High Concentration Of Platelets Research Articles

Influence of Platelet Concentration on the Clinical Outcome of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most frequently used orthobiologic products for the injection treatment of patients affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA). Some preliminary evidence supports the influence of platelet concentration on patients’ clinical outcomes. Purpose: To analyze if platelet concentration can influence the safety and clinical efficacy of PRP injections for the treatment of patients with knee OA. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study consisted of 253 patients with knee OA (142 men, 111 women; mean ± SD age, 54.8 ± 11.4 years; Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-3) who were treated with 3 intra-articular injections of 5 mL of autologous leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor PRP. All patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 months. Patients were clinically assessed thorough the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective score. Platelet concentration was correlated with clinical outcome. Further analysis was performed by stratifying patients into 3 groups (homogeneous for OA severity) based on platelet concentration (high, medium, and low). All complications and adverse events were reported, as well as failures. Results: An overall statistically significant improvement in all clinical scores was documented from baseline to each follow-up evaluation. Platelet concentration positively correlated with clinical outcome. KOOS Pain improved more with higher platelet concentration at 2 months (P = .036; rho = 0.132), 6 months (P = .009; rho = 0.165), and 12 months (P = .014; rho = 0.155). The same trend was shown by the other KOOS subscales and by the IKDC Subjective score, as well as by the comparison of the groups of high-, medium-, and low-platelet PRP. The highest failure rate (15.0%) was found in the low-platelet group as compared with the medium-platelet group (3.3%) and the high-platelet group (3.3%). No differences were observed among the 3 groups in terms of adverse events. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that platelet concentration influences the clinical outcome of PRP injections in knee OA treatment. PRP with a higher platelet concentration provides a lower failure rate and higher clinical improvement as compared with PRP with a lower platelet concentration, with overall better results up to 12 months of follow-up in patients with knee OA.

Post-thaw CD34+ cell recovery likely degraded under extreme graft platelet concentrations.

Impaired post-thaw CD34 cell (postCD34) viability in autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT) could indicate delayed engraftment where multiple factors might complicate the relationship. Despite of a couple of unconfirmed reports of a negative correlation of platelet concentration with postCD34 viability, how platelets might be involved in the relationship is largely unknown. Therefore, this question was addressed in this retrospective study of 82 ASCT patients with a total of 150 collections of peripheral blood stem cells in New Zealand. A significant negative correction between platelet concentration and postCD34 recovery (r = -0.18, p = 0.028) was observed overall, but upon further analysis only confirmed in the subset with graft platelets 1500-2000 ×109/L. Importantly, the postCD34 recovery was clearly reduced in the subgroups with either the lowest or the highest platelet concentration. The lowest subgroup was enriched with collections from patients with Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, whereas the highest subgroup from patients with multiple myeloma, both with clearly male preponderance. We hypothesized that graft platelet concentrations probably indicated CD34 cell state (e.g. cell cycle and cell adhesion highly related to platelet functions) that sustained when platelet concentrations were within a niche range but went out of kilter otherwise.

Application of cord blood-derived platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of diseases.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a blood product containing high concentrations of platelets, has been increasingly used for the treatment of a number of diseases because of its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. PRP is generally obtained from the patient's own peripheral blood when used in clinical applications, but allogeneic PRP extracted from umbilical cord blood has also attracted attention due to its unique advantages. The main purpose of this narrative review was to summarize the research and clinical application of cord blood-derived PRP (CB-PRP) in the treatment of diseases up to April 2024. This review also discusses the differences between CB-PRP and autologous PRP (A-PRP). A thorough search of PubMed® and Clinicaltrials.gov identified 13 articles and four clinical trials. To date, CB-PRP has been primarily studied in the fields of orthopaedics, dermatology, neurology, obstetrics/gynaecology and ophthalmology. This is likely to be because this research is relatively novel. Considering the differences between the characteristics of A-PRP and CB-PRP, it is thought that CB-PRP might hold more promise for broader applications in the future.

