Platelet-Rich Plasma Prolongs Myofibroblast Accumulation in Corneal Stroma with Incisional Wound

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has an effect on corneal stromal cells in a rat model of wound healing following corneal incision. Materials and Methods: The effect of PRP on corneal wound healing in vivo was investigated in a corneal incision wound model in rats. 40 rats were wounded by deep corneal incision, and treated with either topically administered PRP (20 rats) or sodium chloride (20 rats). At 4 h and 1, 3, and 5 days after incision, a-smooth muscle actin (a SMA), SMAD2 and SMAD3 expression and apoptosis in stromal cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and IL-1b mRNA expression was evaluated by real time PCR. Results: PRP-treated corneas exhibited reduced stromal cell apoptosis at day 3 and day 5 (p = 0.038, and 50.001, respectively) relative to controls. Interleukin-1b mRNA expression, however, was unchanged in PRP-treated corneas relative to controls. Topical PRP treatment resulted in a higher proportion of aSMA-positive myofibroblasts recruited to the wound site relative to control corneas. PRP did not affect activation of SMAD2 but activation of SMAD3 was significantly reduced at day 1 (p = 0.001) and dramatically increased at day 5 (p = 0.032). Conclusions: PRP treatment resulted in suppressed stromal cell apoptosis followed by SMAD3 activation and a greater proportion of myofibroblasts present at the wound site. Suppression of stromal cell apoptosis after corneal wounding by use of a growth factor-rich formulation may lead to myofibroblast accumulation by modulation of the TGF-b pathway.

Antimicrobial action of autologous platelet-rich plasma on MRSA-infected skin wounds in dogs

“…In addition, corneas given topical PRP treatment exhibit higher proportions of α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts than control corneas. Notably, myofibroblast accumulation occurs due to modulation of the TGF-β pathway 64 . Therefore, in a matter of time PRP have accelerated fibrosis and neovascularization which is crucial in wound contraction and healing.…”

Randomised, prospective clinical trial of platelet-rich plasma injection in the management of severe dry eye

“…PRP has an antiapoptotic effect on corneal stromal cells,5 and autologous platelets have been injected for the management of macular holes 6 7. Autologous platelets in the form of eye-drops or as a plasma gel have also been used in the management of several eye conditions depending on the desired effect and the purpose of the clinical intervention.…”

Cell-Free Biological Approach for Corneal Stromal Wound Healing

“…Different studies have shown that topical PRP successfully treated dormant ulcers (hard-to-heal epithelial defects), dry eye syndromes, and ocular surface syndrome post Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), as well as promoted surface reconstruction after corneal perforation associated with amnion transplantation (Alio et al, 2012;Alio et al, 2017;Rechichi et al, 2020). However, for stromal wound healing in a rat model, PRP treatment suppressed stromal cell apoptosis and increased myofibroblast generation by TGFβ/SMAD3 activation (Koulikovska et al, 2015). Hence, PRP seems to be effective in enhancing epithelial wound healing and promoting ocular surface regeneration in different pathological conditions.…”