The Well-Forgotten Old: Platelet-Rich Plasma in Modern Anti-Aging Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining attention in regenerative and anti-aging medicine due to its potential to release growth factors and cytokines that aid in tissue regeneration and inflammation modulation. Despite its promise, PRP therapy faces challenges such as inconsistent clinical results, lack of standardization in preparation, and insufficient efficacy data. It is used in treating musculoskeletal diseases, esthetic skin issues, and postoperative scars, with over 900 clinical trials registered. PRP's effectiveness is linked to platelet concentration, which releases over 600 bioactive components upon activation, promoting processes like collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. However, the need for standardized methodologies and further research into its therapeutic efficacy remains critical. PRP has shown promise in reducing inflammation and fibrosis in conditions like knee osteoarthritis and post-traumatic joint contracture in mouse models. It is used in treating tendons, ligaments, muscles, and osteoarthritis, with mixed results. PRP has shown promise in reducing periorbital dark circles and wrinkles, and in treating erectile dysfunction, with a 69% improvement compared to placebo. For androgenetic alopecia, PRP is effective but comparable to minoxidil, with a higher incidence of side effects. Overall, while PRP presents a promising treatment option across various conditions, further research is needed to optimize its use and understand its long-term effects.