Effects of the platelet-rich fibrin associated with physical exercise in a model of median nerve compression.

Abstract

-Aims: Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a new and promising technique for tissue repair, however, there is still a gap about its action on peripheral nerve injury, as well as its association with physical exercise. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the PRF associated with physical exercise in a model of median nerve compression. Methods: 42 rats, divided into: Control, non-injured limb, and other six groups with nerve lesion (Control lesion; Treated with PRF; Treadmill walking; Free swimming; PRF and treadmill; PRF and swimming). The lesion model was performed with median nerve compression. To obtain the PRF, 1.5 mL of blood was centrifuged and the fibrin clot positioned directly over the compression region. The exercise protocols were performed during 2 weeks. The evaluations performed were grip strength tests and histologic analysis. Results: both, grip strength and histomorphometric evaluations (fiber numbers and axon density) did not present significant differences between the treated and lesion groups, however, in the morphological evaluation it was possible to distinguish characteristics of the repair process for the treated groups. Conclusion: a slight qualitative improvement was observed for the treated groups, especially when it was associated PRF with free swimming.

Spinal Reflex Recovery after Dorsal Rhizotomy and Repair with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Gel Combined with Bioengineered Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs)

“…Despite the good potential of PRF as a nerve guidance conduit [ 36 ], the reported benefits of PRF in nervous system injury treatment are still moderate [ 37 , 38 ]. In the context of nervous system disorders, the benefits of PRP already described in recent literature involve neuroprotection and prevention of apoptosis, mediation of neuroinflammation, and stimulation of angiogenesis and axonal regeneration [ 39 ].…”