Characterization of distinct microbiota associated with androgenetic alopecia patients treated and untreated with platelet-rich plasma(PRP)

Background:Androgenic alopecia(AGA)is the most common type of hair loss in men,and there are many studies on the treatment of hair loss by platelet-rich plasma(PRP).The human scalp contains a huge microbiome,but its role in the process of hair loss remains unclear,and the relationship between PRP and the microbiome needs further study.Therefore,the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP treatment on scalp microbiota composition.Methods:We performed PRP treatment on 14 patients with AGA,observed their clinical efficacy,and collected scalp swab samples before and after treatment.The scalp microflora of AGA patients before and after treatment was characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16 s RNA gene and sequencing for bacterial identification.Results:The results showed that PRP was effective in the treatment of AGA patients,and the hair growth increased significantly.The results of relative abundance analysis of microbiota showed that after treatment,g_Cutibacterium increased and g_Staphylococcus decreased,which played a stable role in scalp microbiota.In addition,g_Lawsonella decreased,indicating that the scalp oil production decreased after treatment.Conclusions:The findings suggest that PRP may play a role in treating AGA through scalp microbiome rebalancing.

Efficacy of intraovarian autologous platelet-rich plasma administration in women with low ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To conduct a systematic examination and meta-analysis of the most reliable data from experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)on low ovarian reserve.Methods:A comprehensive search was performed utilizing pertinent search terms across electronic databases,including PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.We included studies that assigned infertile women with low ovarian reserve in experimental studies.Ovarian reserve parameters were measured before and after PRP injection into ovaries.The data of each study was retrieved and subsequently compiled.Results:Of 301 articles collected and reviewed,six studies were finally included in the meta-analysis.Following PRP injection,infertile women showed a non-significant increase in anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)level(MD=0.10;95%CI-0.04,0.23),a significant increase in antral follicular count(AFC)(MD=1.88;95%CI 0.47,3.29),and a non-significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level(MD=-0.22;95%CI-8.32,7.87).Conclusions:Autologous PRP may increase AFC,but not AMH.Although it is found beneficial in enhancing ovarian reserve(AFC),further research with strong evidence is still required.

Adenylate cyclase activates the cAMP signalling pathway to enhance platelet-rich plasma-treated Achilles tendon disease,a theoretical bioinformatics-based study

The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma(PRP)for the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders still needs to be evaluated through a series of prospective studies,but genomic analysis can reveal the existence of complementary PRP treatment options.Based on the 96 platelet activation-related genes in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database,we performed Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis,pathway correlation analysis,and enrichment mapping to determine the enrichment results of the gene set enrichment analysis and found that the cAMP signalling pathway may be the key to enhancing the effectiveness of PRP treatment.The cAMP signalling pathway interacts with the Rap1 signalling pathway and cGMPPKG signalling pathway to mediate the entire pathophy-siological process of Achilles tendon disease.Moreover,ADCY1-9 may be the key to the activation of the cAMP signalling network.Further based on the data in the Gene Expression Omnibus database,it was found that ADCY4 and ADCY7 may be the players that play a major role,associated with the STAT4-ADCY4-LAMA5 axis and the GRbeta-ADCY7-SEMA3C axis,which is expected to be a complementary target for enhancing the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease.

Platelet-rich plasma promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury

The effect of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration remains controversial.In this study,we established a rabbit model of sciatic nerve small-gap defects with preserved epineurium and then filled the gaps with platelet-rich plasma.Twenty-eight rabbits were divided into the following groups(7 rabbits/group):model,low-concentrati on PRP(2.5-3.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets),medium-concentration PRP(4.5-6.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets),and high-concentration PRP(7.5-8.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets).Electrophysiological and histomorphometrical assessments and proteomics analysis we re used to evaluate regeneration of the sciatic nerve.Our results showed that platelet-rich plasma containing 4.5-6.5-and 7.5-8.5-fold concentrations of whole blood platelets promoted repair of sciatic nerve injury.Proteomics analysis was performed to investigate the possible mechanism by which platelet-rich plasma promoted nerve regeneration.Proteomics analysis showed that after sciatic nerve injury,platelet-rich plasma increased the expression of integrin subunitβ-8(ITGB8),which participates in angiogenesis,and differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in focal adhesion pathways.Additionally,two key proteins,ribosomal protein S27 a(RSP27 a)and ubiquilin 1(UBQLN1),which were selected after protein-protein interaction analysis,are involved in the regulation of ubiquitin levels in vivo.These data suggest that platelet-rich plasma promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury by affecting angiogenesis and intracellular ubiquitin levels.

