Estimation and comparison of platelet derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in platelet rich fibrin in healthy volunteers

Abstract

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a 2nd generation platelet concentrate. It contains high levels of growth factors. It is used in various fields such as Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Dentistry, and Cosmetic and Maxillofacial surgery. newlineObjectives: (i) To estimate the levels of Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in platelet rich fibrin (PRF); (ii) To compare the levels of these two growth factors in PRF derived from volunteers of different age groups (Group A- 18-27 years, Group B- 28-65 years) newlineMaterials and methods: Samples were collected from 28 healthy subjects who have consented. Subjects were divided into 2 groups depending on the age: Group A- 18 to 27 years and group B- 28 to 65 years. In each age group, 14 samples were collected. PRF preparation- 10ml of whole blood is collected without anticoagulant and is centrifuged at 700 g for 12 minutes. The PRF clot is formed in the middle of the tube, just between a jelly-like red blood cell layer at the bottom and serum at the top. The PRF clot formed is then transferred into another tube and then centrifuged at 10,000 g for 15 minutes for obtaining the PRF releasate. The PRF releasate was transferred to labelled Eppendorf tubes and was frozen at -800C. Estimation of PDGF and VEGF was done using ELISA method. The values obtained in each age groups were compared. newlineResults: The mean concentrations of both PDGF and VEGF were more in group A compared to those in group B. However, the difference in the concentration of PDGF is not statistically significant. newlineConclusion: This novel study gives us an insight into the concentration of growth factors (PDGF and VEGF) in PRF and the variation of the same in different age groups which will help us to improve the clinical methodology in the treatment using PRF. One of the major advantages of PRF is its autologous nature, and the difference in concentration of these two factors between these two age groups observed in this study supports the use of allogenous PRF from younger donors in treatment of older patients. newlineThe average concentration levels of growth factors found in group A (18 to 27 years) are higher than group B (28-65 years). This proves that younger persons have more growth factor concentration than older persons. newlineKey words: ELISA, Platelet rich fibrin, PDGF, platelet concentrate, VEGF newline