Effects of platelet-rich plasma on intestinal anastomotic healing in rats: PRP concentration is a key factor

Ryushiro Yamaguchi1, Hideo Terashima, Satoshi Yoneyama

  • 1Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. h-tera@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Insights

Low-concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) significantly enhanced intestinal anastomotic healing in rats. High-concentrated PRP, however, inhibited healing, indicating PRP concentration is critical for its effects.

Area of Science:

  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Surgical Innovation
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Limited research exists on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) effects on intestinal anastomotic healing.
  • Varied PRP preparation methods and concentrations in prior studies create uncertainty regarding its efficacy.
  • This study investigates the impact of different PRP concentrations on intestinal anastomotic healing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the influence of varying platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrations on the healing of intestinal anastomoses.
  • To determine the optimal concentration of PRP for promoting anastomotic wound healing.
  • To assess potential inhibitory effects of high PRP concentrations on healing.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of three plasma concentrations: high-concentrated PRP (H-PRP), low-concentrated PRP (L-PRP), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from SD rat blood.
  • Surgical induction of proximal jejunal anastomosis in male SD rats, divided into control, PPP, L-PRP, and H-PRP groups.
  • Application of PRP/PPP to anastomoses, administration of total parenteral nutrition, and evaluation of anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP) and hydroxyproline (HYP) concentration on postoperative day 5.

Main Results:

  • Low-concentrated PRP (L-PRP) significantly increased anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP) and hydroxyproline (HYP) concentration compared to controls.
  • High-concentrated PRP (H-PRP) significantly decreased both ABP and HYP values, suggesting an inhibitory effect on healing.
  • Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) showed no significant difference in healing parameters compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentration is a critical factor determining its effect on intestinal anastomotic healing.
  • PRP demonstrates a dose-dependent effect, promoting healing up to a certain concentration, beyond which it can be inhibitory.
  • The therapeutic action of PRP in anastomotic healing appears to be primarily mediated by its platelet content.
Abstract