graft Survival in Nude Mice

“…Pires Fraga et al [26,27] studied the effect of PRP on the survival of free fat grafts in a rabbit model and demonstrated that the application of autologous PRP could enhance free fat graft survival. Blumenschein et al [28] also confirmed the efficacy of fat grafts prepared with PRP in maintaining graft volume and survival in a rat model. Cervelli et al [29,30] used 0.3-0.5 mL PRP mixed with 1 mL centrifuged fat tissue for reconstructing the face contour and restoring the superficial density of facial tissues, and the examinations after 18 months showed excellent aesthetic improvement.…”

The use of fat grafting and platelet‐rich plasma for wound healing: A review of the current evidence

“…The ease of comparison of animal studies, as with clinical studies, is made difficult by the wide variety in methodology including differences in PRP preparation technique and source, fat harvest and preparation methods, constitution of PRP, and different graft sites. Despite this, there have been several animal studies that have shown a benefit to graft retention in contouring procedures with PRP being shown to enhance the vascularity and reduce fat necrosis of transplanted fat . In a rat model, one study found that activated PRP enhances fat graft retention as well as the survival, viability, and differentiation of adipocytes .…”

“…Despite this, there have been several animal studies that have shown a benefit to graft retention in contouring procedures with PRP being shown to enhance the vascularity and reduce fat necrosis of transplanted fat. [174][175][176][177] In a rat model, one study found that activated PRP enhances fat graft retention as well as the survival, viability, and differentiation of adipocytes. 178 Pires Fraga et al also found that PRP not only improved graft retention but also maintained a higher number of adipocytes and blood vessels with reduced necrosis and fibrosis in a rabbit model.…”

The Efficacy of Autologous Nanofat Versus Enhanced Nanofat with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Transfers in the Treatment of Atrophic Post Acne Scars

“…Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) positively promotes the induction of pluripotent stem cells in adipocytes [8].…”