Differences in platelet-rich plasma composition influence bone healing

Abstract

Aim: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood-derived material that has been used to enhance bone regeneration. Clinical studies, however, reported inconsistent outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effect of changes in leucocyte and PRP (L-PRP) composition on bone defect healing. Materials and Methods: L-PRPs were prepared using different centrifugation methods and their regenerative potential was assessed in an in-vivo rat model. Bilateral critical-size tibial bone defects were created and filled with single-spin L-PRP, double-spin L-PRP, or filtered L-PRP. Empty defects and defects treated with collagen scaffolds served as controls. Rats were euthanized after 2 weeks, and their tibias were collected and analysed using micro-CT and histology. Results: Double-spin L-PRP contained higher concentrations of platelets than single-spin L-PRP and filtered L-PRP. Filtration of single-spin L-PRP resulted in lower concentrations of minerals and metabolites. In vivo, double-spin L-PRP improved bone healing by significantly reducing the size of bone defects (1.08 � 0.2 mm3) compared to single-spin L-PRP (1.42 � 0.27 mm3) or filtered L-PRP (1.38 � 0.28 mm3). There were fewer mast cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages in defects treated with double-spin L-PRP than in those treated with single-spin or filtered L-PRP. Conclusion: The preparation method of L-PRP affects their composition and potential to regenerate bone