Plasma Rich In Growth Factors Group Research Articles

Regenerative medicine in pterygium surgery

Aims/Purpose: Pterygium is a frequently occurring eye condition that arises due to excessive cellular growth, resulting in the development of abnormal fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva. Despite the improvement of surgical techniques, preventing postoperative recurrence continues to be a significant challenge. At present, pterygium excision using conjunctival autograft is the preferred surgical method, however there is no universally accepted technique to completely eliminate the risk of pterygium recurrence. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is an autologous blood product rich in proteins and growth factors which can be rapidly obtained from patient blood. Clinically, it is an affordable treatment with potentially broad spectrum of applications in ophthalmology especially in the treatment of complex corneal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of autologous platelet‐rich plasma in the treatment of advanced pterygium and to compare it to conjunctival autograft technique.Methods: A total of 26 patients (31 eyes) with advanced pterygium were included in this study. Mean BCVA was 0.7. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used: PRGF group (16 eyes) and conjunctival autograft group (15 eyes). All patients underwent excision of pterygium followed by closure of the bare sclera either by PRGF or conjunctival autograft. Solid PRGF was either just placed on the corneal surface or sutured with 2 nodes of 10–00 nylon suture at conjunctiva. If necessary, the procedure was repeated. All patients had corneal OCT scan and photo before the treatment and during the follow up. Patients were followed at 2, 6, 12 and 18 months after the procedure.Results: The mean surgery time was shorter in PRGF group (15.0 ± 2 min) compared to conjunctival autograft group (35.0 ± 5 min) (p = 0.001). Mean BCVA improved to 0.8 in both groups. The recurrence was observed in 2 eyes of conjunctival autograft group, while none of the eyes showed recurrence in PRGF group. Graft loss was observed in 2 cases in PRGF group and in 1 eye in conjunctival autograft group. None of the patients reported general or local side effects of the treatment.Conclusions: PRGF is a simple, fast, reliable and effective therapeutic tool to promote wound healing and prevent recurrence after advance pterygium excision.

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors as an Adjuvant Treatment for the Management of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Observational Clinical Study.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia in which the exact etiopathogenesis has not been completely elucidated and the available treatments are not very effective. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has shown to induce folliculogenesis in hair loss related disorders. However, the scientific evidence when facing FFA is scarce. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the adjuvant use of PRGF compared to the conventional treatment in the management of FFA. Participants with clinically diagnosed FFA who had been treated with either conventional therapy (Control Group) or conventional therapy combined with PRGF (PRGF Group) were identified from the center's medical records. The clinical assessment was based on the "Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Severity Score" (FFASS), which was fulfilled during a period of two and 4 years. This study included 118 patients with clinically diagnosed FFA (Control Group: 57 and PRGF Group: 61). No adverse effects related to the treatments were observed. Both treatments showed to halt the steady progression of hair loss compared to baseline. PRGF treatment also induced significant hair regrowth compared to the Control Group. The scalp inflammation was reduced in response to treatments. The FFASS score indicated that PRGF Group improved the symptoms and severity of FFA in a significant manner. The adjuvant use of PRGF may exert long-term beneficial effects on hair loss reduction and might reduce the symptoms and severity of FFA.

Impact of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) Eye Drops on Ocular Redness and Symptomatology in Patients with Dry Eye Disease.

Background and Objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) is a common and very symptomatic pathology that affects normal daily activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) added to one routine treatment protocol for DED (artificial tears substitutes, lid hygiene, and anti-inflammatory therapy). Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into two groups of treatment: standard treatment group (n = 43 eyes) and PRGF group (n = 59). Patients' symptomatology (inferred from OSDI and SANDE questionnaires), ocular inflammation, tear stability, and ocular surface damage were analyzed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Results: OSDI test scores were significantly lower in both groups (p < 0.001). SANDE frequency test scores also improved statistically, with differences between groups (p = 0.0089 SANDE frequency and p < 0.0119 SANDE severity). There was a greater reduction in ocular redness (ocular inflammation) in the PRGF group (p < 0.0001) and fluorescein tear break-up time was significantly improved in the PRGF group (p = 0.0006). No significant changes were found in terms of ocular surface damage. No adverse events were obtained in either group. Conclusions: The addition of PRGF to the standard treatment of DED, according to the results obtained, proved to be safe and produced an improvement in ocular symptomatology and signs of inflammation, particularly in moderate and severe cases, when compared to standard treatment.

