What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction? platelet rich fibrin matrix injections for treatment of common genitourologic conditions
Platelet-derived therapies are a growing trend across multiple medical and surgical specialties . Evidence suggests that platelets play an important role in tissue repair, vascular remodeling and inflammatory and immune responses through secretion of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines . These biologically active proteins include transforming growth factor-β, platelet-derived growth factor, platelet-derived epithelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, as well as many others . These growth factors are implicated in many aspects of natural wound healing, including chemotaxis, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and angiogenesis. They also control and conduct synthesis, modification and degeneration of extracellular matrix proteins. Coordination of these cellular and molecular processes is integral to proper wound healing and tissue regeneration . The key role of platelets in these processes makes them an attractive candidate for therapies aimed at accelerating natural healing.
One of the most well described platelet-based therapies is autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) . PRP is derived from the centrifugation of whole blood with a separator gel to remove the red and white blood cells. The resulting supernatant has a greater than four-fold increase in platelets and other plasma proteins . This concentrate is then administered via injection. Newer strategies to prolong the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of platelets have focused on creating a fibrin matrix (platelet rich fibrin matrix, PRFM) to bind the platelets and prevent extravasation from the site of injection, thereby addressing the concern of early washout with PRP . In addition, PRFM offers a potential scaffold for tissue ingrowth and may allow continued release of platelet-related factors for a longer duration.
Autologous blood-based biomaterials are promising therapeutic options for varied pathology. Rapid generation of therapeutic material following collection allows for point-of-care therapy . Furthermore, an autologous therapy avoids the need for immunosuppression and eliminates concern of rejection. There are numerous conditions where tissue regeneration is desirable.
