Is platelet-rich plasma treatment effective in healing of oral cavity wounds? Experimental animal study
Sedat Rüzgar1, Hasan Emre Koçak2, Zeki Tolga Bilece2, Funda Emre3, Mehmet Beyhan Balur3, Tülin Şentürk Ege1
1Bağcılar Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Kulak Burun Boğaz Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
2Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Kulak Burun Boğaz Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
3Bağcılar Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Patoloji Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
Keywords: Oral cavity, platelet-rich plasma, rat, wound healing.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the macroscopic and histopathological effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on healing of oral cavity wounds that were created in rats for experimental purposes.
METHODS: Forty-two female Wistar albino rats (age 2.5-3 months; weighing 250 g - 350 g) were included in the study. Six rats were selected for the preparation of PRP from their blood. The remaining 36 rats were anesthetized and a wound was opened in their palate. Rats were randomized into six groups. Each group contained six rats (3 for the PRP, 3 for the control groups). Platelet-rich plasma was injected into the margins of the wounds in the PRP group. Control group did not receive any application. Six rats from the PRP and control groups were sacrificed in the first, second and third weeks, their hard palates were photographed macroscopically, and histopathological examination was performed regarding the severity of the inflammation, neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation and collagen concentration. Each parameter was statistically analyzed after scoring.
RESULTS: Although the macroscopic wound area was significantly smaller in the PRP group compared to the control group in the first and second weeks (p<0.05), this significance disappeared in the third week (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the first and second weeks regarding the severity of inflammation, while in the third week, the severity of inflammation significantly improved in the PRP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In respect of neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen concentration, there was no significant difference between the PRP and control groups, but they showed a statistically significant increase in the PRP group compared to the control group in the second and third weeks (p<0.005).
CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich plasma application increased epithelization as a result of faster wound healing compared to regular wound healing in the wound area. It can be concluded that PRP application has positive histological and macroscopic effects on intraoral wound healing.