Leucocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhances Fibroblast and Extracellular Matrix Activity: Implications in Wound Healing

Cytotoxicity of local anaesthetics and protective effects of platelet rich plasma on equine tenocytes: An in vitro study

Local anaesthetics (LAs) can have detrimental effects on rat, bovine, canine, and human tendon tissues and cells. Currently, there has been no available data on the impact of these drugs on equine tenocytes. Even if LA injection for managing painful tendon conditions in horses is limited, it is usually used via intra-articular, intrasynovial, perineural, and intrathecal as well as for lameness examinations. In this in vitro study, the cytotoxic effects of LAs, including lidocaine, mepivacaine, and bupivacaine on equine tenocytes, in the presence and absence of platelet rich plasma (PRP), were investigated. PRP accelerates tissue healing and can exert cytoprotective effects on different cell types exposed to different stressful conditions, including drugs. Results indicated that the exposure to LAs significantly reduced tenocytes viability in dose- and time-dependent manners while PRP was able to counteract their cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, microscopy and flow cytometry analyses revealed apoptosis and necrosis in equine tenocytes exposed to these drugs, that were both reduced when PRP was in the medium. These findings highlight the importance of considering the tenocyte toxicity associated with intrathecal and intraneural LA injections, as they might affect tenocytes or reduce the efficacy of associated therapies. Moreover, this study also highlights the protective effects of PRP, which could make LA injections safer.

Biotherapeutic Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Regenerative Medicine

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a blood-based product containing platelets and growth factors, is being utilized to treat numerous non-hemostatic disorders. Studies have explored the use of PRP to provide rapid repair, healing, and recovery from various injuries; some studies mentioned the effectiveness of PRP as compared with other forms of treatment like the use of hyaluronic acid. Commercially available PRP systems are available now, and each varies from one another depending on how it is prepared, thus causing variations in platelet concentration and growth factor content. These variations also implicated different therapeutic applications.

METHODS

The paper reviews the various applications of PRP, including factors to consider before using PRP therapy, and provides an extensive list of PRP applications.

RESULTS

The administration of PRP as a standalone treatment or as a co-therapy results in observed positive outcomes. However, there is a lack of standardization for PRP preparation, increasing the risks for heterogeneity and bias amongst results.

CONCLUSION

The use of PRP is indeed an option for regenerative therapy, but more research is needed before it can fully be recommended as a primary treatment modality.

Platelet-rich plasma attenuates the severity of joint capsule fibrosis following post-traumatic joint contracture in rats

Background: Post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC) mainly manifests as excessive inflammation leading to joint capsule fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a key regulator of inflammation and fibrosis, can promote fibroblast activation, proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered to have strong potential for improving tissue healing and regeneration, the ability to treat joint capsule fibrosis remains largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to determine the antifibrotic potential of PRP in vivo or in vitro and its possible molecular mechanisms. The TGF-β1-induced primary joint capsule fibroblast model and rat PTJC model were used to observe several fibrotic markers (TGF-β1, α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, MMP-9) and signaling transduction pathway (Smad2/3) using histological staining, qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: Fibroblasts transformed to myofibroblasts after TGF-β1 stimulation with an increase of TGF-β1, α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, MMP-9 and the activation of Smad2/3 in vitro. However, TGF-β1-induced upregulation or activation of these fibrotic markers or signaling could be effectively suppressed by the introduction of PRP. Fibrotic markers' similar changes were observed in the rat PTJC model and PRP effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in the posterior joint capsule. Interestingly, HE staining showed that articular cartilage was degraded after rat PTJC, and PRP injection also have the potential to protect articular cartilage. Conclusion: PRP can attenuate pathological changes of joint capsule fibrosis during PTJC, which may be implemented by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling and downstream fibrotic marker expression in joint capsule fibroblasts.

