Proliferation and differentiation of human tenocytes in response to platelet rich plasma: An in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is the autologous plasma fraction with a platelet-rich cellular component which is enriched with a number of growth factors. Due to its availability and low cost, PRP has become an increasingly popular clinical tool as an alternative source of growth factors for various applications, for example, tendon regeneration but with limited success in clinical trials. The main objective of the current study was to determine whether activated PRP [i.e., platelet rich plasma-clot release (PRCR)] could be used to induce the proliferation and collagen synthesis in human tenocyte in vitro. The advantage of using PRCR is that the platelet-derived bioactive factors are more concentrated and could initiate a more rapid and accelerated healing response than PRP. Our results demonstrated that 10% PRCR treatment accelerated the extent of cell proliferation and collagen production by human tenocytes in vitro. The expression of specific tenocyte markers were similar to conventional fetal bovine serum (FBS)-treated tenocytes implanted in mice within 14 days of implantation in diffusion chambers. Moreover, relatively more collagen fibrils were evident in PRCR-treated tenocytes in vivo as compared to 10% FBS-treated cells. Overall, our feasibility study has indicated that PRCR can induce human tenocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis which could be implemented for future tendon regeneration in reconstructive surgeries. ß

Platelet-functionalized three-dimensional poly-ε-caprolactone fibrous scaffold prepared using centrifugal spinning for delivery of growth factors

“…Alfa granules of platelets contain a wide range of growth factors, including PDGF, TGF-β, PDAF, VEGF, EGF, PDEGF, ECGF and IGF. 9 It has been reported that the use of platelets is beneficial for healing of bone, 10 cartilage, 11 tendon, 12 hernia 13 and skin 14 defects. One of the main advantages of using platelets as a source of growth factor is the possibility of autologous use, which reduces the immune reaction.…”

Platelet Concentration in Platelet-Rich Plasma Affects Tenocyte BehaviorIn Vitro

“…To better understand the effect of PRP on human tendon cells, controlled clinical trials are important, but detailed in vitro studies are also critical. In most of the studies that have been performed, the concentration of PRP was expressed as a percentage, making it impossible to understand how many platelets/ μ L were effectively used [17, 19]. …”

Development of a Refined Tenocyte Differentiation Culture Technique for Tendon Tissue Engineering

“…data]; hence, these two growth factors were excluded in this selection procedure. Our previous research has also indicated that platelet-rich plasma has a very potent effect in promoting tenocyte expansion and differentiation: high-level research trials have yet to prove its efficacy [Wang et al, 2011].…”