Biological Regeneration of Tissues - Latest Therapeutic Approach Using Platelet Rich Plasma

Regeneration of cells and tissues is a new therapeutic approach for treatment of various diseases. Earlier, prolotherapy was practiced all over using hypertonic solutions, but later on Platelet Rich Plasma therapy was introduced to stimulate wound healing. Initially, large quantity of blood requirement and expensive equipment precluded its use, but PRP therapy was revolutionized in 1990, when small quantity of autologous patient’s blood and portable machines extended its use from dental surgeries to orthopedics and cosmetics. Various methods of preparing HD-PRP are known. Then these platelet concentrates are activated and injected locally at the target site. These activated platelets release various growth factors and cytokines on degranulation, which act by chemo attraction and matrix deposition and accelerate wound healing. This mode of therapy is further advanced by injecting embryonic (prenatal stem cells and adult postnatal stem cells) along with PRP. Outcomes and evidence of its utility so far is encouraging and positive. However, more research needs to be done to refine these techniques and provide larger patient trial and long term benefits.