Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation blood concentrate that serves as an autologous approach for both soft and hard tissue regeneration. It provides a scaffold for cell interaction and promotes the local release of growth factors. PRF has been investigated as an alternative to bone tissue therapy, with the potential to expedite wound healing and bone regeneration, though the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. This review aims to explore the in vitro evidence of PRF’s effects on the behavior of mineralizing cells related to bone tissue regeneration. A systematic electronic search was conducted up to August 2023, utilizing three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 76 studies were selected, which presented in vitro evidence of PRF’s usefulness, either alone or in conjunction with other biomaterials, for bone tissue treatment. PRF membranes’ influence on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of bone cells is linked to the constant release of growth factors, resulting in changes in crucial markers of bone cell metabolism and behavior. This further reinforces their therapeutic potential in wound healing and bone regeneration. While there are some notable differences among the studies, the overall results suggest a positive effect of PRF on cell proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and a reduction in inflammation. This points to its therapeutic potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Collectively, these findings may help enhance our understanding of how PRF impacts basic physiological processes in bone and mineralized tissue.
This study assessed the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L–PRF) on soft tissue healing and the correlation with the local concentration of growth factors (GF) and cytokines in the dental socket of lower third molars. Forty lower-third molars (20 participants) were included in this randomized, double-blinded, split-mouth study. After extractions, randomized sides received alveolar filling with L–PRF on one side and a natural blood clot on the other side. The pain was assessed for up to seven days and soft tissue healing (Landry index) for 14 days post-extraction. Swabs were collected from the surgical sites for GF and cytokine assessment by flow luminometry. Participants reported lower postoperative pain on the sides grafted with L–PRF, which also presented increased tissue healing scores (p < 0.05). There were increased levels of all GFs and several cytokines at the L–PRF site at day one, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL–10, and IL1–RA remained higher throughout for seven days (p < 0.05). VEGF concentration at L–PRF sites correlated positively with the participants’ blood platelet content (ρ = 0.769). PDGF correlated negatively with pain experience on days 2 and 3, and positively with soft tissue healing scores, while FGFb presented a weak correlation with a reduction of pain on day 3. The use of L–PRF improves the soft tissue healing process and decreases postoperative pain after the third molar extractions, which correlates with an increase in the local concentration of growth factors such as PDGF and FGFb.
Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF), a second-generation blood concentrate, offers a versatile structure for bone regeneration due to its composition of fibrin, growth factors, and cytokines, with adaptations like denatured albumin-enriched with liquid PRF (Alb-PRF), showing potential for enhanced stability and growth factor dynamics. Researchers have also explored the combination of PRF with other biomaterials, aiming to create a three-dimensional framework for enhanced cell recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation in bone repair studies. This study aimed to evaluate a combination of Alb-PRF with nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres (Alb-ncHA-PRF), and how this association affects the release capacity of growth factors and immunomodulatory molecules, and its impact on the behavior of MG63 human osteoblast-like cells. Alb-PRF membranes were prepared and associated with nanocarboapatite (ncHA) microspheres during polymerization. MG63 cells were exposed to eluates of both membranes to assess cell viability, proliferation, mineralization, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The ultrastructural analysis has shown that the spheres were shattered, and fragments were incorporated into both the fibrin mesh and the albumin gel of Alb-PRF. Alb-ncHA-PRF presented a reduced release of growth factors and cytokines when compared to Alb-PRF (p < 0.05). Alb-ncHA-PRF was able to stimulate osteoblast proliferation and ALP activity at lower levels than those observed by Alb-PRF and was unable to positively affect in vitro mineralization by MG63 cells. These findings indicate that the addition of ncHA spheres reduces the biological activity of Alb-PRF, impairing its initial effects on osteoblast behavior.
Good laboratory practices (GLP) increase the quality and traceability of results in health sciences research. However, factors such as high staff turnover, insufficient resources, and a lack of training for managers may limit their implementation in research and academic laboratories. This Scoping Review aimed to identify digital tools for managing academic health sciences and experimental medicine laboratories and their relationship with good practices. Following the PRISMA-ScR 2018 criteria, a search strategy was conducted until April 2021 in the databases PUBMED, Web of Sciences, and Health Virtual Library. A critical appraisal of the selected references was conducted, followed by data charting. The search identified twenty-one eligible articles, mainly originated from high-income countries, describing the development and/or implementation of thirty-two electronic management systems. Most studies described software functionalities, while nine evaluated and discussed impacts on management, reporting both improvements in the workflow and system limitations during implementation. In general, the studies point to a contribution to different management issues related to GLP principles. In conclusion, this review identified evolving evidence that digital laboratory management systems may represent important tools in compliance with the principles of good practices in experimental medicine and health sciences research.