Growth-Stimulating Effect of Platelet Preparations Obtained by Different Methods on Human Fibroblast Culture

We studied the growth-stimulating effect of platelet-based preparations obtained by different methods on cultured human fibroblasts M-22. Platelet lysates prepared from platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma, concentrated suspension of platelets washed from plasma, and platelet-rich plasma activated with calcium chloride (ActPRP) were used. The volume of the platelet preparations was 10-500 μl per 10⁴ cells. The most effective dose of platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma in cell culture was 20 μl, whereas for ActPRP, the most effective dose was 500 μl. Lysates of platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma in doses of 100-500 μl inhibited fibroblast growth and disturbed their structural integrity. At the same time, lysates of washed platelets in doses of 10-500 μl stimulated cell growth and preserved their viability. An inverse correlation was found between the number of cells in culture and the level of proinflammatory cytokines in the platelet preparations.

Recent advances of the nanocomposite hydrogel as a local drug delivery for diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcer is a serious complication of diabetes. Compared with that of healthy people, the skin of patients with a diabetic ulcer is more easily damaged and difficult to heal. Without early intervention, the disease will become increasingly serious, often leading to amputation or even death. Most current treatment methods cannot achieve a good wound healing effect. Numerous studies have shown that a nanocomposite hydrogel serves as an ideal drug delivery method to promote the healing of a diabetic ulcer because of its better drug loading capacity and stability. Nanocomposite hydrogels can be loaded with one or more drugs for application to chronic ulcer wounds to promote rapid wound healing. Therefore, this paper reviews the latest progress of delivery systems based on nanocomposite hydrogels in promoting diabetic ulcer healing. Through a review of the recent literature, we put forward the shortcomings and improvement strategies of nanocomposite hydrogels in the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Role of fibroblasts in wound healing and tissue remodeling on Earth and in space

Wound healing (WH) and the role fibroblasts play in the process, as well as healing impairment and fibroblast dysfunction, have been thoroughly reviewed by other authors. We treat these topics briefly, with the only aim of contextualizing the true focus of this review, namely, the microgravity-induced changes in fibroblast functions involved in WH. Microgravity is a condition typical of spaceflight. Studying its possible effects on fibroblasts and WH is useful not only for the safety of astronauts who will face future interplanetary space missions, but also to help improve the management of WH impairment on Earth. The interesting similarity between microgravity-induced alterations of fibroblast behavior and fibroblast dysfunction in WH impairment on Earth is highlighted. The possibility of using microgravity-exposed fibroblasts and WH in space as models of healing impairment on Earth is suggested. The gaps in knowledge on fibroblast functions in WH are analyzed. The contribution that studies on fibroblast behavior in weightlessness can make to fill these gaps and, consequently, improve therapeutic strategies is considered.

Quality Analysis of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasmapheresis

To summarized the technology of autologous platelet-rich plasmapheresis and analyzed the product quality, in order to provide safe and effective product guarantee service for clinical treatment. Technical parameters were set according to patient age, weight, height, and preoperative routine blood indices. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was collected, and the product quality and adverse reactions of patients were statistically analyzed. Autologous PRP had platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC), and red blood cell (RBC) counts of (1250.26 ± 435.88) × 109/L, (1.19 ± 1.95) × 109/L, and (0.05 ± 0.04) × 1012/L, respectively. The PLT enrichment ratio in PRP was 5.66 ± 1.66. There was no significant difference in PLT, RBC, WBC, or hematocrit before and after apheresis (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 8%, and all were mild. When clinical patients use PRP in the treatment of diseases, autologous platelet-rich plasmapheresis technology was used to apheresis PRP, which has good product quality and few adverse reactions, and thus can be adopted more widely.

Perphenazine and prochlorperazine decrease glioblastoma U‑87 MG cell migration and invasion: Analysis of the ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporters, E‑cadherin, α‑tubulin and integrins (α3, α5, and β1) levels