Intra-osseous infiltration of adipose mesenchymal stromal cells and plasma rich in growth factors to treat acute full depth cartilage defects in a rabbit model: Serum osteoarthritis biomarkers and macroscopical assessment.

Intra-articular infiltration of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs) are known to inhibit osteoarthritis progression. However, in severely affected patients, the treatment cannot reach the deeper layers of the articular cartilage; thus, its potential is limited. To overcome this limitation, intra-osseous infiltrations have been suggested. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of intra-osseous infiltration therapies on serum biomarkers of osteoarthritis and to assess cartilage regeneration macroscopically. A total of 80 rabbits were divided into four groups based on the intra-osseous treatment administered on the day of surgery: control, PRGF, AMSCs and a combination of PRGF + AMSCs. In addition, all groups received a single intra-articular administration of PRGF on the same day. Serum biomarker levels were measured before infiltration and 28-, 56-, and 84-days post infiltration, and macroscopical assessment was conducted at 56- and 84-days follow-up post infiltration. In the PRGF + AMSCs group, significantly lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid and type II collagen cleavage neoepitope were recorded at all time points during the study, followed by PRGF, AMSCs and control groups. Regarding macroscopical assessment, lower scores were obtained in PRGF + AMSCs group at all study times. The results suggest that the combination of intra-articular PRGF with intra-osseous PRGF or AMSCs achieves better results in rabbits with acute chondral defects and that intra-osseous infiltration is a safe procedure.

Plasma rich in growth factors as an adjuvant agent in non‐penetrating deep sclerectomy

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the utility and safety of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) eye drops in the postoperative treatment of non‐penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS).Methods: Retrospective case–control study, including open‐angle glaucoma patients. Cases were consecutively recruited, and used topical PRGF for 4 months after NPDS. Historical controls were patients who had undergone the same technique immediately before the start of the study (without PRGF). Prior to surgery, intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of topical hypotensive medications, and visual field mean deviation (MD) were registered. Postoperatively (1 week, 3 and 6 months), those three variables were also analysed, as well as complications, manipulations and reinterventions.Results: Preoperatively, the PRGF group (n = 37) and the control group (n = 49) were similar in age (70.9 ± 10.0 vs. 71.5 ± 10.7 years; p = 0.68), IOP (23.0 ± 9.0 vs. 20.6 ± 10.2 mmHg; p = 0.26), MD (−15.0 ± 8.8 vs. −15.9 ± 7.8 dB; p = 0.76) and the number of hypotensive medications (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 2.7 ± 0.8; p = 0.40). IOP significantly decreased at all follow‐up visits in both groups, compared to preoperative values. That reduction was greater at 6 months with PRGF (p &lt; 0.01): 10.9 ± 4.3 mmHg (−52.6%) versus 15.0 ± 8.0 mmHg (−27.2%). In the final analysis, the number of drugs similarly reduced in both groups (p = 0.32). MD showed no significant differences. Surgical complications were observed in 12 control eyes (25%) and 5 eyes (14%) treated with PRGF (p = 0.06). No complications related to the use of PRGF were identified. The needling rates were 9.4% and 5.9% in PRGF and controls, respectively (p = 0.58). Three eyes (6.3%) required further glaucoma surgery in the control group, and 1 (2.7%) in the PRGF‐group (p = 0.78). The final complete success rate was higher with PRGF: 83.8% vs 60.4%.Conclusions: Postoperative PRGF reduced IOP and complications rate in the mid‐term after NPDS, thus it may be considered as a possible safe adjuvant agent to achieve surgical success.

