Platelets in wound healing and regenerative medicine

Abstract

Although platelets are widely recognized as having a critical role in primary hemostasis and thrombosis, increasing experimental and clinical evidence identifies these enucleated cells as relevant modulators of other physiopathological processes including inflammation and tissue regeneration. These phenomena are mediated through the release of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix modulators that sequentially promote (i) revascularization of damaged tissue through the induction of migration, proliferation, differentiation, and stabilization of endothelial cells in new blood vessels; (ii) restoration of damaged connective tissue through migration, proliferation, and activation of fibroblasts; and (iii) proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into tissue-specific cell types. For these reasons, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derivatives are used in regenerative medicine for the treatment of several clinical conditions including ulcers, burns, muscle repair, bone diseases, and tissue recovery following surgery. The benefits of PRP administration are associated with an economical advantage, taking into consideration that PRP administration does not require complex equipment or training for its execution. Moreover, due to their primary autologous origin, concerns of disease transmission or immunogenic reactions can be disregarded. Thus, platelet-enriched materials have become highly relevant in the last decade and constitute a growing focus of experimental and clinical study in the context of wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, despite the diverse applications, the efficacy of regenerative treatments using PRP is being called into question due to the lack of large controlled clinical trials and the lack of consensus regarding the PRP preparation techniques. This review describes the biological mechanisms underlying PRP's regenerative effects, the different methods of preparation and application of these biomaterials, and the controversies and future prospects related to the use of PRP in regenerative medicine.

Intravesical injections of platelet‐rich plasma is effective and safe in treatment of interstitial cystitis refractory to conventional treatment—A prospective clinical trial

“…Platelets are recognized in a critical role of primary hemostasis and thrombosis. Recent evidence have shown that platelets also act as a modulators in the process of tissue inflammation and regeneration . PRP injections have been widely applied in treatment of knee osteoarthritis through the anti‐inflammatory effect of platelet related growth factors .…”

“…Recent evidence have shown that platelets also act as a modulators in the process of tissue inflammation and regeneration. 12 PRP injections have been widely applied in treatment of knee osteoarthritis through the anti-inflammatory effect of platelet related growth factors. 19 In addition, PRP has been demonstrated to promote proliferation and migration of skeletal muscle cells in vitro.…”

“…Platelets have a critical role in primary hemostasis and thrombosis, also modulate the wound healing process including inflammation and tissue regeneration, through the release of growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix modulators . Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been widely applied in orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology as a healing therapy .…”

“…Platelets have a critical role in primary hemostasis and thrombosis, also modulate the wound healing process including inflammation and tissue regeneration, through the release of growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix modulators . Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been widely applied in orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology as a healing therapy . PRP is rich in growth factors, such as platelet‐derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor, together with these growth factors the defective epithelium can undergo proliferation, differentiation, and wound healing .…”

“…12 Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely applied in orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology as a healing therapy. 12 PRP is rich in growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor, together with these growth factors the defective epithelium can undergo proliferation, differentiation, and wound healing. 13 PRP also secrets several pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can activate a new inflammatory process and promote the resolution of a previously unsolved inflammation, hence eliminate neuropathic pain.…”