WEDNESDAY, 25 APRIL 2018 / PUBLISHED IN BLOG

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) have been the subject of numerous speculations regarding their efficacy in facilitating angiogenesis, hemostasis, osteogenesis, and bone growth. The primary reason these platelet products are effective is due to the growth factors they carry. Let’s delve into the specific roles of these growth factors in the healing process.

Growth Factors in Platelet-Rich Plasma

These growth factors play vital roles in PRP and contribute significantly to the healing process:

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)

Regulates cell growth and division, especially in blood vessels, making it crucial for blood vessel reproduction.

Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β)

Responsible for overall cell proliferation, differentiation, and various other cellular functions.

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)

Plays a key role in wound healing and embryonic development, influencing the proliferation and differentiation of specialized cells and tissues.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)

Essential for vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, VEGF restores oxygen supply to cells when it is inadequate and helps create new blood vessels after injury.

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF)

Found during the epithelialization phase of wound healing, KGF stimulates the formation of epithelium immediately after a wound or injury occurs.

Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF)

Functions in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, skeletal development, and tissue wound repair.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Rules

A recent study suggests that PRP and its gelled cousin, PRF, differ significantly in the release of these growth factors, which can affect the healing outcome. The study concludes that:

PRP releases significantly higher proteins at earlier time points, which is beneficial for short-term effects.

PRF shows a continual and steady release of growth factors over a 10-day period, making it more beneficial for long-term healing.

Advantages of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Over Platelet-Rich Plasma

PRF has some notable advantages over PRP, including:

• It doesn’t require thrombin and anticoagulants.
• It results in better healing due to its slow polymerization process.
• It aids in hemostasis.

How Platelet-Rich Plasma Differs from Platelet-Rich Fibrin

Platelet-Rich Plasma is produced using a double spin method: a hard spin to separate red blood cells from everything else in the autologous blood, followed by a soft spin to separate the platelets and white blood cells, resulting in PRP, Platelet-Poor Plasma (PPP), and Red Blood Cells.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin is created using a newer method. After the first centrifugation, the middle layer is taken, containing fewer platelets but more clotting factors. This gradually forms into a fibrin network that traps cytokines and is then centrifuged again to result in PRF, a fibrin layer containing platelets and plasma.

What Matters in Healing

When it comes to accelerating healing, the immediate availability of growth factors and cytokines is crucial. PRP may be more effective in this regard due to its immediate release of growth factors, allowing for repeated injections for additional healing factors just days after the initial injection.

Conclusion

Platelet-derived products are still in their infancy. Despite their potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their capabilities. If you’re a physician using any or both of these products, we encourage you to share your experiences with us through our contact form.