The Utility of Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Alopecia

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) showed promise for treating alopecia due to its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. PRP contained growth factors like PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, and IGF, which contributed to hair regrowth by binding to receptors on hair follicle stem cells and promoting various cellular processes. Despite the unclear necessity of platelet activation, PRP's effectiveness was observed even with low growth factor concentrations. Clinical trials indicated that different PRP preparations could yield varying results in hair growth, suggesting that factors beyond growth factor concentration influenced outcomes. PRP also upregulated signaling pathways and proteins involved in hair growth and prolonged the anagen phase.