Abstract

Introduction: The clinical potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has prompted extensive research into its composition and mechanisms of action in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the cellular profiles and growth factor concentrations of PRP prepared using three commercially available kits (designated A, B, and C).

Methods: PRP was isolated from fifteen healthy volunteers. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess differences between baseline hematological parameters and post-processing values. Subsequently, the cellular and growth factor content of the respective preparations were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Our findings indicate significant heterogeneity in the cellular and growth factor profiles of PRP isolated using the three kits. Specifically, the white blood cell (WBC) concentration in PRP isolated using Kit B was significantly higher than that observed in preparations from Kits A and C. Although all three kits demonstrated a significant increase in platelet concentrations relative to baseline, the fold-increases varied: 1.61-fold (Kit A), 3.04-fold (Kit B), and 1.35-fold (Kit C). Regarding growth factor concentrations, significantly elevated levels of PDGF-AA, bFGF, and TGF-β1 were observed in PRP isolated using Kit B compared to Kits A or C; conversely, PDGF-BB and IGF-1 values were comparable across all groups.

Conclusion: These variations demonstrate that disparities in PRP preparation protocols directly influence the cellular and molecular composition of the final product. While each kit successfully concentrated platelets, characterizing these differences in cellular and growth factor content is essential for optimizing treatment efficacy. Tailoring PRP preparation protocols to achieve specific cellular and growth factor profiles may be necessary to optimize outcomes for distinct clinical applications. Further investigation into the standardization of PRP preparation for specific therapeutic indications is warranted.