Histological and biochemical evaluation of plasma rich in growth factors treatment for grade II muscle injuries in sheep

The purpose of this study was to perform a histological and biochemical evaluation of the influence of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on muscle regeneration process after a surgically induced grade II muscle laceration. A randomized, single blind, controlled experimental research was conducted including twenty-one adult healthy sheep, randomly divided in three groups (n = 7). A grade II surgical section was performed in the biceps femoris muscle of both hindlimbs. After two days (basal time), intralesional infiltration of autologous PRGF or Saline solution was randomly administered in both hindlimbs. Treatment was repeated once a week. Animal groups were euthanized at 1 (T1), 2 (T2) or 4 (T4) weeks. Histological assessment showed that PRGF intralesional injection induced a significant decrease of inflammatory cells density, significant higher centrally nucleated fibers percentage and significantly smaller fibrotic areas compared to Saline-treated muscles at T1, T2 and T4. Also, lower vascular density, with lower capillaries cross-sectional area, in PRGF group compared to Saline was observed. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant higher expression level of MYOD1, MYF5 and MYOG genes in PRGF groups at T1 compared to Saline treated muscles. At ultrastructural level, PRGF groups presented scarce edema and loss of connective tissue structure, as well as higher mitochondrial density adequately associated to the sarcomere unit in contrast to the Saline group. In conclusion, histological, biochemical, and ultrastructural results showed that PRGF treatment improved muscle regeneration process leading to more mature histological aspect in newly formed muscle tissue after a surgically induced grade II muscle injury.

Bone-Regenerative Ability of Platelet-Rich Plasma Following Sinus Augmentation with Anorganic Bovine Bone: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effect of the adjuvant use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its type on new bone formation by anorganic bovine bone during maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid databases were searched for relevant studies published up to 16 September 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that reported data on the new bone formation (measured by histomorphometric analysis) were considered. Risk of bias and quality assessment of included studies were evaluated following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Strength of evidence was assessed following the approach of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) through its evidence-based practice center (AHRQ EPC). The meta-analysis was based on the primary outcome of newly formed bone, for which the standard mean difference was calculated. Results: After the application of eligibility criteria, six clinical trials (three RCTs and three CCTs) covering 85 maxillary sinus floor elevation procedures were included. The pooled new bone formation value for PRP was 1.67 (95% CI: −0.15 to 3.49; I2: 86%), indicating the absence of significant effect. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) was the pure PRP tested in five of the included studies. When sub-group (type of PRP) meta-analysis was performed, significantly higher new bone formation was observed in the PRGF group [2.85 (95% CI: 0.07 to 5.64; I2: 88%)] in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: A beneficial effect on new bone formation after maxillary sinus floor elevation can be obtained when anorganic bovine bone is mixed with PRGF.

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF): comparative release of growth factors and biological effect on osteoblasts

PurposeTo compare the release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and leucocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and to evaluate their biological implication in osteoblasts.MethodsBlood from 3 healthy volunteers was processed into PRGF, immediate L-PRF (L-PRF 0ʹ) and L-PRF 30 min after collection (L-PRF-30ʹ) and a control group. Growth factors release were analyzed at 7 times by ELISA. Cell proliferation, collagen-I synthesis and alkaline phosphatase activity were assessed in primary cultures of human osteoblasts.ResultsA slower controlled release of IGF-I, VEGF and PDGF was observed in the PRGF group at day 14. A higher synthesis of type I collagen was also quantified in PRGF. L-PRF released significantly higher amounts of IL-1β, that was almost absent in the PRGF.ConclusionsThe addition of leukocytes dramatically increases the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, which are likely to negatively influence the synthesis of type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by osteoblasts.

Different intra-articular injection substances following temporomandibular joint arthroscopy and their effect on early postoperative period: A randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), hyaluronic acid (HA), and saline intra-articular injections following temporomandibular joint arthroscopy on decreasing pain and increasing maximal mouth opening. Methods Included patients were randomized into three groups: PRGF group, hyaluronic acid group, and control group. Intra-articular injections were done at the end of the arthroscopy. Pain was measured using the VAS scale preoperatively, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Maximal mouth opening was measured preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in pain in all groups, although, the decrease was significantly greater in the HA group following surgery. Conclusion A hyaluronic acid injection following temporomandibular joint arthroscopy can decrease pain better than saline and platelet-rich plasma during the first postoperative week. However, the results do not differ in later postoperative periods.

