The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Type I Collagen Production, VEGF Expression, and Neovascularization after Femoral Bone Implants: A Study on Rat Models.

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains many growth factors, such as FGF, which induces the production of type I collagen, and VEGF, which induces neovascularization, all of which are important in bone healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PRP administration on type I collagen production, VEGF expression, and neovascularization in rat models following femoral bone implants using K-wire.

Methods: An experimental randomized control study was conducted on 24 white male rats () in the Wistar strain that underwent K-wire implantation, where PRP was administered to the treatment groups. The amount of type I collagen was measured by immunohistochemistry VEGF expression using sandwich ELISA, and neovascularization by histopathological examination.

Results: The amount of type I collagen in the treatment group (50->150/field of view) was significantly higher than the control group (0-99/field of view; =0.003). VEGF expression in the treatment groups was significantly higher than controls: 10.90±4.47 and 2.29±0.92, respectively (=0.006). Mean number of new vessels formed on fibrotic capsules in the treatment groups was significantly (=0.007) higher than the control groups (2.69±1.03 vs 0.67±0.52).

Conclusion: The use of PRP significantly increased type I collagen production, VEGF expression, and neovascularization in rat models, elucidating the potential of PRP to be used in clinical settings to enhance the bone-healing process.