Expansion of Human Dermal Papilla Cells for Clinical Applications Using Human Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Substitute for Fetal Bovine Serum

This study explores the use of human platelet-rich plasma (hPRP) as a substitute for fetal bovine serum (FBS) in expanding human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) for hair restoration therapies. Conducted with four healthy male volunteers, the research found that hPRP significantly enhances hDPC proliferation and shortens population doubling time compared to FBS. It also increases the expression of genes related to hair-inductive capacity and results in more regenerated hair follicles in vivo, although no visible hair outgrowth was observed. The study suggests that hPRP is a viable and potentially safer alternative to FBS for expanding hDPCs in clinical applications for hair loss treatment, emphasizing the role of heparin in hPRP preparation to enhance proliferation and prevent fibrin clot formation.