Effect of plasma rich in growth factors on quality of life following mandibular third molar removal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes following mandibular third molar removal. Seventy-four patients requiring surgical removal of a unilateral impacted mandibular third molar under local anaesthesia were recruited into the study. PRGF was prepared for all patients irrespective of study arm allocation. Reviews were conducted 3 days (T1) and 7 days (T2) postoperatively. Primary outcome measures were pain (numerical rating scale, NRS), OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14), and postoperative symptom severity scale (PoSSe) data. Secondary outcome measures including mouth opening, dry socket, socket healing, and analgesic consumption were also explored. The statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance and the χ2 test. NRS pain scores were higher in the PRGF group at T1, demonstrating borderline significance (mean difference 1.0; P = 0.06), with no difference at T2. PoSSe scores did not differ between the groups, with the exception of the ‘interference with daily activities’ subscale at T1, where PRGF group patients scored 1.2 units higher (P = 0.02). OHIP-14 scores demonstrated a 25% increased likelihood of PRGF patients reporting discomfort on eating at T1 (P = 0.02), with no statistical significance at T2. Secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. No difference in clinical or quality of life outcomes was observed for patients receiving adjunctive PRGF in third molar sockets.

Influence of PRGF and PRF on postextractive alveolus regeneration: a randomised controlled trial.

Healing of postextraction alveolus is a complex process that involves soft and hard tissue regeneration. Pain, swelling, difficulty in opening the mouth, delayed bone tissue healing, alveolitis, and horizontal or vertical resorption of bone tissue are the main problems that impact on consequent treatment. Blood concentrates PRGF (plasma rich in growth factors) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin), which are rich in growth factors, create better conditions for postextraction alveolus healing, enhance quality of soft tissues and bone regeneration, and decrease pain. The study objective was to compare physiologic healing of the postextraction zone with PRF- and PRGF-induced changes. In total, 43 patients were randomly divided into three groups: control group (mandibular molar extraction and filling of postextraction alveolus with hemostatic sponge containing gentamicin), group 2 (postextraction alveolus filled with PRGF), and group 3 (postextraction alveolus filled with PRF). Bone regeneration was evaluated in CBCT scans after 1 month. Pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). After evaluating VAS results 1 day after surgery the lowest pain score was in the PRGF group. Tooth alveolus vertical and diagonal dimensions in the control group were significantly (P = .017) smaller than in the PRGF group. The vertical dimension of the alveolar ridge did not change significantly (P = .859) in the PRGF group; however, it was significantly reduced (P = .04) in the PRF group. One month after surgery the age of the control group was inversely proportionally correlated with the height and diagonal dimension of callus. Both blood concentrates had great anti-inflammatory properties, but PRGF had better osteoblastic properties and resulted in lower postoperative pain.

Platelet rich plasma and plasma rich in growth factors for split-thickness skin graft donor site treatment in the burn patient setting: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionManagement of donor site morbidity in the setting of split thickness skin graft (STSG) is of crucial importance with no superior wound dressing described to date and the growing need of decreasing epithelializing time. The purpose of the study was to compare the standard of care using a hydrocolloid dressing to platelet rich plasma (PRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in order to determine its therapeutic potential in this setting. MethodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted in which each patient served as its own control. PRGF was obtained by means of freeze-thaw out of the PRP from the subject of the study. Patients from the study had three donor sites and each donor site received either to PRP, PRGF or the standard of care, hydrocolloid. The main variable was time to epithelialization, and secondary variables subject to study were pain, quality of the scar, complications and cost. Results20 patients were recruited with a total number of 60 donor sites to study. On the 8th post-operative day 55% and 45% of the sites treated with PRP and PRGF, respectively, complete epithelialization was observed as compared to 20% of the sites treated with hydrocolloid, statistical significance was achieved between the latter two (p = 0.036). The areas treated with PRP and PRGF received inferior values on the visual analog scale on post-op day 5 and 8 compared to hydrocolloid. Values on wound healing metrics were lower in the PRP when compared to hydrocolloid. No adverse effects were recorded. ConclusionDonor site of STSG treated with PRP in the setting of the burn patient decreased time to epithelialization. In our study a better pain control and in scar quality was observed in both, the PRP and PRGF group.