Biological therapy of bariatric surgery complications

In recent years, the number of performed bariatric interventions has increased significantly. Despite the high effectiveness of this method of treatment, the occurrence of complications is not uncommon. The most common complications are stapler line leaks, occurring in 1.5–2.4% of cases; anastomotic leakage after One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass – in 2.2–8% of cases. The problem with all methods is the increased duration of treatment and the need to go without food for significant periods of time, which means starting parenteral nutrition and risking malnutrition. The article demonstrates the effectiveness of biological therapy for complications of bariatric surgery in a series of clinical cases. Clinical cases of 2 patients with anastomotic leakage after One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass are described; also 2 patients with incompetent staple line after laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. PRP therapy, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and fibrin glue were used. Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous blood serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. As a result, after 4 courses of PRP therapy, the patient with the failure of the upper third of the stapler line received an application of twocomponent fibrin glue “Kriofit” with a positive effect. In addition, positive dynamics was observed in the patient with the use of threecomponent therapy of anastomotic leakage. Based on the above facts, it can be concluded, that biological therapy demonstrates great potential value in the treatment of bariatric surgery complications such as stapler line leaks, and anastomotic leakage.

Cytomorphological Analysis of Liquid PRF Produced with DUO Fixed Angle Centrifuge (Process, France)

Background: Liquid PRF is a second-generation injectable platelet concentrate rich in platelets, leukocytes, and fibrinogen obtained by centrifugation of autologous blood. Methods: This study aims to analyze the cellular and Fibrinogen content of various types of Liquid PRF (C-PRF liquid, A-PRF liquid, i-PRF, Liquid Fibrinogen) obtained with the use of DUO Fixed Angle Centrifuge (PRF DUO, Process for PRF, Nice, France) with Vacumed FL tubes (code 44909) and/or original S-PRF Sticky tube. An average accumulation of thrombocytes of almost 1.5 times compared to whole blood was found. Due to the high concentration of platelets, PRF-Liquids contain important growth factors for tissue regeneration. Results: In this preliminary study, we have shown that the type of Liquid PRF with a higher content of Platelets (126.3% vs. 109.5%), Monocytes (127.6% vs. 84.6%), with a sufficient content of Lymphocytes (192.9% vs. 242.1%) and Neutrophilic Granulocytes (64.6% vs. 64.8%) and Fibrinogen (67.9% vs. 87.3%), is the i-PRF (700 rpm x 5') obtained with Vacumed FL tube (code 44909) with statistically insignificant differences compared to whole blood, while the content of Lymphocytes and Fibrinogen present in i-PRF (700 rpm x 5') obtained with PRF-S-Sticky tube is higher. In comparison, the content of cells and Fibrinogen obtained with the two methods of preparing PRP is much lower. Conclusions: This indicates that the liquid PRF is more suitable to be used in various cases of tissue regeneration such as facial aesthetics, intra-articular injection, peri-ulcerative injection, etc., is the i-PRF (700 rpm x 5') obtained with a Vacumed FL tube.

Platelet-Rich Plasma - a remedy present in every human being. History, functioning, and the benefits of therapy using it.

Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous product used in restorative medicine. It contains a high concentration of platelets, which are rich in growth factors and other biologically active substances known for their ability to stimulate regenerative processes in the body. Currently, research is being conducted into the use of platelet-rich plasma in many areas of medicine. This publication provides information on the nature, mechanism of action, therapeutic properties and application of autologous platelet-rich plasma in medicine. Furthermore, ongoing investigations explore its potential in wound healing, orthopedics, dermatology, and even in dentistry, showcasing its versatility and promising outcomes across various medical disciplines. Additionally, the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapies are subjects of continual scrutiny, aiming to refine protocols and expand its clinical utility with robust scientific evidence. The growing interest in this regenerative approach underscores its potential as a valuable tool in modern medical practice. Platelet-rich plasma therapy represents a promising avenue for personalized medicine, offering tailored treatment approaches that capitalize on the body's own healing mechanisms to promote tissue repair and regeneration.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in alleviating split skin graft morbidities.

