Comparison of platelet, leukocyte, and growth factor levels in point‐of‐care platelet‐enriched plasma, prepared using a modified Curasan kit, with preparations received from a local blood bank

Abstract

The potential use of autologous thrombocytic growth factors to accelerate bone regeneration requires improved methods of isolating platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In addition to discontinuous cell separation, a second method by which PRP is produced at the point-of-care has now become available. In this study, growth factor levels in PRP from these two sources were compared. Whole blood was drawn from 115 healthy donors (73 males, 42 females) aged 21 - 62 years (mean 36, SD 10). The PRP was separated by the blood bank (BB) using the discontinuous cell separation method or at the 'point-of-care' by the so-called 'buffy coat' method (analogous to the Curasan PRP Kit). Growth factor content differed significantly for TGF-beta1 (BB 268.65+/-70.77 ng/ml, Curasan 95.02+/-60.67 ng/ml (sign test P<0.001)) and PDGF-AB (BB 133.59+/-46.26 ng/ml, Curasan 233.70+/-111.86 ng/ml (P<0.001)), while the content of IGF-I (BB 85.37+/-25.58 ng/ml, Curasan 101.72+/-47.7 ng/ml (P<0.160)) showed no significant difference. The higher thrombocyte count in the BB PRP (BB 1434300+/-351960/ microl, Curasan 908.500+/-492.30/microl) seems to result in higher TGF-beta1 levels, while the higher leukocyte count in the Curasan PRP (BB 160+/-320/ microl, Curasan 30130+/-12500/microl) seems to result in higher PDGF-AB levels. The similar IGF-I levels in the two preparations might merely reflect similar amounts of plasma in the PRP produced by each approach.

Platelet-rich plasma for muscle injuries: game over or time out?

“…Apheresis is a more expensive procedure that requires filtration of blood circulating from patient to machine. PRP obtained from apheresis results in a more consistent platelet concentration, typically five times that of whole blood [8].…”

“…Likewise, it has been suggested that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-B), found in higher concentrations with certain preparations, stimulates fibrosis and thus may have a detrimental effect as it may promote greater fibrotic healing of muscle [9]. Apheresis preparations are theoretically less desirable for muscle therapy considering the concentration of PDGF is lower and TGF-B is higher compared to PRP obtained via centrifugation [8].…”

Blood-Derived, Tissue Engineering Biomaterials

“…Mean range of various GF concentrations in PRP preparations, as reported in the literature [22-23, 41-42, 49-51], are summarized in Table 3 . Possibly, a higher platelet count might result in higher TGF-/3 1 levels, whereas higher leukocyte count may lead to higher PDGF-AB levels [50]. The factors influencing GF release still require further study [41] to optimize and standardize clinical benefits from the use of PG.…”

Efeito do plasma rico em plaquetas na regeneração do terço central do ligamento da patela: estudo prospectivo randomizado

“…A literatura mostra que o PRP obtido por aférese, método utilizado nesse estudo, apresenta uma maior concentração de plaquetas e menor concentração de leucócitos do que o obtido por centrifugação (11) , podendo ser considerado portanto um concentrado de plaquetas mais puro (53) .…”

“…O PRP obtido por aférese possui um volume final maior, maior concentração de plaquetas e menor concentração de leucócitos do que o obtido por centrifugação (11) .…”