“Importance of Plasma Rich Growth Factors In Tooth Socket-In Concern of DRY SOCKET” (A Comperative Study)

Introduction: The high prevalence of dry socket or alveolar osteitis (AO) is of concern in surgical removal of third molars. The aim of the present study was to assess the preventive effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on AO and also its effect on pain management and healing acceleration in third molar extraction sockets of high-risk patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This split-mouth, double-blind clinical trial included 40 bilateral third molar extractions (80 sockets) with at least one identified risk factor for AO. PRGF was obtained from patient’s own blood, based on manufacturer’s instruction, and blindly placed in one of the two bilateral sockets (PRGF group; n = 20) of each patient. The contralateral socket was treated with a placebo (control group; n = 20). Samples were evaluated for AO and pain incidence on days 2, 3 and 4 and healing and infection on days 3 and 7. Data were analyzed in SPSS v16 using Wilcoxon test.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant difference in dry socket and pain incidence and healing rate between the two groups. Intensity of pain and occurrence of dry socket in the study group was lower than the controls. Also the healing rate was higher (P &lt; 0.05) for the PRGF group. No sign of infection was seen in either group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The application of PRGF may significantly reduce the incidence of AO or its associated pain and may accelerate healing. The prophylactic use of PRGF following third molar extraction may be suggested especially in the patients at risk of AO.

Development and Optimization of Freeze-Dried Eye Drops Derived From Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Technology.

PurposeTo investigate whether plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) eye drops maintain their biological potential after a freeze drying process. The addition of a lyoprotectant like trehalose was also evaluated.MethodsBlood from three healthy donors was collected to obtain eye drops by PRGF technology. The resultant eye drops were divided in four groups: PRGF, freeze-dried PRGF (PRGF lyo), and PRGF lyophilized mixed with 2,5% trehalose (PRGF lyo+2.5T) or 5% trehalose (PRGF lyof+5T). Chemical and biological characteristics were evaluated. Photorefractive keratectomy was performed on C57BL/6 mice which were divided in three treatment groups: control, PRGF, and PRGF lyo. Corneal wound healing and haze formation were evaluated macroscopically. Eyes were collected at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after surgery, and were processed for histologic studies.ResultsThe pH values of PRGF samples increased significantly after the lyophilization process. Osmolarity levels increased significantly in PRGF samples mixed with trehalose in comparison with PRGF samples without protectants. The freeze drying process maintained growth factors levels as well as the biological properties of PRGF eye drops even without the use of lyoprotectants. PRGF lyo treatment significantly decreased the re-epithelialization time and haze formation in photorefractive keratectomy-treated corneas regarding PRGF and control groups. Furthermore, the PRGF lyo group significantly decreased the number of smooth muscle actin-positive cells in comparison with the control group at each time of the study and at days 2 and 3 in the PRGF group.ConclusionsThe freeze drying process preserves the protein and growth factor content as well as the biological properties of PRGF eye drops, even without the use of protectants. Freeze-dried PRGF eye drops accelerate corneal tissue regeneration after photorefractive keratectomy in comparison with the control group.Translational RelevanceOur study shows the feasibility to preserve the biological capability of PRGF eye drops as freeze-dried formulation, avoiding the addition of protectants.

Plasma rich in growth factors reduces blue light-induced oxidative damage on retinal pigment epithelial cells and restores their homeostasis by modulating vascular endothelial growth factor and pigment epithelium-derived factor expression.

