Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy — a promising method for tissue repair/ /regeneration in many medical fields

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is commonly used in many medicinal fields and the interest in its application for management of numerous pathologies is recently growing. Platelets (PLT) contain physiologically active proteins called growth factors (GFs) that accelerate tissue regeneration. This process of tissue regeneration is stimulated through application of PRP prepared from autologous blood according to special protocol. The purpose of the protocol is to achieve high concentration of platelets within a small volume of plasma. PRP is a biological product with a platelet concentration above the baseline for the patient’s peripheral blood. The PRP therapy is based on autologous procedures therefore the risk of infection is remote although some clinical conditions preclude the use of PRP as it may induce adverse reactions. The procedure of PRP preparation is relatively inexpensive and can be performed quickly in the patient’s presence. In the literature of the subject there are wide variations in PRP definitions with reference to protocols of preparation, platelet concentration and activation as well as in the manner of application to injured tissue and finally in the assessment of therapy outcome. It is therefore difficult to compare and confirm the efficacy of PRP therapy used for the management of various diseases. Authors clearly emphasize the urgent need for standardizing protocols of PRP preparation and application in various disorders. Although in general PRP therapy is considered a promising method for treatment of tissue injuries, the lack of standardized preparation procedures and ways of PRP application raises numerous questions and controversies. The aim was to present review of literature related to the use of PRP and the mechanism of action of this blood derivative