Platelet-rich plasma as treatment for persistent ocular epithelial defects

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) demonstrates regenerative properties in wound healing.
• The precise biochemical mechanisms underlying PRP's efficacy remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of platelet count on growth factor levels (PDGF AA/BB, VEGF, EGF) in autologous and homologous PRP.
• To evaluate the therapeutic effect of PRP with varying platelet concentrations on corneal lesions.

Main Methods:

• Autologous PRP (338 × 10^3 platelets/µL) and homologous PRP (1 × 10^6 platelets/µL) were prepared and subjected to freezing/thawing.
• Growth factor levels were quantified before and after treatment.
• PRP was applied to corneal lesions of diverse etiologies, including those from graft-versus-host disease.

Main Results:

• Corneal lesions treated with both autologous and homologous PRP showed healing or improvement.
• Autologous PRP exhibited significant increases in PDGF AA/BB, VEGF, and EGF levels post-treatment.
• Homologous PRP demonstrated 3.4 to 4.5-fold higher levels of these growth factors compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

• Corneal lesion treatment with PRP is effective regardless of initial platelet concentration.
• Lower platelet counts in homologous PRP can lead to substantial increases in key growth factors.
• High platelet levels may not be a prerequisite for successful corneal healing using PRP therapy.