PRP in wound healing applications.

Abstract

Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, tissue regeneration and host defense. Based on these settings, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives are therapeutically used to promote wound healing in several scenarios. This review summarizes the biological mechanisms underlying the most traditional as well as innovative applications of PRP in wound healing. These mechanisms involve the combined action of platelet-derived growth factors and cytokines, together with the role of plasma-derived fibrillar, antioxidant and homeostatic factors. In addition, regenerative treatments with PRP consist of personalized and non-standardized methods. Thus, the quality of PRP varies depending on endogenous factors (e.g., age; gender; concomitant medication; disease-associated systemic factors; nutrition) and exogenous factors (anticoagulants and cellular composition). This review also analyses whether these factors affect the biological mechanisms of PRP in wound healing applications.