Corneal epitheliotrophic capacity of three different blood-derived preparations

Serum eye drops have been successfully used in the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet concentrates have not yet been tested for use as eye drops, although they are easily available as quality-controlled products from blood banks and are routinely used for transfusion. To test whether FFP or platelet-derived growth factor solutions could be used for ocular surface diseases, we compared the epitheliotrophic capacity of platelet releasate and FFP with that of serum in cell culture models.

The concentrations of EGF, TGF-beta1, PDGF-AB, fibronectin, vitamin A and vitamin E in serum, FFP, and platelet releasate were evaluated with ELISA and HPLC. Corneal epithelial cells were incubated with the various preparations and cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation were evaluated by means of a luminescence-based adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay, a colony dispersion assay, and scanning electron microscopy.

Growth factor concentrations were significantly higher in platelet releasate than in serum and were lowest in FFP. Fibronectin and vitamins were found in higher concentrations in serum than in FFP and were lowest in platelet releasate. Cell proliferation was best supported by platelet releasate followed by serum and FFP; however, cell migration and differentiation were better supported by serum than by platelet releasate and FFP. The reduced nutrient capacity of FFP was in part found to be due to an antiproliferative effect of citrate used as an anticoagulant in the production process.

Platelet releasate but not FFP may offer additional potential for the treatment of severe ocular surface disease. Platelet releasate may be suitable as a novel treatment option for ocular surface disease with a superior effect on cell growth.