This study analysed the effectiveness of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in reducing the oxidative stress induced by blue light exposition on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Blood from six healthy donors was collected to obtain the PRGF. Retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells were exposed to blue light. Then, cells were incubated with PRGF or with control for 24 and 48 hours maintaining exposure to blue light. The cytoprotective effect of PRGF on ARPE cells was evaluated by measuring the cell viability, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression of different proteins such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The cell viability increased significantly at 24 and 48 hours after PRGF treatment compared to the control group. ROS synthesis was significantly reduced in PRGF-treated cells with respect to control. Furthermore, the levels of HO-1, SOD-1 and AIF were significantly reduced after PRGF treatment at both times of treatment. However, CAT levels were only significantly reduced after PRGF treatment at 48 hours. The high expression of VEGF by RPE cells exposed to blue light was only counterbalanced in the PRGF group by increasing the expression of PEDF in comparison to the control group. The present results show that PRGF treatment reduces the cytotoxic effects induced in RPE cells exposed to an oxidative stress environment. Furthermore, PRGF treatment preserves the mitochondrial activity and cell viability of RPE cells subjected to an oxidative stress.

Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial of Bone Healing After Alveolar Ridge Preservation Using Xenografts and Allografts Versus Plasma Rich in Growth Factors.

The aim of this study was to compare bone regeneration in the anterior maxilla between bone substitutes and autologous platelet concentrate in alveolar ridge preservation. Forty patients requiring tooth extraction in the anterior maxilla were randomly allocated to the following 4 treatment modalities: spontaneous healing (control), natural bovine bone mineral covered with resorbable native collagen membrane (BBM/CM), freeze-dried bone allograft covered with resorbable native collagen membrane (FDBA/CM), and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) alone. Bone biopsies and histomorphometrical analysis were performed after 3 months of healing. The following parameters were assessed: newly formed mineralized tissue, newly formed nonmineralized tissue, and residual bone-grafting material (if applicable). Statistical analysis was performed to provide descriptive analysis and to compare the parameters of the bone regeneration between the study groups. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed the highest new mineralized tissue formation in the PRGF group. Statistically significant differences in new mineralized tissue formation were found between control/PRGF (46.4% ± 15.2% vs 75.5% ± 16.3%), control/(BBM/CM) (46.4% ± 15.2% vs 20.3% ± 21.9%), control/(FDBA/CM) (46.4% ± 15.2% vs 7.2% ± 8.6%), PRGF/(BBM/CM) (75.5% ± 16.3% vs 20.3% ± 21.9%), and PRGF/(FDBA/CM) (75.5% ± 16.3% vs 7.2% ± 8.6%) groups. The new mineralized tissue formation was in the following order: PRGF > control > BBM > FDBA. Alveolar ridge preservation in the esthetic zone with PRGF was the most effective for bone regeneration of the alveolar ridge.

Objective Comparison between Platelet Rich Plasma Alone and in Combination with Physical Therapy in Dogs with Osteoarthritis Caused by Hip Dysplasia.

Simple SummaryFinding successful treatments against osteoarthritis without secondary effects and objectively assessing their effectiveness in dogs is always challenging. In this sense, the aim of this study was to objectively assess the efficacy of platelet rich plasma alone and in combination with physical therapy by using a force platform in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Dogs receiving only the platelet rich plasma treatment showed a significant improvement in limb function, although the effect decreased after 180 days; in contrast, the combined therapy maintained the maximum level of efficacy throughout the study period. Our study proved that physical therapy does not increase the level of efficacy of platelet rich plasma therapy but objectively contributes to prolonging its effect for more than this time period.Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most significant joint diseases worldwide. There are different therapies for OA treatment, and a relatively new strategy is the use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), a platelet rich plasma (PRP) derivative. The objective of this study was to objectively assess the efficacy and duration of the effect of an intraarticular injection of PRGF and a combination of PRGF + physical therapy. The objective assessment was provided using a force platform. The obtained parameters were peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI). A total of 24 dogs with lameness and pain associated to OA attributable to bilateral hip dysplasia were included in the study. Animals were divided into two study groups and evaluated at baseline and at 30, 90, and 180 days after intraarticular PRGF or PRGF + physical therapy. Significant differences were observed at every checkpoint with respect to basal time in both groups. However, after 180 days, the PRGF group showed a decrease in PVF and VI with respect to the values obtained at 90 days. However, the PRGF + physical therapy group maintained increased values of both PVF and VI values during the 180-day study period.

