Implication of stem cells and platelet rich plasma in otolaryngology, head and neck surgical procedures

Abstract

Human body has a set of unspecialized cells called as stem cells that have the ability to generate cells of specialized function. Volume of fractionated plasma extracted from autologous blood is termed as Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is rich in several growth factors. Both have shown effective results in the field of regenerative medicine. Physiologically, platelets are the first cells to concentrate at the site of tissue damage, therefore application of PRP in diverse surgical procedures enhances bone and soft tissue healing; this same phenomenon is currently being used in otology, head and neck flap surgery and yielding miraculous outcomes. The perspective role of stem cells in regenerative medicine is wrapped in its loosely arranged DNA with working genes; a similar concept is being worked upon in different ENT procedures with groundbreaking results. Continued...

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Long COVID Olfactory Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

“…neuroregeneration [32,33]. Animal studies have shown that growth factors and stem cells can effectively treat anosmia and regenerate olfactory neuroepithelium, positioning PRP as a promising candidate for neuroregenerative therapies [34,35].…”

“…Therapies that target the mechanisms of chronic viral infection, dysregulated immunological responses, and microvascular dysfunction that underlie OD in Long COVID may prove advantageous [37,50]. In various clinical contexts, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated source of autologous growth factors and cytokines produced from the patient's own blood, has demonstrated promise in promoting tissue repair and regeneration [34,41]. PRP therapy may be beneficial in the context of OD linked to Long COVID through several ways.…”

“…The choice between autologous and heterologous PRP is often clear-cut, with the former being the preferred method for reducing complications and enhancing the body's natural regenerative capacity. Clinicians and patients tend to favor autologous PRP for its patient-specific approach to treatment, which minimizes risks and offers a tailored therapy that capitalizes on the patient's own healing mechanisms [34,37].…”

“…These platelets are not just components that respond swiftly to injury, but also factories of growth factors and cytokines crucial for healing [41]. In typical PRP preparations, the goal is to achieve a platelet concentration 3-5 times that of baseline blood levels, translating into a potent cocktail of biologically active proteins [34]. The array of proteins released from these platelets includes Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), which drives cell replication and the formation of new skin and blood vessels; Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β), which is essential in healing bone and soft tissues; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), an important molecule in blood vessel formation; Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which plays a role in cell growth and the production of collagen; and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), which aids in wound repair.…”

“…These capabilities of PRP have been harnessed in various clinical and surgical contexts since the 1970s [27][28][29][30][31] and are now being explored for their potential in olfactory tissue repair and neuroregeneration [32,33]. Animal studies have shown that growth factors and stem cells can effectively treat anosmia and regenerate olfactory neuroepithelium, positioning PRP as a promising candidate for neuroregenerative therapies [34,35].…”