Healing Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Abstract

Regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) has been a major challenging issue in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve injuries are the major difficulties and complications of oral surgeries following dental implant placement, etc. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the regeneration of PNIs. Medline NCBI databases were searched for related articles up to and including May 2016. Being published in English papers, use of PRP in peripheral nerve regeneration, in vivo studies, and having histological evaluations was the inclusion criteria. Seventeen papers were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and categorized regarding PNIs types including cut or crushed injuries. The effects of using PRP only or in combination with cells on the functional recovery and histological assessments are discussed and compared with the other treatments such as autologous nerve graft, acellular nerve allograft, and synthetic nerve conduits. The authors also clarified the perspectives in the current field. Consequently, PRP demonstrated positive effects on healing of the nerve function as well histological improvements in cut nerve PNIs model; however, more studies in the field of crushed nerves are needed to arrive at an evidence-based conclusion.

3D printed TCP-based scaffold incorporating VEGF-loaded PLGA microspheres for craniofacial tissue engineering

“…In our study, the mean pore size and porosity of the scaffold were about 500 µm and 73%, respectively, which were in a desirable range for bone tissue engineering. It has been confirmed that VEGF, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) play a pivotal role during the natural tissue healing process specially in bone regeneration [2, 68]. In fact, these growth factors have important effects on regulation of cellular activities and initiation of osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, thereby promoting osteogenesis [69].…”

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet Derived Concentrates in Regenerative Medicine

“…Some of the growth factors-for example, VEGF and PDGF-could be changed in PRP combination after preparation [34]. It has been indicated that PRP may increase the regeneration process of peripheral nerve injuries [33]. In addition, injectable implants containing PRP may promote tissue regeneration [35].…”

“…It is clear that platelet biomaterial has an ameliorating effect on a variety of diseases, particularly in the field of skeletal regeneration, such as sinus floor elevation, periodontology, and maxillofacial surgery [31][32][33]. Additionally, periodontal tissue augmentation using mesenchymal stem cells and PRP is currently being performed in the field of regenerative medicine [33].…”

“…Additionally, periodontal tissue augmentation using mesenchymal stem cells and PRP is currently being performed in the field of regenerative medicine [33]. Some of the growth factors-for example, VEGF and PDGF-could be changed in PRP combination after preparation [34].…”

“…osteochondral lesions, synovial knee joint failure, acute diaphyseal fractures of the femur, trauma, maxillofacial defects, periodontal tissue augmentation, peripheral nerve injuries, chondral lesions of the hip, wound, degenerative disc disease, femoral neck fractures, oral peri-implant defects, and hair loss [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42].…”