Skin grafting is a routinely employed technique to cover the skin defect. Though the skin grafts are technically effortless, they are tiresome because of the prolonged duration of hospital stay, labor-intensive, demanding repeated dressings, and also create a second wound. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one that has a higher concentration of platelets than the blood. Alpha granules of the platelets are rich in growth factors. To assess the effect of PRP on split-thickness skin graft uptake and donor site healing. In a single-center-based prospective study done from August 2018 to June 2020, 60 patients with acute and chronic wounds were divided into two equal groups. Autologous PRP was applied on the recipient wound bed and donor site in PRP group, and conventional methods like staples/sutures were used to anchor the skin grafts and standard of care of the donor site in a control group. Instantaneous graft adhesion was observed in all patients of PRP group. The first graft inspection was delayed. Seroma, hematoma, total number of dressings, and duration of stay in hospital were significantly reduced in the PRP group. Donor site pain in the postoperative period was notably reduced in PRP group. PRP also remarkably hastened the donor site healing. The application of PRP promotes graft take, minimizes complications, enhances donor site wound healing, mitigates donor site pain, and has immense economic benefits due to the reduced number of dressing changes and shorter hospital stay.

THE STATE OF THE HEMOCOAGULATION LINK IN THE HEMOSTASIS SYSTEM OF MICE AFTER PARTIAL LIVER RESECTION UNDER ADMINISTRATION OF PLATELET AUTOMESOCONCENTRATE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the indicators of the hemocoagulation link in the hemostasis system of mice after partial resection of the liver under the platelet automesoconcentrate administration.
 Materials and methods. 2/3 of the liver was resected in wild-type mice. The animals were divided into three groups: I - control; II – mice that underwent partial hepatectomy; ІІІ – mice that were injected with automesoconcentrate of platelets in a dose of 1 ml/kg during surgery into the liver remnant.
 Results and discussion. The study has shown that during the first day following the liver resection, hemocoagulation processes decrease that was indicated by a reduction in the content of platelets and fibrinogen in the blood and a simultaneous increase in the parameters of thrombin time, prothrombin time, and International Normalized Ratio. In the period from the 4th to the 7th day of the study, an increase in the levels of platelets and fibrinogen and a decrease in the indicators of thrombin time, prothrombin time, and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Timer were revealed, however, the studied indicators did not acquire the values ​​of the control group of animals. Administration of automesoconcentrate is a dose of 1 ml/kg directly into the liver remnant during the hepatectomy procedure helps to normalize the hemocoagulation system on the seventh day after the procedure.
 Administration of automesoconcentrate also prevents the development of hypocoagulation, vascular wall defects (vasculitis, reduction in the thickness of the walls of microvessels), deficiency of blood coagulation factors. The high concentration of platelets in the automesoconcentrate enables to effectively avoid the loss of platelets and fibrinogen, coagulation factor V, coagulation factor VIII and other coagulation components. Along with this, the automesoconcentrate helps to restore the functional capacity of the liver after resection of a significant part of it, since hepatectomy damages the liver function of patients.
 Conclusions. Administering platelet automesoconcentrate effectively prevents the loss of platelets, fibrinogen, coagulation factor V, coagulation factor VIII, and other crucial coagulation components.

Use of Platelet Rich Plasma in Otolaryngology-Review Article

The process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function is known as REGENERATIVE MEDICINE. It is a brand new, developing field of medicine that deals with the functional repair of tissues or organs damaged by severe trauma or degenerative conditions. Currently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell-based treatments are the two competing technologies that can heal and restore the injured tissues. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications used in new autologous cellular therapeutics have the potential to supplement a range of regenerative medicine therapy regimens [1]. An emerging and effective treatment alternative in musculoskeletal therapy is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) PRP is an autologous plasma preparation that has been enhanced with platelet concentrations above those seen in whole blood ordinarily. High platelet concentration has therapeutic promise because of their ability to give supraphysiologic levels of vital growth factors, which operate as a regenerative stimulus to encourage repair in tissues with poor healing capabilities [2]. A concentration of platelet-rich protein generated from blood that has been spun to remove the red blood cells is known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or more accurately autologous conditioned plasma. Despite being advertised to cure a variety of medical ailments, there is conflicting evidence for profit as of 2020, with some evidence supporting usage in some circumstances and opposing use in other. A unique substance that is being employed in several surgical specialities is platelet-rich plasma. The aim of the article is to review the ongoing and prospective utilization of platelet-rich plasma in the field of Otolaryngology [3].

