Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood derivative that has become famous for its regenerative properties. There are many medical fields where PRP can serve as an alternative to conventional treatment or as an additional tool. To obtain PRP, venous blood undergoes centrifugation, which results in three layers: Red blood cells, platelet-rich plasma, and platelet-poor plasma. It consists of serum rich in growth factors and higher-than-normal concentration of platelets.

Platelets are small particles in blood that prevent bleeding and promote healing when injured.The growth factors in the serum and entrapped within platelets send signals to cells to divide and differentiate, under the influence of certain growth factors the cells also start to produce substances such as collagen, or proteoglycans.

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IN MEDICINE

The most popular fields, where PRP is used include dermatology, orthopedics, and stomatology. In patients suffering from alopecia, scalp injections lead to hair restoration. According to several studies, a series of procedures (3 or more) resulted in an increased number of hair follicles and stronger and thicker hair. Due to a high concentration of growth factors platelet-rich plasma aids wound regeneration and can be used in patients with non-healing wounds, including diabetic ulcers.

It is known in dermatology for its anti-aging properties, as the procedures were observed to lead to increased skin density, increased amount of collagen, acne reduction and improvement in scar appearance. Intra-articular PRP injections became well-known in orthopedics and pain management. In patients suffering from osteoarthritis, significant relief and an increased range of motion were noticed after a series of injections.

THE FUTURE OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA

The potential seems to be very big, and not yet fully discovered. Despite many controversies regarding the efficacy, there is much clinical evidence showing that PRP promotes tissue regeneration.

Platelet-rich plasma caught the attention of scientists in fields such as obstetrics and gynecology (especially reproductive medicine), cardiac surgery, urology, and even in tissue engineering. This relatively new treatment method gained a lot of interest in a short time and is anticipated to continue drawing more attention. 

The potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in Poland is promising due to its various applications in medicine. Hopefully, in the future, we will learn more about this.

Sources:

“Evidence-based indications of platelet-rich plasma therapy.” Gupta S, Paliczak A, Delgado D. 2021 Jan; Expert Rev Hematol. 14(1):97-108. doi: 10.1080/17474086.2021.1860002. Epub 2020 Dec 17. PMID: 33275468.

“Blood Plasma Derivatives for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Therapies.” Santos SCNDS, Sigurjonsson ÓE, Custódio CA, Mano JFCDL., 2018 Dec;24, Tissue Eng Part B Rev.; 454-462. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2018.0008. Epub 2018 Oct 5. PMID: 29737237; PMCID: PMC6443031.

“A narrative review of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reproductive medicine.” ; Sharara FI, Lelea LL, Rahman S, Klebanoff JS, Moawad GN. 2021 May;38; J Assist Reprod Genet. (5):1003-1012. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02146-9. Epub 2021 Mar 15. PMID: 33723748; PMCID: PMC8190208.

Yáñez-Castillo YM, Arrabal-Polo MÁ. Applications of Platelet Rich Plasma in Urology. Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Oct;75(8):669-683. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227508.98. PMID: 36330568.