Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Recombinant Growth Factor Therapies in Cutaneous Wound Healing: Mechanisms, Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Biology
• Biologic Therapies

Background:

• Chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, and burns present a significant global health challenge.
• Impaired angiogenesis and growth factor deficiencies often stall wound healing in inflammatory or ischemic phases.
• Biologic therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and recombinant growth factors, are explored to address these deficits and promote tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and recombinant growth factors in accelerating chronic wound healing.
• To evaluate the impact of these biologic therapies on wound closure rates and healing times across various chronic wound types.
• To assess the safety profile and potential benefits of PRP and growth factors in wound management.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of English-language studies published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted.
• Databases searched included PubMed and Google Scholar, identifying 64 relevant studies.
• Included study designs comprised randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and translational investigations.

Main Results:

• Autologous PRP significantly increased complete wound closure in chronic ulcers (diabetic foot, venous leg) and pressure injuries compared to standard care (ORs ≈ 2-8 and 3.4, respectively), with no increase in adverse events.
• In diabetic foot ulcers, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), alongside PRP, consistently enhanced complete healing and reduced ulcer area.
• Topical EGF and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) shortened healing times in superficial partial-thickness burns by ~3 days and deeper burns by >5 days, improving scar outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides broad, autologous biologic activation, while recombinant growth factors offer targeted, high-potency delivery.
• These therapies represent complementary regenerative strategies that effectively shorten healing times and improve outcomes for chronic wounds.
• Further standardized, multicenter trials are needed to quantify cytokine profiles, cost-effectiveness, and long-term limb salvage benefits for clinical integration.