Role of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint,and rotator cuff(RC)pathologies are one of the main causes.The RC undergoes various tendinopathic and avascular changes during the aging process.Other degenerative changes affecting its healing potential make it an appealing target for biological agents.Platelet-rich plasma(PRP)has demonstrated the potential to deliver a high concentration of several growth factors and anti-inflammatory mediators,and its clinical use is mainly supported by experiments that demonstrated its positive effect on muscle,ligaments,and tendinous cells.This review aimed to specify the role of PRP and its future applications in RC tendinopathies based on the current clinical evidence.Due to the different characteristics and conflicting outcomes,clinicians should use PRP with moderate expectations until more consistent evidence is available.However,it is reasonable to consider PRP in patients with contraindications to corticosteroid injections or those with risk factors for inadequate healing.Its autologous origin makes it a safe treatment,and its characteristics make it a promising option for treating RC tendinopathy,but the efficacy has yet to be established.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma(PRP)in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture(ATR)and Achilles tendinopathy(AT)has been controversial.AIM To assess PRP injections’effectiveness in treating ATR and AT.METHODS A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Chinese Science and Technology Journal,EMBASE,and China Biomedical CD-ROM.The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy.The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1,1966 to December 2022.The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1,the visual analogue scale(VAS),Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale(VISA-A),and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials,8 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for AT and 5 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for ATR.PRP for AT at 6 wk[weighted mean difference(WMD)=1.92,95%CI:-0.54 to 4.38,I2=34%],at 3 mo[WMD=0.20,95%CI:-2.65 to 3.05,I2=60%],and 6 mo[WMD=2.75,95%CI:-2.76 to 8.26,I2=87%)after which there was no significant difference in VISA-A scores between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the PRP group and the control group after 6 wk[WMD=6.75,95%CI:-6.12 to 19.62,I2=69%]and 6 mo[WMD=10.46,95%CI:-2.44 to 23.37,I2=69%]of treatment,and at mid-treatment at 3 mo[WMD=11.30,95%CI:7.33 to 15.27,I2=0%]after mid-treatment,the PRP group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group.Post-treatment patient satisfaction[WMD=1.07,95%CI:0.84 to 1.35,I2=0%],Achilles tendon thickness[WMD=0.34,95%CI:-0.04 to 0.71,I2=61%]and return to sport[WMD=1.11,95%CI:0.87 to 1.42,I2=0%]were not significantly different between the PRP and control groups.The study did not find any statistically significant distinction between the groups that received PRP treatment and those that did not,regarding the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles scores at 3 mo[WMD=-1.49,95%CI:-5.24 to 2.25,I2=0%],6 mo[WMD=-0.24,95%CI:-3.80 to 3.32,I2=0%],and 12 mo[WMD=-2.02,95%CI:-5.34 to 1.29,I2=87%]for ATR patients.Additionally,no significant difference was observed between the PRP and the control groups in improving Heel lift height respectively at 6 mo[WMD=-3.96,95%CI:-8.61 to 0.69,I2=0%]and 12 mo[WMD=-1.66,95%CI:-11.15 to 7.83,I2=0%]for ATR patients.There was no significant difference in calf circumference between the PRP group and the control group after 6 mo[WMD=1.01,95%CI:-0.78 to 2.80,I2=54%]and 12 mo[WMD=-0.55,95%CI:-2.2 to 1.09,I2=0%]of treatment.There was no significant difference in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups at 6 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.38,95%CI:-2.34 to 1.58,I2=82%]and after 12 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.98,95%CI:-1.41 to-0.56,I2=10%]there was a significant improvement in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in the rate of return to exercise after treatment[WMD=1.20,95%CI:0.77 to 1.87,I2=0%]and the rate of adverse events[WMD=0.85,95%CI:0.50 to 1.45,I2=0%]between the PRP group and the control group.CONCLUSION The use of PRP for AT improved the patient’s immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores,changes in Achilles tendon thickness,patient satisfaction,or return to sport.Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores,single heel lift height,calf circumference or return to sport.Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes,more strict experimental methods,and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.

