Leukocytes within Autologous Blood Concentrates Have No Impact on the Growth and Proliferation of Human Primary Osteoblasts: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a widely used autologous blood concentrate in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to characterize the cellular composition and distribution of different PRF matrices generated by high (710 g) and low (44 g) relative centrifugal forces (RCFs) and to analyze their bioactivity on human primary osteoblasts (pOBs). PRF was separated into upper layer (UL) and buffy coat (BC) fractions, and their cellular contents were assessed using histological and immunohistochemical staining. The release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) was quantified using an ELISA. Indirect PRF treatment on pOBs was performed to evaluate cell viability and morphology. A histological analysis revealed higher quantities of leukocytes and platelets in the low-RCF PRF. TGF-β release was significantly higher in the low-RCF PRF compared to the high-RCF PRF. All PRF fractions promoted pOB proliferation regardless of the centrifugation protocol used. The low-RCF PRF showed higher TGF-β levels than the high-RCF PRF. These findings contribute to understanding the cellular mechanisms of PRF and provide insights into optimizing PRF protocols for bone regeneration, advancing regenerative medicine, and improving patient outcomes.