Factors affecting the quantity and quality of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-derived growth factor-BB: an observational study

Abstract Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) releases growth factors upon activation, which in turn accelerates healing and regeneration of the target tissue. However, PRP composition may vary according to the patient's demographics, and wider applications of PRP warrant product standardization. The current study aimed to examine variables influencing the platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) concentration in PRP. Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Pathology and Dentistry at Swami Rama Himalayan University, a tertiary care hospital in northern India from December 2016 to November 2017. PRP was prepared from 40 mL of whole blood from 35 individuals (22 women, 13 men). Platelet counts, platelet indices (platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume) and PDGF-BB levels were measured, and platelet yield, platelet dose, and growth factor dose in PRP were also calculated. All parameters were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The association between PDGF-BB and PRP platelet count was evaluated using logistic regression. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU/HIMS/ETHICS/2016/103) on September 7, 2016. Results: The mean platelet count, PDGF-BB concentration, platelet yield, platelet dose, and growth factor dose in PRP were 1317 × 109/L, 30 ± 9.89ng/mL, 71.62 ± 28.34%, 6.5 ± 3.5 × 109, and 159.62 ± 52.39ng/mL, respectively. Linear regression analysis indicated that PRP platelet counts were a good predictor for PGDF-BB (P < 0.05; adjusted R2 = 0.96. PRP platelet count was significantly positively correlated with PDGF-BB concentration (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), platelet yield (r = 0.80, P < 0.001), platelet dose (r = 1, P < 0.001), and growth factor dose (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). Conclusions: PRP has wide clinical applications associated with its healing and regenerative properties, and both the quality and quantity of PRP thus need to be standardized as per the requirements. Evaluating variables affecting PRP will thus aid pathologists and clinical practitioners.