Value of Intrauterine Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity:A Literature Review

Endometrial receptivity is an important factor that influences embryo implantation.Thus,it is important to identify an applicable approach to improve endometrial receptivity in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.Recently,growing evidence has indicated that intrauterine platelet-rich plasma(PRP)infusion is an effective method to obtain a satisfactory reproductive outcome by increasing endometrial thickness and improving endometrial receptivity.Therefore,the present review aims to outline the possible mechanisms of PRP on endometrial receptivity and summarize the present literature on the effects of PRP therapy in improving endometrial receptivity.

Efficacy of tibial transverse transport combined with platelet-rich plasma versus platelet-rich plasma alone in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers:A meta-analysis

Background:Diabetic foot ulcers(DBFU)are one of the main complications of diabetes.Platelet-rich plasma(PRP)treatment is a commonly used treatment option.Tibial transverse transport(TTT)also has a therapeutic effect on DBFU.Some studies have found that the TTT combined with PRP(TTT&PRP)has a significant effect on DBFU.Methods:PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,EMBASE,Chinese Biomedical Literature,CNKI,VIP,and Wanfang databases were used to find literature on the treatment of DBFUs using the TTT and PRP treatment according to the inclusion criteria.The specific inclusion criteria are as follows:(1)research type:clinical controlled trials,including retrospective cohort and randomized controlled studies;(2)diagnosis of DBFUs that does not include a definitively diagnosed traumatic ulcer;(3)original materials of Chinese and English literature published in full text.The exclusion criteria are:(1)the research group was not defined or grouped;(2)nonrandomized controlled trials,non-cohort studies,non-case-control studies,retrospective studies,and case reports;(3)repetitive research and animal experimentation;(4)ulcers caused by other diseases;(5)conservative treatment or no use of invasive treatment methods.Review Manager software(version 5.3)was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included results.Result:The literature included 6 randomized controlled studies,including 508 patients,254 patients in the PRP treatment group,and 254 patients in the TTT&PRP group.The meta-analysis results showed that in terms of treatment efficacy,the TTT&PRP combined treatment group had a higher efficacy than the PRP group.After treatment,the TTT&PRP group had better treatment effects in psychological function,physiological function,and social function compared to the PRP group.After treatment,the TTT&PRP group showed a significant increase in serum epidermal growth factor(EGF),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)levels compared to the PRP group.In terms of wound healing after treatment,the TTT&PRP group performed better than the PRP group in terms of postoperative wound reduction rate,bacterial clearance rate,granulation tissue coverage rate,and granulation tissue growth thickness.Conclusion:TTT combined with PRP was more effective than PRP alone in treating DBFUs.

Therapeutic Effectiveness of Leukocyte-and Platelet-rich Fibrin for Diabetic Foot Ulcers:A Retrospective Study