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this split mouth, double blinded, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of use of Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontal pockets. Twenty six patients (15 males, 11 females) diagnosed with generalized periodontitis with Pocket Depth > 5mm and plaque index score < 1.5, were randomly allocated by using computer generated random sequence, into two groups, one treated with intra-pocket application of PRGF adjunct to SRP and other with SRP alone. The clinical outcomes like pocket depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL) and sulcus bleeding index (SBI) were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Twenty two patients (44 sites) were analyzed at the end of 6 month follow-up, using SPSS 20.0v software. There was a significant statistical difference observed between both the groups favouring SRP +PRGF group in terms of PD (p = 0.007) and RAL (p = 0.021) at the end of 6 month follow-up. Also there was a statistical significant difference (< 0.001) at all time points compared to baseline, for all parameters in intra-group comparison. Moreover, the sites with PD>4mm necessitating further treatment after 6-month follow-up were significantly lesser for SRP+PRGF group. The use of PRGF technology in non-surgical periodontal therapy, by single intra-pocket application in to periodontal pockets as an adjunct to SRP, in chronic periodontitis patients, was found to be effective in reduction of pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level.

Comparison of the Regenerative Effects of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors on Injured Peripheral Nerve: An Experimental Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on peripheral nerve injury in the early period of healing. Thirty Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into control (C), damaged (D), PRF, and PRGF groups. The left sciatic nerves of each group were identified as group C. Crush-type injury was performed on the right sciatic nerves of the D, PRF, and PRGF groups. In the PRF and PRGF groups, blood 2mL was obtained to prepare the PRF and PRGF and the biomaterials were applied to the injured nerve area. After 8weeks, functional, electrophysiologic, and stereological evaluations were performed. For the electrophysiologic evaluation, the latency and amplitude values in the D, PRF, and PRGF groups were significantly lower than those in the C group (P>.05). According to the sciatic functional index result, there were significant differences between groups D and PRF and between groups D and PRGF (P=.000). For the stereological evaluations, although no significant difference was observed between the PRGF and C groups (P>.05), a significant difference was observed among the D, PRF, and PRGF groups for myelinated axon number. There were significant differences between groups D and PRF and between groups D and PRGF for axon area (P=.021 and .001, respectively). No significant difference was observed among the D, PRF, and PRGF groups for myelin sheath thickness and ratio of axon area to myelin sheath thickness (P>.05). The results of this study suggest that PRGF increases nerve regeneration in the early period of healing and that the limited early action of PRF should be re-evaluated in the late period.

The effect of plasma rich in growth factors combined with follicular unit extraction surgery for the treatment of hair loss: A pilot study.

Hair transplant surgery using follicular unit extraction technique (FUE) is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of severe hair loss. Blood-derived autologous growth factors have also proved to promote hair regeneration in patients with different types of alopecia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology as an adjuvant therapy for FUE surgery in hair loss affected patients. The biologic potential of PRGF was firstly invitro evaluated over follicular germinal matrix and dermal papilla cells. Afterward, fifteen patients were subjected to routine FUE procedure while 15 patients underwent FUE+PRGF therapy. PRGF group included intradermal injections of growth factors and follicular transfer unit (FTU) preservation in an autologous fibrin clot. Postsurgical patient satisfaction and clinical improvement were evaluated, and PRGF or saline-preserved hair grafts were histomorphometrically analyzed. Follicular cell proliferation and migration was induced after autologous growth factors treatment. PRGF-preserved FTUs presented higher bioactivity signals and improved integrity of perifollicular structures and extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and elastic fibers. PRGF not only reduced the postsurgical crust healing and hair fixation period, but also decreased the inflammatory pain and itching sensation. This preliminary data demonstrate that PRGF is able to minimize the postsurgical follicle loss and potentiate the performance of grafted hairs. The fibrin clot not only acts as a protective barrier against environmental factors, but also provides a biologically active scaffold that induces resident cell proliferation and maintains an optimal integrity of the grafted hair.