Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Biotechnology: Concepts and Therapeutic Applications in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Abstract

Regenerative medicine is the augmentation or substitution of diseased or injured cells or tissues by one of two means: (1) an improvement in the ability of endogenous cells to reform damaged tissue or (2) the use of exogenous cells or tissues to replace damaged cells or tissues. Advances in regenerative medicine essentially depend on improving our understanding of cell biology and molecular signaling. Cell signaling is complex and incompletely understood due to the multiple interactions and cross-talk among system components. The human body has some 100 trillion cells, which in the healthy state coordinate their actions through an exchange of chemical signals to maintain body homeostasis. Every cell phenotype secretes signaling proteins that influence their own behavior (autocrine) or the behavior of other neighboring cells (paracrine) through interactions with specific transmembrane receptors located in the cellular membrane. Currently, a great deal of research is directed towards improving our understanding of intercellular communication and the intracellular transduction of these signals; in the field of regenerative medicine, this knowledge will help to disentangle the mysteries of tissue repair and to achieve proper tissue repair and regeneration. Moreover, to reach this goal we must integrate all the information and understanding derived from basic research into novel therapies that yield quicker and more efficient tissue regeneration. Within the last decade, the development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technology has emerged. The impact of the discoveries regarding the potential of PRP healing has fueled the optimism about autologous regenerative medicine. Indeed, the emergence and application of PRP technology, i.e., autologous molecular pool, has revolutionized the field of regenerative medicine in part due to the repair capacities of growth factors (GFs) and cytokines secreted by platelets. The easy preparation protocols, biosafety and versatility of PRP preparations have stimulated translational research and interest by both the scientific and medical communities. PRP therapies represent a major breakthrough in the treatment of many medical conditions and are currently one of the hottest topics in regenerative medicine because of their important implications for our future health.