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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Production of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Boosting In Vitro Human Fibroblast Expansion
Published on: February 24, 2021
Effect of platelet-rich plasma on proliferation and migration in human dermal fibroblasts
Eun Byul Cho1, Gil Soon Park2, Seok Soon Park3
1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea.
Background:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood fraction that contains high concentrations of several growth factors. PRP has been recently used in skin wound healing and rejuvenation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying PRP-induced wound healing are unknown.
Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PRP on extracellular matrix remodeling, which requires the activation of dermal fibroblasts.
Methods:
Cell proliferation and migration assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis, and Western blotting were performed on PRP-treated human skin fibroblasts.
Results:
Platelet numbers were enhanced by 4.6-fold in PRP compared to that in whole blood. PRP stimulated the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts and increased the expression of human procollagen I alpha 1, elastin, MMP-1, and MMP-2 in human dermal fibroblasts. PRP-treated human dermal fibroblasts also showed a dramatic reduction in the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), whereas total JNK levels were not significantly reduced.
Conclusions:
Collectively, PRP induced increased expression of type I collagen, elastin, MMP-1, and MMP-2, thereby accelerating wound healing. Our findings reveal basic mechanisms underlying PRP-mediated tissue remodeling. Thus, these results could be exploited for clinical dermatology and skin rejuvenation.
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