Objective Diabetic foot ulcer(DFU)is one of the most serious complications of diabetes.Leukocyte-and platelet-rich fibrin(L-PRF)is a second-generation autologous platelet-rich plasma.This study aims to investigate the clinical effects of L-PRF in patients with diabetes in real clinical practice.Methods Patients with DFU who received L-PRF treatment and standard of care(SOC)from 2018 to 2019 in Tongji Hospital were enrolled.The clinical information including patient characteristics,wound evaluation(area,severity,infection,blood supply),SOC of DFU,and images of ulcers was retrospectively extracted and analyzed.L-PRF treatment was performed every 7±2 days until the ulcer exhibited complete epithelialization or an overall percent volume reduction(PVR)greater than 80%.Therapeutic effectiveness,including overall PVR and the overall and weekly healing rates,was evaluated.Results Totally,26 patients with DFU were enrolled,and they had an ulcer duration of 47.0(35.0,72.3)days.The severity and infection of ulcers varied,as indicated by the Site,Ischemia,Neuropathy,Bacterial Infection,and Depth(SINBAD)scores of 2–6,Wagner grades of 1–4,and the Perfusion,Extent,Depth,Infection and Sensation(PEDIS)scores of 2–4.The initial ulcer volume before L-PRF treatment was 4.94(1.50,13.83)cm3,and the final ulcer volume was 0.35(0.03,1.76)cm3.The median number of L-PRF doses was 3(2,5).A total of 11 patients achieved complete epithelialization after the fifth week of treatment,and 19 patients achieved at least an 80%volume reduction after the seventh week.The overall wound-healing rate was 1.47(0.63,3.29)cm3/week,and the healing rate was faster in the first 2 weeks than in the remaining weeks.Concurrent treatment did not change the percentage of complete epithelialization or healing rate.Conclusion Adding L-PRF to SOC significantly improved wound healing in patients with DFU independent of the ankle brachial index,SINBAD score,or Wagner grade,indicating that this method is appropriate for DFU treatment under different clinical conditions.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Image Changes of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Combination with Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Autologous Adipose Tissue for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy based on clinical symptom and on magnetic resonance image of platelet-rich plasma therapy in combination with mesenchymal stem cells from autologous adipose tissue for knee osteoarthritis treatment. Patients and Method: 30 patients including 26 females and 4 males;correspondingly, 60 knee joints were diagnosed with osteoarthritis with stages II - III of Kellgren and Lawrence, their mean age was 58.63 ± 11.11. All were injected with autologous platelet-rich plasma that was extracted by PRP set, APC 30 PRP PRCEDURE PRAK and autologously extracted mesenchymal stem cells from abdominal adipose tissue using the ADI-25-01 ADIPOSEPRCEDURE PRAK of USA. Results: After 12 months: the pain level according to VAS score at the right knee joint was decreased from 6.0 ± 1.28 before treatment to 1.9 ± 0.3;VAS score at the left knee joint was decreased from 6.43 ± 1.19 to 2.25 ± 0.43. Total Lequene score at right knee joint was decreased from 16.04 ± 1.57 before treatment to 4.31 ± 1.04, at left knee joint was decreased from 17.52 ± 1.74 before treatment to 5.15 ± 1.48. Total WOMAC score at right knee joint was decreased from 55.93 ± 5.56 to 10.37 ± 1.56;at left knee joint was decreased from 53.97 ± 5.57 to 10.07 ± 1.59. There were 86.77% joints with cartilage thickness change and the patellar cartilage thickness was increased from 1.56 ± 0.09 mm before treatment to 1.65 ± 0.09 mm. Conclusion: The treatment of knee osteoarthritis by platelet-rich plasma therapyin combination with mesenchymal stem cells from autologous adipose tissue is effective in reducing pain, improving patient's mobility and walking function, reforming articular cartilage thickness on magnetic resonance image.

Application of platelet-rich plasma with stem cells in bone and periodontal tissue engineering

Presently, there is a high paucity of bone grafts in the United States and worldwide. Regenerating bone is of prime concern due to the current demand of bone grafts and the increasing number of diseases causing bone loss. Autogenous bone is the present gold standard of bone regeneration. However, disadvantages like donor site morbidity and its decreased availability limit its use. Even allografts and synthetic grafting materials have their own limitations. As certain specific stem cells can be directed to differentiate into an osteoblastic lineage in the presence of growth factors(GFs), it makes stem cells the ideal agents for bone regeneration.Furthermore, platelet-rich plasma(PRP), which can be easily isolated from whole blood, is often used for bone regeneration, wound healing and bone defect repair. When stem cells are combined with PRP in the presence of GFs, they are able to promote osteogenesis. This review provides in-depth knowledge regarding the use of stem cells and PRP in vitro, in vivo and their application in clinical studies in the future.

Platelet-rich plasma for regeneration of neural feedback pathways around dental implants: a concise review and outlook on future possibilities

Along with the development of new materials, advanced medical imaging and surgical techniques, osseointegrated dental implants are considered a successful and constantly evolving treatment modality for the replacement of missing teeth in patients with complete or partial edentulism. The importance of restoring the peripheral neural feedback pathway and thus repairing the lack of periodontal rnechanoreceptors after tooth extraction has been highlighted in the literature. Nevertheless, regenerating the nerve fibers and reconstructing the neural feedback pathways around osseointegrated implants remain a challenge. Recent studies have provided evidence that platelet-rich plasma （PRP） therapy is a promising treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. Because of its high biological safety, convenience and usability, PRP therapy has gradually gained popularity in the clinical field Although much remains to be learned, the growth factors from PRP might play key roles in peripheral nerve repair mechanisms. This review presents known growth factors contributing to the biological efficacy of PRP and illustrates basic and （pre-）clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP and its relevant products in peripheral nerve regeneration. In addition, the potential of local application of PRP for structural and functional recovery of iniured peripheral nerves around dental implants is discussed.

