A Simple Drug Delivery System for Platelet-Derived Bioactive Molecules, to Improve Melanocyte Stimulation in Vitiligo Treatment.

Karolina Vocetkova,Matej Buzgo,Eva Filova,Tomas Zikmund,Zdenek Karpisek,Vera Sovkova,Jozef Kaiser,Michala Rampichova,Radek Divin,Pavel Blazek,Evzen Amler,Vera Lukasova

doi:10.3390/nano10091801

Abstract

Vitiligo is the most common depigmentation disorder of the skin. Currently, its therapy focuses on the halting of the immune response and stimulation of the regenerative processes, leading to the restoration of normal melanocyte function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents a safe and cheap regenerative therapy option, as it delivers a wide spectrum of native growth factors, cytokines and other bioactive molecules. The aim of this study was to develop a simple delivery system to prolong the effects of the bioactive molecules released from platelets. The surface of electrospun and centrifugally spun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) fibrous scaffolds was functionalized with various concentrations of platelets; the influence of the morphology of the scaffolds and the concentration of the released platelet-derived bioactive molecules on melanocytes, was then assessed. An almost two-fold increase in the amount of the released bioactive molecules was detected on the centrifugally spun vs. electrospun scaffolds, and a sustained 14-day release of the bioactive molecules was demonstrated. A strong concentration-dependent response of melanocyte to the bioactive molecules was observed; higher concentrations of bioactive molecules resulted in improved metabolic activity and proliferation of melanocytes. This simple system improves melanocyte viability, offers on-site preparation and is suitable for prolonged topical PRP administration.

Highlights

Vitiligo is the most common depigmentation disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population in the US and Europe; the occurrence ranges from 0.1% to 2% worldwide [1,2]
The Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has proven to be useful in combination vitiligo therapy, as it represents a very safe and cheap regenerative therapy
The results of the study showed that the centrifugally spun scaffolds yielded almost a two-fold increase in the number of platelets adhered to the surface of the fibrous mesh, prolonging the delivery of platelet-derived bioactive molecules

Summary

Introduction

Vitiligo is the most common depigmentation disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population in the US and Europe; the occurrence ranges from 0.1% to 2% worldwide [1,2]. The disease is characterized by an acquired, idiopathic and progressive loss of pigment in hair and/or skin, secondary to the loss of functional melanocytes [3]. Vitiligo is not a life-threatening condition, it can result in depression, anxiety, poor body image and social difficulties, affecting the quality of life of patients [4,5]. The currently available treatment options focus on the re-pigmentation of the existing lesions and include pharmacotherapy (such as topical corticosteroids) [6], narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy [7] or use of an excimer laser [8]. Taking into account the not yet fully understood, diverse and complex etiopathogenesis of the disease, the outcomes are unsatisfactory [6]

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