Clinical utility of growth factors and platelet-rich plasma in tissue regeneration: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Many elements are involved in the regenerative processof injured tissues, such as cytokines and growth factors. Growth factors contained in platelets represent an important physiological mixture of factors that may be involved in the healing process.

METHOD: A literature review on the role played by certain biomolecules, such as growth factors and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in the healing of different tissues and on their therapeutic use to promote this process was undertaken.

RESULTS: In this review, the authors found a great number of studies that showed the effect of growth factors and PRP in the regeneration of different tissues. Platelet-rich plasma is a natural source of growth factors and this has been successfully used in different clinical situations such as dentistry, plastic surgery, trauma and orthopedics, ocular surgery, gastroenterology, or skin ulcers. However, standardized protocol for its preparation and applicationhas yet to be established.

CONCLUSION: The authors recommend further research is required to establish the exact role of PRP in the treatment of tissue regeneration and to develop a standardized protocol for its use.