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Synergistic Effects of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Bioactive Peptides on Dermal Fibroblast Viability and
Ana Giulia Lenci Paccola1, Thomas Marcelino Couto Dos Santos1, Maria Clara Minelo1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) combined with cosmetic peptides like GEKG shows synergistic effects for skin regeneration. This combination enhances fibroblast viability and promotes extracellular matrix production, suggesting potential for dermal rejuvenation therapies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Regenerative Medicine
- Biotechnology and Biomaterials
Background:
- Facial aging results from complex changes in skin structure and tissues.
- Collagen biostimulators, including platelet concentrates and cosmetic peptides, are explored for facial rejuvenation.
- Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and cosmetic peptides like Matrixyl and GEKG show potential for stimulating collagen synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of i-PRF combined with Matrixyl or GEKG on human dermal fibroblasts.
- To evaluate the impact on fibroblast viability, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured with control, i-PRF alone, Matrixyl alone, GEKG alone, i-PRF + Matrixyl, or i-PRF + GEKG.
- Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT, crystal violet, and RealTime-Glo™ assays.
- Gene expression of collagen type I (COL1A1), fibronectin (FN1), and hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) was quantified via RT-qPCR.
Main Results:
- Combinations of i-PRF with Matrixyl or GEKG significantly increased fibroblast viability and proliferation compared to individual treatments.
- The i-PRF + GEKG combination demonstrated particularly strong synergistic effects.
- Upregulation of ECM-related genes (COL1A1, FN1, HAS1) was observed at 72 hours, especially in combined treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Combining i-PRF with cosmetic peptides, particularly GEKG, exhibits synergistic effects on dermal fibroblast activity and ECM production.
- These findings suggest a promising potential for using i-PRF and peptide combinations in regenerative dermatology for enhanced skin rejuvenation.
- Further preclinical and clinical research is recommended to validate these results for therapeutic applications.
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