[Frontiers in Bioscience E3, 96-107, January 1, 2011]

Lights and shadows concerning platelet products for musculoskeletal regeneration

Matilde Tschon1, Milena Fini1,2 Roberto Giardino1, Giuseppe Filardo3, Dante Dallari4, Paola Torricelli1, Lucia Martini1, Gianluca Giavaresi1, Elizaveta Kon3, Maria Cristina Maltarello5, Andrea Nicolini6, Angelo Carpi6

1Laboratory of Surgical and Preclinical Studies, Research Institute Codivilla Putti-Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy, 2Specialized Centre "Preclinical Studies on Innovative Technological and Therapeutical Strategies", Research Institute Codivilla Putti-Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy, 3Laboratory of Biomechanics, Research Institute Codivilla Putti-Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy, 4 Struttura Complessa Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica I,  Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy, 5Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Research Institute Codivilla Putti-Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy ,6Department of Reproduction and Ageing, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Plt Number, GFs, Other Molecules And Cell Type Content
4. PRP Preparation Methods
5. PRP Activation Methods
6. Inter- And Intra-Species Variability
7. Type Of Tissue And Lesion Site
8. Mode And Delivery Time
9. Combined Biomaterials
10. Conclusions
11. Acknowledgement
12. References

1. ABSTRACT

Various types of platelet (PLT) products, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Gel (PG), derived from autologous peripheral blood, have been used for tissue repair. The good clinical outcomes, due mainly to their safety and Growth Factor (GF) content, have led to a wide use of PLT products in many fields of medicine. However, until now the existing literature adds controversies to the use of PLT concentrates. When talking about PLTs and their products, a great number of variables have to be considered. These variables are mainly related to PRP preparation methods, the type of activators, intra- and inter-species variability, types of pathology to be treated, the ways and times of administration and the association of PRP or PG with other treatments. This review considers and discusses these causes of variability with particular attention to orthopaedic implications. The possibility of improving the knowledge on variables affecting therapeutic efficacy will surely help in addressing the best combination of factors implied in the different steps of PLT concentrate preparation and use.