Indications of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Dermatology

Introduction: PRP is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. It is used in dermatology for a variety of purposes, including hair growth, skin renewal, the removal of acne scars, dermal augmentation, and the treatment of striae distensae. The origins of PRP trace back to the 1970s, originating within the field of hematology as a treatment for patients grappling with thrombocytopenia. The subsequent decades, specifically the 1980s and 1990s, witnessed the integration of PRP into surgical procedures, notably in maxillofacial and plastic surgeries. The rationale underlying the employment and therapeutic potential of a concentrated platelet solution hinges upon their remarkable ability to furnish elevated levels of vital growth factors, thus instigating a regenerative impetus that facilitates repair in tissues characterized by limited innate healing capabilities. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted facets of PRP, encompassing mechanisms of action, prevailing indications, existing clinical substantiation, safety considerations, and the burgeoning spectrum of potential applications within the domain of skin condition treatments.
 Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the use of PRP in the field of dermatology
 Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words “platelet rich plasma”, “prp”, “autologous platelet rich plasma”, “alopecia”, “anti-aging”
 Results: PRP has a lot of potential in dermatology and its therapeutic uses are growing. Future research should standardize PRP therapy procedures for particular reasons.
 Summary: The versatile action of PRP has made it the subject of intense research. However, the reports in the literature to date on its use require further studies on larger groups of people to confirm its effects.

New Formulation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Enriched in Platelet and Extraplatelet Biomolecules Using Hydrogels.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous biologic product used in several fields of medicine for tissue repair due to the regenerative capacity of the biomolecules of its formulation. PRP consists of a plasma with a platelet concentration higher than basal levels but with basal levels of any biomolecules present out of the platelets. Plasma contains extraplatelet biomolecules known to enhance its regenerative properties. Therefore, a PRP containing not only a higher concentration of platelets but also a higher concentration of extraplatelet biomolecules that could have a stronger regenerative performance than a standard PRP. Considering this, the aim of this work is to develop a new method to obtain PRP enriched in both platelet and extraplatelet molecules. The method is based on the absorption of the water of the plasma using hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA)-based hydrogels. A plasma fraction obtained from blood, containing the basal levels of platelets and proteins, was placed in contact with the HEAA hydrogel powder to absorb half the volume of the water. The resulting plasma was characterized, and its bioactivity was analyzed in vitro. The novel PRP (nPRP) showed a platelet concentration and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) levels similar to the standard PRP (sPRP), but the concentration of the extraplatelet growth factors IGF-1 (p < 0.0001) and HGF (p < 0.001) were significantly increased. Additionally, the cells exposed to the nPRP showed increased cell viability than those exposed to a sPRP in human dermal fibroblasts (p < 0.001) and primary chondrocytes (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this novel absorption-based method produces a PRP with novel characteristics compared to the standard PRPs, with promising in vitro results that could potentially trigger improved tissue regeneration capacity.

USE OF AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET CONCENTRATE IN FACIAL REJUVENATION: a narrative review of the literature

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autogenous compound acquired through the collection and processing of the patient's own blood. The procedure allows the acquisition of high concentration of platelets from small volumes of processed fluids. Platelets, because they have growth factors and cellular proteins, stimulate tissue repair, formation of new blood vessels, increasing vascularization, activating the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that are indispensable for a structured and healthy skin. Thus, this narrative literature review proposes to expose the use of PRP in collagen biostimulation and facial rejuvenation. In this research, the main functions of the growth factors present in PRP were discussed, the expected indications for each component obtained after plasma processing and the main forms of application to treat skin aging.

Angiogenesis and Tissue Repair Depend on Platelet Dosing and Bioformulation Strategies Following Orthobiological Platelet-Rich Plasma Procedures: A Narrative Review.

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessel from existing vessels and is a critical first step in tissue repair following chronic disturbances in healing and degenerative tissues. Chronic pathoanatomic tissues are characterized by a high number of inflammatory cells; an overexpression of inflammatory mediators; such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1); the presence of mast cells, T cells, reactive oxygen species, and matrix metalloproteinases; and a decreased angiogenic capacity. Multiple studies have demonstrated that autologous orthobiological cellular preparations (e.g., platelet-rich plasma (PRP)) improve tissue repair and regenerate tissues. There are many PRP devices on the market. Unfortunately, they differ greatly in platelet numbers, cellular composition, and bioformulation. PRP is a platelet concentrate consisting of a high concentration of platelets, with or without certain leukocytes, platelet-derived growth factors (PGFs), cytokines, molecules, and signaling cells. Several PRP products have immunomodulatory capacities that can influence resident cells in a diseased microenvironment, inducing tissue repair or regeneration. Generally, PRP is a blood-derived product, regardless of its platelet number and bioformulation, and the literature indicates both positive and negative patient treatment outcomes. Strangely, the literature does not designate specific PRP preparation qualifications that can potentially contribute to tissue repair. Moreover, the literature scarcely addresses the impact of platelets and leukocytes in PRP on (neo)angiogenesis, other than a general one-size-fits-all statement that "PRP has angiogenic capabilities". Here, we review the cellular composition of all PRP constituents, including leukocytes, and describe the importance of platelet dosing and bioformulation strategies in orthobiological applications to initiate angiogenic pathways that re-establish microvasculature networks, facilitating the supply of oxygen and nutrients to impaired tissues.

