A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is currently used in different medical fields. The interest in the application of PRP in dermatology has recently increased. It is being used in several different applications as in tissue regeneration, wound healing, scar revision, skin rejuvenating effects, and alopecia. PRP is a biological product defined as a portion of the plasma fraction of autologous blood with a platelet concentration above the baseline. It is obtained from the blood of patients collected before centrifugation. The knowledge of the biology, mechanism of action, and classification of the PRP should help clinicians better understand this new therapy and to easily sort and interpret the data available in the literature regarding PRP. In this review, we try to provide useful information for a better understanding of what should and should not be treated with PRP.

The effects of platelet‐rich‐plasma gel application to the colonic anastomosis in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: An experimental rat model

“…It was formerly thought that platelets have only haemostatic activity, but recent studies have shown that platelets play a critical role in inflammation by producing various growth factors and cytokines . Numerous experimental studies have shown that applying PRP on intestinal anastomosis resulted in improved anastomosis healing .…”

“…Since the early 1980s, it has been widely used in different areas for its positive impact on the wound healing. Several experimental studies report positive effects on anastomotic healing …”

Growth factor concentrations in platelet‐rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: An intra‐subject, randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled, pilot study

“…Treatment with autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative therapy that has gained considerable attention in diverse fields of medicine such as orthopaedic interventions and oral surgery . In dermatology, PRP has been used to treat chronic diabetic wounds, scarring, and for cosmetic skin augmentation and rejuvenation, where repeated application shows some success . More recently, several clinical reports have proposed the use of PRP in the treatment of hair loss …”

Autologous platelet‐rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review

“…Autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a small volume of the patients' own venous blood (eg, 18 mL) by centrifugation and removal of red blood cells . The result is PRP that contains various growth factors and cytokines released from the granules within platelets .…”

“…The result is PRP that contains various growth factors and cytokines released from the granules within platelets . These factors, including platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), are believed to have various functions which are required for new hair regrowth . PRP is applied by intradermal injections at the affected skin areas and repeated after various intervals .…”