Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: An approach in reproductive medicine based on successful animal models

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been fully studied for different clinical applications in veterinary medicine for many years with promising results. As a result, therapeutic studies to elucidate pathways for PRP use in human reproduction have been performed. PRP applications in human reproductive medicine are recent, but the role of platelet growth factors in improving the endometrial environment is well known. Indications for PRP therapy show its positive effects in promoting endometrial and follicular growth and gestation in assisted reproduction cycles, as has been proven in animals. We summarized the putative role of PRP on endometrial receptivity with a brief history of promising results in research and clinical therapies.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) augmentation does not result in more favourable outcomes in arthroscopic meniscal repair: a meta-analysis

“…Given their limited vascularisation and metabolic activity, the menisci of the knee exhibit poor regenerative capacity [ 39 – 41 ]. Growth factor injections may potentially activate the meniscal cells and stimulate regeneration [ 42 , 43 ]. Platelets exhibit a high concentration of growth factors and mediators, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), which enhance chemotaxis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and extracellular matrix formation [ 42 ].…”

“…Growth factor injections may potentially activate the meniscal cells and stimulate regeneration [ 42 , 43 ]. Platelets exhibit a high concentration of growth factors and mediators, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), which enhance chemotaxis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and extracellular matrix formation [ 42 ]. Therefore, injections of PRP are believed to accelerate healing and improve regeneration [ 43 – 48 ].…”

Cell therapies for chondral defects of the talus: a systematic review

“…PRP was introduced in the early 50’s: since then, it has been employed in regenerative medicine, and extended to musculoskeletal disorders [ 58 , 60 , 61 ]. PRP has a high concentration of growth factors, such as TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, IGF-1, b-FGF, [ 62 , 63 ]. These growth factors and mediators enhance chemotaxis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and matrix formation of MSCs, accelerating tissue heling and improve regeneration [ 63 – 68 ].…”

The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Improve in Vitro Embryo Production and Implantation Rate in Mammals

“…In reproductive medicine of dairy cows, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently been used and is based on the knowledge that platelet growth factors can improve the endometrial environment, which is abundant of growth factor receptors, adhesion molecules, cytokines, lipids, and other factors that improve endometrial and embryonic growth. Despite the progress in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) multiple embryos fail to implant (Gonçalves et al, 2019).…”