Platelet-rich plasma gel in combination with Schwann cells for repair of sciatic nerve injury

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits, culture-expanded and differentiated into Schwann cell-like cells. Autologous platelet-dch plasma and Schwann cell-like cells were mixed in suspension at a density of 1 x 106 cells/mL, prior to introduction into a poly （lactic-co-glycolic acid） conduit. Fabricated tissue-engineered nerves were implanted into rabbits to bridge 10 mm sciatic nerve defects （platelet-rich plasma group）. Controls were established using fibrin as the seeding matrix for Schwann cell-like cells at identical density to construct tissue-engineered nerves （fibrin group）. Twelve weeks after implantation, toluidine blue staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to demonstrate an increase in the number of regenerating nerve fibers and thickness of the myelin sheath in the platelet-rich plasma group compared with the fibrin group. Fluoro-gold retrograde labeling revealed that the number of Fluoro-gold-positive neurons in the dorsal root ganglion and the spinal cord anterior horn was greater in the platelet-rich plasma group than in the fibrin group. Electrophysiological examination confirmed that compound muscle action potential and nerve conduction velocity were superior in the platelet-rich plasma group compared with the fibrin group. These results indicate that autologous platelet-rich plasma gel can effectively serve as a seeding matrix for Schwann cell-like cells to construct tissue-engineered nerves to promote perJpheral nerve regeneration.

Establishing proof of concept:Platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate concentrate may improve cartilage repair following surgical treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are common injuries in the athletic patient. They present a challenging clinical problem as cartilage has a poor potential for healing. Current surgical treatments consist of reparative(microfracture) or replacement(autologous osteochondral graft) strategies and demonstrate good clinical outcomes at the short and medium term follow-up. Radiological findings and second-look arthroscopy however, indicate possible poor cartilage repair with evidence of fibrous infill and fissuring of the regenerative tissue following microfracture. Longer-term follow-up echoes these findings as it demonstrates a decline in clinical outcome. The nature of the cartilage repair that occurs for an osteochondral graft to become integrated with the native surround tissue is also of concern. Studies have shown evidence of poor cartilage integration,with chondrocyte death at the periphery of the graft, possibly causing cyst formation due to synovial fluid ingress. Biological adjuncts, in the form of platelet-rich plasma(PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate(BMAC), have been investigated with regard to their potential in improving cartilage repair in both in vitro and in vitro settings. The in vitro literature indicates that these biological adjuncts may increase chondrocyte proliferation as well as synthetic capability, while limiting the catabolic effects of an inflammatory joint environment. These findings have been extrapolated to in vitro animal models, with results showing that both PRP and BMAC improve cartilage repair. The basic science literature therefore establishes the proof of concept that biological adjuncts may improve cartilage repair when used in conjunction with reparative and replacement treatment strategies for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Single-and double-dose of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma(PRP)and hyaluronic acid have been shown to be useful in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.However,investigations comparing the efficacy of these two drugs together are insufficient.AIM To compare the outcomes of PRP vs hyaluronic acid injections in three groups of patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis.METHODS This randomized controlled trial study involved 95 patients.Thirty-one subjects received a single injection of PRP(group PRP-1),33 subjects received two injections of PRP at an interval of 3 wk(group PRP-2)and 31 subjects received three injections of hyaluronic acid at 1-wk intervals(group hyaluronic acid).The patients were investigated prospectively at the enrollment and at 4-,8-and 12-wk follow-up with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index(WOMAC)and Visual Analogue Scale questionnaires.RESULTS Percentages of patients experiencing at least a 30%decrease in the total score for the WOMAC pain subscale from baseline to wk 12 of the intervention were 86%,100%and 0%in the groups PRP-1,PRP-2 and hyaluronic acid,respectively(P<0.001).The mean total WOMAC scores for groups PRP-1,PRP-2 and hyaluronic acid at baseline were 63.71,61.57 and 63.11,respectively.The WOMAC scores were significantly improved at final follow-up to 42.5,35.32 and 57.26,respectively.The highest efficacy of PRP was observed in both groups at wk 4 with about 50%decrease in the symptoms compared with about 25%decrease for hyaluronic acid.Group PRP-2 had higher efficacy than group PRP-1.No major adverse effects were found during the study.CONCLUSION PRP is a safe and efficient therapeutic option for treatment of knee osteoarthritis.It was demonstrated to be significantly better than hyaluronic acid.We also found that the efficacy of PRP increases after multiple injections.