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most frequent type of malignant brain tumor, and is one of the most lethal and untreatable human tumors with a very poor survival rate. Therefore, novel and effective strategies of treatment are required. Integrins play a crucial role in the regulation of cellular adhesion and invasion. Integrins and α-tubulin are very important in cell migration, whereas E-cadherin plays a main role in tumor metastasis. Notably, drugs serve a crucial role in glioblastoma treatment; however, they have to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to be effective. ABC transporters, including ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) and ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), are localized in the brain endothelial capillaries of the BBB, have a crucial role in the development of multidrug resistance and are modulated by phenothiazine derivatives. The impact of perphenazine and prochlorperazine on the motility of human Uppsala 87 malignant glioma (U87-MG) cells was evaluated using a wound-healing assay, cellular migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell assay, and the protein expression levels of ABCB1, ABCG2, E-cadherin, α-tubulin and integrins were determined by western blotting. The present study explored the effects of perphenazine and prochlorperazine on the levels of ABCB1, ABCG2, E-cadherin, α-tubulin and integrins (α3, α5, and β1), as well as on the migratory and invasive ability of U87-MG cells. The results suggested that perphenazine and prochlorperazine may modulate the expression levels of multidrug resistance proteins (they decreased ABCB1 and increased ABCG2 expression), E-cadherin, α-tubulin and integrins, and could impair the migration and invasion of U-87 MG cells. In conclusion, the decrease in migratory and invasive ability following treatment with phenothiazine derivatives due to the increase in ABCG2 and E-cadherin expression, and decrease in α-tubulin and integrins expression, may suggest that research on perphenazine and prochlorperazine in the treatment of glioblastoma is worth continuing.

A Strategic and Worldwide Cooperative Challenge Required for the Next Generation of Platelet Concentrates

Blood-derived biomaterials, which are represented by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or more recently by platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), have been used in regenerative therapy for almost 30 years [...].

3D printed carboxymethyl cellulose scaffolds for autologous growth factors delivery in wound healing

This work aims to use carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as main structural and functional component of 3D printed scaffolds for healing of diabetic wounds. Differently from previous inks involving small contents in CMC, herein sterile (steam-heated) concentrated CMC solely dispersions (10-20%w/v) were screened regarding printability and fidelity properties. CMC (15%w/v)-citric acid inks showed excellent self-healing rheological properties and stability during storage. CMC scaffolds loaded with platelet rich plasma (PRP) sustained the release of relevant growth factors. CMC scaffolds both with and without PRP promoted angiogenesis in ovo, stem cell migration in vitro, and wound healing in a diabetic model in vivo. Transparent CMC scaffolds allowed direct monitoring of bilateral full-thickness wounds created in rat dorsum. CMC scaffolds facilitated re-epithelialization, granulation, and angiogenesis in full-thickness skin defects, and the performance was improved when combined with PRP. Overall, CMC is pointed out as outstanding component of active dressings for diabetic wounds.

Pilot Study on the Use of the "Monocyte-Rich" Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination with 1927 nm Fractional and 308 nm Excimer Lasers for the Treatment of Vitiligo

Background and objectives: Vitiligo is an acquired chronic and idiopathic skin disorder, characterized by selective loss of melanocytes and resulting in a cutaneous depigmentation. Treatment for vitiligo remains a challenge for dermatologists; thus, it is frustrating both for physicians and patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate a combination treatment characterized by the use of a leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma, which is particularly rich in monocytes (defined here as monocyte-rich PRP), in combination with a 1927 nm fraxel laser and a 308 nm excimer laser. Materials and Methods: Treatment with monocyte-rich PRP combined with 1927 nm fraxel laser and 308 nm excimer laser was performed in nine sessions in 80 days and the median follow-up of the patients was 10 months. A total of 27 Caucasian patients were included in the present study. The median age of patients was 41 years, ranging between 20 and 69 years. Results: A re-pigmentation occurred in 16 cases (59%) with a reduction of the Vitiligo Extent Score (VES) and absence of re-pigmentation in untreated areas. Performing a rank correlation between VES and re-pigmentation in the treated areas, we found that there was a significant correlation (p < 0.0001). The presence of progressive vitiligo (p = 0.1) and the anatomic areas (p = 0.1) did not influence the treatment. Untreated areas did not show any improvement of the depigmented lesions, except in one case (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: in this report, we show for the first time how PRP rich in monocytes, in combination with laser therapies, gives a long therapeutic response, which persists even after 10 months of follow-up.