Platelet-Rich Plasma Contains High Concentrations of DKK1, A Potent Inhibitor of Wnt Signaling That Limits Bone Regeneration and Hair Growth

    Paul J. Kostenuik
    Image of study
    TLDR Platelet-rich plasma may not be very effective for bone healing and hair growth due to a substance it contains that blocks these processes.
    The document presents a study that found high concentrations of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which may inhibit Wnt signaling and consequently limit bone regeneration and hair growth. PRP is commonly used in regenerative medicine, but its effectiveness, particularly in bone healing, has been inconsistent. The study suggests that the high levels of DKK1 released from activated platelets in PRP could be responsible for this inconsistency, as DKK1 is known to inhibit osteogenesis and is overexpressed in bald scalp regions in androgenetic alopecia. The findings indicate that while PRP has beneficial growth factors, the presence of DKK1 might compromise its regenerative capabilities, and future research should consider strategies to mitigate the effects of DKK1 to enhance PRP's therapeutic potential.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 77 results

      community Do Platelet-rich plasma, PRP work?

      in Research/Science  14 upvotes 1 year ago
      Someone's brother tried Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair loss; it had minimal effect on hair but improved skin appearance. Microneedling at home was suggested as a more sustainable alternative.

      community Thoughts on platelet-rich plasma therapy

      in Treatment  3 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is expensive, painful, and often ineffective, with mixed reviews on its benefits. Alternatives like minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplants are suggested as more reliable options.

      community Why can't you drink caffeine after PRP?

      in Treatment  9 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses avoiding caffeine after Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment for hair loss because caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which can reduce blood flow and hinder the healing process that PRP aims to promote.

      community I just made my own PRP - DIY PRP

      in Research/Science  549 upvotes 1 year ago
      The post and conversation are about a user who made their own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair loss treatment at home, using their own blood and a centrifuge. The responses vary, with some users supporting the DIY approach to save money, others expressing concern about the safety and effectiveness of the method, and a few joking about the lengths people will go to combat hair loss.

      community Anyone have PRP/Exosome results to share?

      in Treatment  3 upvotes 1 year ago
      Considering alternative treatments to hair loss, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosome therapy, instead of using medications like minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride.

      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  90 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.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results