Action of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Facial Esthetics and its Recovery

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared by using autologous blood plasma enriched with platelet. PRP has been proven to be a successful analog to correct blood loss during cardiac surgery and cardiothoracic bypass. Some authors have demonstrated bone regeneration following tooth extraction with healthy compact bone by using PRP. Typical protocols include either 1 or 2 centrifugation steps to separate whole blood into 3 layers: a top plasma layer, middle leukocyte layer, and bottom red blood cell layer, to collect a concentrate of platelets in plasma. The rationale for use and therapeutic potential of a high concentration of platelets is based on their capacity to supply and release supraphysiologic amounts of essential growth factors and cytokines from their alpha-granules to provide a regenerative stimulus that augments healing and promotes repair in tissues with low healing potential.

Prospects of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Regenerative Medicine

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising tool in regenerative medicine because it stimulates tissue repair and regeneration. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, and cytokines involved in the healing process. This editorial paper aims to give an overview of PRP in regenerative medicine and its potential applications in various medical fields such as orthopedics, dentistry, dermatology, and wound healing. PRP can be integrated with other regenerative therapies, such as stem cell and gene therapy, to enhance tissue repair and regeneration. Therefore, PRP holds great promise as a regenerative medicine tool, and further research is needed to optimize its use and develop standardized protocols for its preparation and application.

Autologous i-PRF promotes healing of radiation-induced skin injury.

Skin, as an exposed tissue, often suffers damage after exposure to radiotherapy and accidental events, which may lead to the formation of chronic refractory wounds. However, effective treatment options are usually limited for severe radiation-induced skin injury (RSI). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been identified to promote wound healing, but whether a new generation of blood-derived biomaterial, injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), is effective in repairing RSI remains unclear. In this study, blood was drawn from humans and Sprague-Dawley rats to prepare PRP and i-PRF, and the regenerative functions of PRP and i-PRF were investigated by exposing the dorsal skin of SD rats to local radiation (45 Gy) and exposing HDF-α cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cells to X-rays (10 Gy). The healing effect of i-PRF on RSI was analysed by tube formation assay, cell migration and apoptosis assays, ROS assay, wound healing assay, histological characterisation and immunostaining. The results showed that exposure to high doses of radiation reduced cell viability, increased ROS levels and induced cell apoptosis, thereby causing dorsal trauma of rats. However, both PRP and i-PRF could resisted RSI, and they were capable of reducing inflammation and promoting angiogenesis and vascular regeneration. i-PRF has a higher concentration of platelets and platelet-derived growth factors, which has a more convenient preparation method and better repair effect and possesses a good application prospect for the repair of RSI.

Prevention of Postoperative Bleeding in Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Oral Surgery: Use of Platelet Rich Plasma

Introduction: Anticoagulant therapy is essential for patients with various medical conditions. The use of anticoagulant medications is associated with a prolonged bleeding time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a high concentration of platelets. PRP has been used to improve bone and soft tissue regeneration and lessen postoperative complications. Study design: It is a randomized controlled study conducted at DOW International Dental College, Karachi for the duration of six months from August 2022 to January 2023. Material and Methods: The study was done on 40 patients who visited tertiary care unit for duration of six months. There were 6 patients that belonged to the age group 40-50 years. 19 and 15 patients were in the age group 55-60 years and 60-65 years respectively. There were 14 males and 26 females included in our study. There were 72 extractions performed on these patients. Results: It was found that there were 4 patients who reported about hemorrhagic complications. There were two women that had hemorrhage linked to poor placement of platelet gel. One patient reported about hemorrhage related to severe formation of coagulum. Mild bleeding was observed in 13 patients. Conclusion: In conclusion the results of our trial suggest that PRP is a successful anticoagulant therapy that can be used for preventing any post-operative hemorrhagic complication among patients going through dental surgery, as PRP is easy to use, it has low cost and a good placement into residual alveolar bone, therefore it has better outcomes among patients. Keywords: postoperative bleeding, anticoagulant therapy and Platelet-rich plasma.

