A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

July 2017 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Rubina Alves, Ramón Grimalt

platelet-rich plasma PRP alopecia growth factors cytokines tissue regeneration wound healing skin rejuvenation platelet activation DEPA classification system

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.

The 2017 document reviews Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), highlighting its potential in dermatology for tissue regeneration, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and treating alopecia. PRP, a high concentration of platelets obtained from the patient's blood, contains growth factors and cytokines that aid in cell processes beneficial for hair growth. The review discusses the history and biological aspects of PRP, including the debate on platelet activation and the lack of consensus on the best preparation method. Various PRP classifications are mentioned, with the DEPA classification system focusing on platelet dose, efficiency, purity, and activation. The document underscores the need for more randomized controlled trials to confirm PRP's efficacy in alopecia treatment and calls for standardization in PRP preparation to improve research interpretation.

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Research cited in this study

17 / 17 results

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Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

136 citations, April 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: A Critical Appraisal of the Literature

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Platelet-rich plasma may have some benefits in dermatology, but there's not enough evidence to widely recommend its use.

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Platelet preparations generally show positive effects on wound healing and facial rejuvenation, but more thorough research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

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Platelet-rich plasma might help with skin aging, ulcers, and hair loss, but more research is needed to prove its effectiveness and safety.

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Certain growth factors can promote hair growth in mice by activating hair growth-related proteins.

research Potential Targets in the Discovery of New Hair Growth Promoters for Androgenic Alopecia

59 citations, May 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

The document concludes that targeting 5α-reductase, the androgen receptor, and hair growth genes, along with using compounds with anti-androgenic properties, could lead to more effective hair loss treatments.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: Boon or Bane?

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Platelet-rich plasma might help with hair growth and skin conditions, but more research is needed to prove its effectiveness and safety.

research Epithelial Wnt Ligand Secretion Is Required for Adult Hair Follicle Growth and Regeneration

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Wnt ligands are crucial for hair growth and repair.

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

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

research Enhanced Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing a New Carrier on Hair Growth

166 citations, September 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.

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 Fibroblast Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor in Hair Development

28 citations, July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

research Fibroblast Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor in Hair Development

39 citations, July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

FGF and EGF are crucial for hair follicle development and growth.

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A user diagnosed with AGA is seeking advice on hair loss treatments, comparing topical Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and Finasteride to oral medications and natural methods like dermastamping, PRP, and LED light. They are concerned about side effects and effectiveness, especially given their existing fatigue.

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research Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia

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All types of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can treat hair loss, but homologous PRP works best due to its higher platelet count and growth factors from multiple donors.