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

February 2017 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Pietro Gentile, John P. Cole, Megan A Cole, Simone Garcovich, Alessandra Bielli, Maria Giovanna Scioli, Augusto Orlandi, Chiara Insalaco, Valerio Cervelli

platelet-rich plasma PRP androgenetic alopecia AGA autologous PRP A-PRP calcium-activated PRP AA-PRP Regen device Arthrex device Arthrex Angel System male pattern hair loss MPHL hair density follicular unit density growth factors cytokines Regen Arthrex

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

The 2017 study assessed the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using different protocols and collection systems. The first protocol involved 18 participants who received non-activated autologous PRP (A-PRP) on one half of their head and a placebo on the other half. Results showed significant improvement in hair count and density in the A-PRP treated area compared to the placebo. The second protocol involved 6 participants treated with calcium-activated PRP (AA-PRP) using two different collection devices, with the Regen device showing better hair density outcomes than the Arthrex device. A separate analysis of 18 male patients with mild to moderate male pattern hair loss (MPHL) treated with AA-PRP prepared with the Arthrex Angel System showed significant increases in hair density and follicular unit density. The study concluded that A-PRP treatment is effective in improving hair growth and density, and that different PRP collection devices can affect the outcomes of AA-PRP treatment, with the Arthrex system potentially being more effective due to higher levels of growth factors.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

21 / 21 results

research Low-Level Laser Therapy as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

47 citations, April 2016 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-level laser therapy may improve hair regrowth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia, but more research is needed.

research Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review

101 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Different types of hair loss need specific treatments, and while many classification systems exist, each has its flaws; more research is needed to refine these systems and treatments.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations, September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair regrowth and thickness in patients with hair loss.

research A Review of Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations, September 2014 in “JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery”

Use finasteride, minoxidil, and follicular unit transplantation for hair loss treatment.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

183 citations, January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

AA-PRP injections effectively increase hair count and thickness for male pattern hair loss.

research Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Through a One-Year Period

164 citations, January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

PRP injections increase hair density and satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Female Pattern Alopecia: Current Perspectives

42 citations, August 2013 in “International Journal of Women's Health”

Female pattern hair loss is caused by multiple factors and while treatments like topical minoxidil, hormone therapy, and low-level light therapy can help, none can fully cure it.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth

270 citations, March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.

research Update on the Pathogenesis, Genetics, and Medical Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

19 citations, November 2010 in “PubMed”

New genetic insights have improved understanding of hair loss, leading to a new test and treatments, but more research is needed on the test and laser comb effectiveness.

research Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing 5% and 1% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Men

29 citations, July 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth than 1% minoxidil.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations, September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

251 citations, October 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals”

Using platelet plasma growth factors in baldness surgery can increase the number of hair follicles.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Pathogenesis and Potential for Therapy

174 citations, November 2002 in “Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine”

Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations, August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations, November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.

research Finasteride Increases Anagen Hair in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

129 citations, October 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Finasteride helps increase hair growth in men with hair loss.

research The Effects of Finasteride on Scalp Skin and Serum Androgen Levels in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

65 citations, October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair loss by decreasing androgen levels.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations, October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

research Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia with Minoxidil 2%

43 citations, November 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 2% effectively treats female hair loss, promoting growth and density.

research Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness: Effects of Discontinuation of Treatment

57 citations, July 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.

research Use of Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness

53 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 79 results

community Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Current Guidance and Unmet Needs

in Research/Science 3 upvotes 1 year ago

The review discusses traditional hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, and newer options like Low-Level Laser Therapy, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia. It highlights the need for more high-quality trials to assess these treatments' effectiveness and standardized protocols for emerging therapies.

community Most Recent Interesting Hairloss Studies: 10% Minox vs 5% Minox / Radio Rrequency Treatment for AA / Topical Ketoconazole / PRP+Minox vs Minox vs PRP / Alopecia as a systemic disease

in Treatment 87 upvotes 4 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma therapy with or without minoxidil, ketoconazole, non-abative radio frequency, natural products, finasteride and cortexolone 17 alpha propionate. The post evaluates the efficacy and safety of these treatments in various studies.

community Evidenced Based Meta-Analyses and Systemic Reviews of Androgenic Alopecia and Treatments

in Research/Science 15 upvotes 4 years ago

Evidence-based treatments for androgenic alopecia, such as minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma, and topical ketoconazole. It discusses the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of these treatments, as well as future developments in understanding this polygenic condition.

community SCUBE3 and GT20029 could be the closet thing to a cure: Hair Follicle Regeneration and Protection Against DHT

in Research/Science 15 upvotes 1 year ago

SCUBE3 and GT20029 are potential treatments for hair loss, with SCUBE3 stimulating hair growth and GT20029 protecting against DHT. A combined approach using SCUBE3, finasteride or dutasteride, and later GT20029 could provide a comprehensive treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

in Treatment 42 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

Related Research

5 / 5 results

Sisaipho Alopecia Areata Treated With Tofacitinib and Oral Minoxidil

research The Changing Patterns of Hair Density and Thickness in South Korean Women with Hair Loss: Clinical Office-Based Phototrichogram Analysis

41 citations, December 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

South Korean women with hair loss have lower hair density and thickness compared to healthy women.