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The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in an anosmia-induced mice model
Ahmet Gorkem Yasak1, Ozgur Yigit2, Ela Araz Server2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kilis State Hospital, Kilis, Turkey.
Objective:
In this study, we aimed to functionally and morphologically demonstrate the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on anosmia in a mouse model of anosmia.
Study Design:
Animal study.
Methods:
A total of 16 male mice were included. When selecting the mice, the food-finding test (FFT) was used to make sure that the animals could smell, and anosmia was induced by administration of intraperitoneal 3-methylindole. The mice were randomly divided into two groups of eight (groups A and B). After 1 week, topical PRP was administered to the mice in group A and topical saline was administered to the mice in group B. The FFT was again administered at 7, 14, and 21 days. The mice were sacrificed on day 21, the olfactory neuroepithelium was histopathologically examined, and the epithelial damage scores and epithelial thickness were measured.
Results:
After topical administration of PRP and saline, the difference in the average FFT values of the groups was statistically significant at 7, 14, and 21 days (P < 0,005). During the histopathological examination, the epithelial damage score was statistically significantly lower in the PRP group (P = 0.001) than in the saline group, and epithelial thickness was statistically significantly greater in the PRP group compared to the saline group (P = 0.003).
Conclusion:
We showed that PRP administration has a curative effect on olfactory functions in an anosmia-induced mice model. However, there is a need for further research before PRP can be considered for use in patients with anosmia in clinical practice.
Level Of Evidence:
NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E157-E162, 2018.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) effectively restored olfactory function in a mouse model of anosmia. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced epithelial damage and increased thickness in PRP-treated mice, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Olfactory Neuroscience
Background:
- Anosmia, or the loss of smell, significantly impacts quality of life.
- Current treatments for anosmia have limited efficacy.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is being investigated for its regenerative properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on olfactory function and morphology in a mouse model of induced anosmia.
Main Methods:
- Anosmia was induced in 16 male mice using 3-methylindole.
- Mice were divided into two groups: one received topical PRP, the other topical saline.
- Olfactory function was assessed using the food-finding test (FFT) at multiple time points. Histopathological examination of the olfactory neuroepithelium was performed.
Main Results:
- PRP administration led to statistically significant improvements in FFT values compared to saline at 7, 14, and 21 days (P < 0.005).
- Histopathological analysis showed significantly lower epithelial damage scores (P = 0.001) and greater epithelial thickness (P = 0.003) in the PRP group.
Conclusions:
- Topical PRP demonstrates a curative effect on olfactory function in an experimental anosmia model.
- Further research is warranted to explore PRP's clinical applicability for patients suffering from anosmia.

