Platelet-rich plasma enhanced umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-based bone tissue regeneration

To evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the proliferation and differentiation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) and explore the possibility that PRP combined with UC-MSCs may be useful for bone tissue regeneration in vivo.

The proliferation potential of UC-MSCs was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The pluripotent differentiation capacity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression were further determined by ALP staining. The expression of osteoblast-associated genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. In addition, rat critical-sized calvarial defects were examined to evaluate bone regeneration in vivo.

PRP enhanced UC-MSC proliferation, and 10% PRP caused the strongest ALP and Alizarin red staining. At 7 days, the expression levels of ALP, Collagen 1 (COL-1) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in the PRP group were higher than those in the FBS group. Newly regenerated bone was observed in the defect areas, and PRP combined with UC-MSCs can accelerate bone regeneration at an early stage.

Our current data suggest that UC-MSCs may be utilized in alternative stem cell-based approaches for the reconstruction and regeneration of bone defects, and PRP combined with UC-MSCs can enhance bone regeneration in vivo.