Single injection of platelet-rich plasma as a novel treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether single injection of platelet-rich plasma can improve the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen patients presenting with median nerve injury who had suffered from mild carpal tunnel syndrome for over 3 months were included in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, 1-2 m L of platelet-rich plasma was injected into the region around the median nerve at the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel. At 1 month after single injection of platelet-rich plasma, Visual Analogue Scale results showed that pain almost disappeared in eight patients and it was obviously alleviated in three patients. Simultaneously, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire showed that upper limb function was obviously improved. In addition, no ultrasonographic manifestation of the carpal tunnel syndrome was found in five patients during ultrasonographic measurement of the width of the median nerve. During 3-month follow-up, the pain was not greatly alleviated in three patients. These findings show very encouraging mid-term outcomes regarding use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

An inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma for repair of a short sciatic nerve defect in rats

Platelet-rich plasma containing various growth factors can promote nerve regeneration. An inside-out vein graft can substitute nerve autograft to repair short nerve defects. It is hypothesized that an inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma shows better effects in the repair of short sciatic nerve defects. In this study, an inside-out vein autograft filled with platelet-rich plasma was used to bridge a 10 mm-long sciatic nerve defect in rats. The sciatic nerve function of rats with an inside-out vein autograft filled with platelet-rich plasma was better improved than that of rats with a simple inside-out vein autograft. At 6 and 8 weeks, the sciatic nerve function of rats with an inside-out vein autograft filled with platelet-rich plasma was better than that of rats undergoing nerve autografting. Compared with the sciatic nerve repaired with a simple inside-out vein autograft, the number of myelinated axons was higher, axon diameter and myelin sheath were greater in the sciatic nerve repaired with an inside-out vein autograft filled with plateletrich plasma and they were similar to those in the sciatic nerve repaired with nerve autograft. These findings suggest that an inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma can substitute nerve autograft to repair short sciatic nerve defects.

Platelet-rich plasma enhances adipose-derived stem cell-mediated angiogenesis in a mouse ischemic hindlimb model

AIM To evaluate the angiogenic effect of platelet-rich plasma(PRP)-preconditioned adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) both in vitro and in a mouse ischemic hindlimb model.METHODS ADSCs were divided based on culture medium: 2.5% PRP, 5% PRP, 7.5% PRP, and 10% PRP. Cell proliferation rate was analyzed using the MTS assay. The gene expression of CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factors, and endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell markers and structural changes were assessed through immunofluorescence staining and the tube formation assay. Subsequently, we studied the in vivo angiogenic capabilities of ADSCs by a mouse ischemic hindlimb model.RESULTS The proliferation rate of ADSCs was higher in the 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% PRP groups. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor, CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase in the 5% and 7.5% PRP groups increased. The 5%, 7.5%, and 10% PRP groups showed higher abilities to promote both CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor production and tubular structure formation in ADSCs. According to laser Doppler perfusion scan, the perfusion ratios of ischemic limb to normal limb were significantly higher in 5% PRP, 7.5% PRP, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells groups compared with the negative control and fetal bovine serum(FBS) groups(0.88 ± 0.08, 0.85 ± 0.07 and 0.81 ± 0.06 for 5%, 7.5% PRP and human umbilical vein endothelial cells compared with 0.42 ± 0.17 and 0.54 ± 0.14 for the negative control and FBS, P < 0.01).CONCLUSION PRP-preconditioned ADSCs presented endothelial cell characteristics in vitro and significantly improved neovascularization in ischemic hindlimbs. The optimal angiogenic effect occurred in 5% PRP-and 7.5% PRPpreconditioned ADSCs.

Platelet-rich plasma:the role in neural repair

The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma（PRP）to promote tissue regeneration has been largely confirmed in several clinical settings,such as in human maxillo-facial（Froum et al.,2002）,heart（Vu et al.,2015）and orthopaedic surgery（Zhang and Wang,2010）.Up to date.

Platelet-rich plasma,an adjuvant biological therapy to assist peripheral nerve repair

Therapies such as direct tension-free microsurgical repair or transplantation of a nerve autograft,are nowadays used to treat traumatic peripheral nerve injuries（PNI）,focused on the enhancement of the intrinsic regenerative potential of injured axons.However,these therapies fail to recreate the suitable cellular and molecular microenvironment of peripheral nerve repair and in some cases,the functional recovery of nerve injuries is incomplete.Thus,new biomedical engineering strategies based on tissue engineering approaches through molecular intervention and scaffolding offer promising outcomes on the field.In this sense,evidence is accumulating in both,preclinical and clinical settings,indicating that platelet-rich plasma products,and fibrin scaffold obtained from this technology,hold an important therapeutic potential as a neuroprotective,neurogenic and neuroinflammatory therapeutic modulator system,as well as enhancing the sensory and motor functional nerve muscle unit recovery.