IDEAL STANDARDIZED PREPARATION PROTOCOL FOR PLATELET-RICH PLASMA WITH MAXIMUM PLATELET RECOVERY

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been demonstrated to benefit a variety of disciplines. But there exists heterogeneity in results obtained due to lack of standardization of the preparation protocols employed in them. We aim to identify and standardize a preparation protocol for PRP with maximum recovery of platelets to obtain reproducible results across studies.Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy volunteers. The double spin protocol of PRP preparation was analyzed for variables such as centrifugal acceleration, time, and volume of blood processed and final product utilized. The final PRP prepared was investigated for platelet recovery, concentration, integrity, and viability.We noted maximum platelet recovery (86-99%) with a mean concentration factor of 6-times baseline, with double centrifugation protocol at 100xg and 1600xg for 20 minutes each. We also noted that 10 ml of blood in a 15 ml tube was the ideal volume of blood to be processed to maximize platelet recovery. We demonstrated that the lower 1/3rd is the ideal volume to be utilized for clinical application. We did not note a loss of integrity or viability of the platelets in the final product from the above-said protocol.Preparation of PRP by the double spin protocol of 10 ml of blood at 100xg and 1600xg for 20 minutes each in a 15ml tube and using the lower 1/3rd of the final product demonstrated consistent high platelet recovery (86-99%) and concentration (6x) without disturbing the platelet integrity or viability.

In Vitro Migration of Porcine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Platelet-Rich Plasma

The proliferation and migration of porcine adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have only begun to be studied in detail in vitro. The primary aim of these studies was to analyse in vitro ASC migration in varying concentrations of growth factors derived from the platelet-rich fraction of centrifuged plasma, the so-called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). ASCs were hypothesized to migrate at a faster velocity with increasing PRP concentrations. Whole blood was collected with a sodium citrate anticoagulant and subjected to two centrifugations. The first slower spin was to remove red blood cells to collect plasma, and the second faster spin was to collect the fraction with a high platelet concentration. Platelet concentration increased 3.5-fold compared to plasma, within the prescribed therapeutic range. For long-term culture of ASCs, DMEM supplemented with no more than 20% was necessary to maintain cell viability. ASC proliferation rate in PRP-supplemented media was comparable to that in fetal bovine serum (FBS), a standard cell culture media supplement. In addition, the velocity of ASC migration increased in cultures supplemented with 10%, 20% or 30% PRP. Generally, PRP was determined to be a media supplement with similar effects as FBS, potentially making it a suitable substitute for in vitro expansion of ASC populations. These results are likely partly explained by similarities in growth factor concentrations and their effects. Further characterization of PRP will be necessary to tease out the specific growth factor(s) responsible for the increase in swine ASC migration.

BIOLOGIC ACL REPAIR AUGMENTATION

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is on the rise due to increased physical and sports activities. Thus, ACL reconstruction is a common surgical procedure to treat ACL ruptures, however, it has a failure rate of 0.7–21% and only 63% of the patients are able to recover to their pre-injury sport level. Orthobiologics, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), growth factors, and stem cells, are being explored as alternative treatment methods to maximize the results and reduce surgical morbidity and healing time. PRP is derived from a blood sample with high platelet concentration and containing growth factors and interleukins. Studies have shown that PRP can improve the maturation of ACL reconstruction but more research is required to support its use in ACL surgery. On one hand, growth factors play a crucial role in ligament healing and PRP, which contains high levels of growth factors, has been shown to stimulate angiogenesis and encourage cell proliferation. On the other hand, stem cells have the ability to differentiate into other cell types and limit the inflammatory microenvironment during acute ligament injury. Ligament-derived stem cells show better potential for lineage-specific tendon/ligament differentiation when used with differentiation inducers. The use of stem cells in ACL reconstruction is still in the early stages of investigation. Therefore, cell therapy agents have shown promising results in preclinical models, but more research is required to determine the most effective biological agents for treatment.