Abstract
Purpose: :
Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology is an autologous platelet-enriched plasma obtained from patient’s own blood, which after activation with calcium chloride allows the release of a pool of biologically active proteins that influence and promote a range of biological process including cell recruitment, growth and differentiation. Since ocular surface wound healing is mediated by different growth factors, we decided to explore the potential of PRGF technology in stimulating the biological processes related with fibroblast-induced tissue repair. Furthermore, the anti-fibrotic properties of PRGF were also studied.
Methods: :
Blood from healthy donors was collected, centrifuged and, whole plasma column (PRGF) was drawn off avoiding the buffy coat. Primary human cells including keratocytes and conjunctival fibroblasts were used to perform the "in vitro" investigations. The potential of PRGF in promoting wound healing was evaluated by means of a proliferation and migration assays. Fibroblast cells were induced to myofibroblast differentiation after the treatment with 2.5 ng/ml of TGF-β1. The capability of PRGF to prevent and inhibit TGF-β1-induced differentiation was evaluated.
Results: :
Results show that this autologous approach enhances significantly proliferation and migration of both keratocytes and conjunctival fibroblasts. In addition, PRGF prevents and inhibits TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation.
Conclusions: :
These results suggest that PRGF can reduce scarring while stimulate wound healing in ocular surface.
Keywords: cornea: stroma and keratocytes • conjunctiva • wound healing