Platelet Rich Plasma Enhancement of Skin Regeneration in an ex-vivo Human Experimental Model

Abstract

This study reports on the development of an original, ex-vivo wounded skin culture protocol using autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and enriched Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM). Human skin samples obtained from specimens harvested during reduction mammoplasty procedures, were injured in their central portion—to create a standard wound—and cultured under three different conditions:– enriched DMEM with saline solution in the central wound (control)– enriched DMEM with the same medium in the central wound– enriched DMEM plus 2.5% autologous PRP, with the same PRP added medium in the central wound.Morphological analysis was carried out at 0 h (T0) and on days 1, 3, 5 and 10 (T1-T3-T5-T10) using Hematoxylin and Eosin; Masson's trichrome staining; Weigert staining and Ki-67 staining to identify the skin histological features in the different experimental conditions. The combination of DMEM and PRP allowed a favorable modulation of the epithelial cells and fibroblasts proliferation, and a relevant anti-inflammatory action. PRP also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on both the collagen and elastic fibers' de-structuration and a favorable modulation of the re-organization of these fibers. The step by step histological and immune-histo-chemical regenerative effects of PRP on human skin wound repair and regeneration process was observed over a period of 10 days.

Development of Bioinspired Gelatin and Gelatin/Chitosan Bilayer Hydrofilms for Wound Healing

“…Although it is not standardized yet, ex vivo human wound models have been already used to evaluate the short-term effect on wound healing of different dressings and formulations [27,46,47,48,49,50]. However, the use of these model is not very expanded, due to the technical complexity and the limited availability of human skin explants [51]. Another major limitation of this method is the interindividual variability, due to the differences among patients, which can be overcome normalizing the results to the control in each patient.…”

Assessment of the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Traumatic Canine Fractures

“…Treatments with PRGF have given excellent clinical results in oral and maxillofacial surgery in humans [ 9 , 12 ], and in bone and cartilage healing in animal studies [ 7 , 13 , 14 ]. Growth factors have also been used in the treatment of large wounds and skin defects in burn patients [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. However, some controversial results can be found in the cited literature; therefore, the effectiveness of this technique requires further research.…”

Platelet-rich plasma: The journey so far !

“…The recent experimental ex-vivo study proposed that in wounded skin culture, autologous PRP had favourable modulation of collagen and elastic fibres with the promotion of skin regeneration and wound repair processes. [ 34 ] Significant improvement in acne scars by the use of PRP alone, as well as in conjunction with microneedling has been shown. [ 35 ] In a study on 55 adult patients with atrophic acne scars, significantly better improvement and better dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scores were reported by the use of derma roller combined with PRP, compared with derma roller alone.…”