Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Stem Cell Treatment - anAttempt to Clarify a Common Public Misconception

May 2023 in “ Current Molecular Medicine ”

Ismail M. Fareez, Fong Fong Liew, Darius Widera, Naiyareen Mayeen, Jannatul Mawya, Noor Hayaty Abu Kasim, Nazmul Haque, Nazmul Haque

TLDR PRP is not a stem cell treatment and should not be marketed as such.

The document clarifies a common misconception that equates platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with stem cell-based therapies. While PRP is popular for its regenerative potential in treating musculoskeletal and dermatological disorders, it only provides growth factors and cannot replace lost cells, unlike stem cell therapies. The document emphasizes that PRP should not be marketed as a stem cell treatment and calls for regulatory oversight to prevent misleading claims by commercial entities offering regenerative therapies.

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Research cited in this study

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research A Split Scalp Study of Single Versus Double Spin Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical Effect and Relation to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in PRP

1 citations , October 2021 in “QJM: An International Journal of Medicine”

Double-spin PRP is more effective for treating female hair loss than single-spin PRP.

research A Narrative Review of the Research Progress and Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma

10 citations , March 2021 in “Annals of palliative medicine”

PRP shows promise in healing but needs a standardized, safe preparation method.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020

848 citations , October 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP shows promise in treating joint and spine issues, but translating lab results to humans is challenging.

research Microtechnology-Based Methods for Organoid Models

223 citations , October 2020 in “Microsystems & Nanoengineering”

Microtechnology methods improve organoid production for medical research.

research Systematic Review: The Potential Implications of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Concentrations in Regenerative Medicine for Tissue Repair

115 citations , August 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

A PRP concentration of 1.0 × 10^6 plt/μL is best for tissue repair.

research Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma (AA-PRP) and Non-Activated (A-PRP) in Hair Growth: A Retrospective, Blinded, Randomized Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia

44 citations , February 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy”

PRP, especially AA-PRP, can help improve hair growth in androgenetic alopecia.

Impact of Different Preparation Methods to Obtain Autologous Non-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma and Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery: Wound Healing and Hair Regrowth Evaluation

research Impact of Different Preparation Methods to Obtain Autologous Non-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma and Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery: Wound Healing and Hair Regrowth Evaluation

58 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Different methods of preparing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can affect wound healing and hair regrowth in plastic surgery. Using a kit with specific standards helps isolate PRP that meets quality criteria. Non-Activated PRP and Activated PRP have varying effects depending on the tissue and condition treated. For hair regrowth, Non-Activated PRP increased hair density more than Activated PRP. Both treatments improved various aspects of scalp health.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Accelerates Skin Wound Healing by Promoting Re-Epithelialization

169 citations , January 2020 in “Burns & Trauma”

Platelet-rich plasma speeds up skin wound healing.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma: The Ultimate Secret for Youthful Skin Elixir and Hair Growth Triggering

55 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma, taken from a person's own blood, can help rejuvenate skin, stimulate hair growth, and treat hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

research A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

348 citations , July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations , February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP treatment improves hair growth, and the device used can affect results, with some being more effective.

research Epithelial Stem Cells: Turning Over New Leaves

508 citations , February 2007 in “Cell”

Epithelial stem cells are crucial for tissue renewal and repair, and understanding them could improve treatments for damage and cancer.

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Conditioned media from mesenchymal stem cell cultures could be a more effective alternative for regenerative therapies, but more research is needed.