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

    January 2023 in “ Journal of orthopedics & bone disorders ”
    Paul J. Kostenuik
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    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.
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