[Growth stimulation of human osteoblast-like cells by thrombocyte concentrates in vitro]

Thrombocytes contain different growth factors. Their potential use for increasing bone regeneration is currently under discussion. Basic data about the biologic effect of platelet concentrates (platelet-rich plasma, PRP) are still lacking. This study analyzes the in vitro effect of PRP on the proliferation rate of human osteoblast-like cells (OLC).

Human OLC were stimulated with thrombocytes in different dilutions (0-1,700,000 thrombocytes/microliter). Three days later a WST test (Roche Diagnostics) was performed to measure the mitochondrial syntheses and cellular proliferation rate.

The proliferation rate of the OLC was (concentration-dependent) increased up to a certain plateau by adding thrombocytes. Further stimulation led to a slight decrease in the proliferation rate. The statistical analysis of the extinction measurements showed significant differences in the cell proliferation rates between mostly all thrombocyte concentration groups (p < 0.0001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference was evaluated for the time-dependent change in extinction (0-5 h) (p < 0.0001).

This study shows that the proliferation rate of human OLC can be stimulated in vitro by concentration-dependent platelet concentrates. This in vitro result supports the currently discussed assumption that the clinical use of PRP might increase bone regeneration.