Activated Platelets, a Miracle Cure

Background and Aim: In this modern era, regenerative medicine isconsidered as a popular and of great interest in the western countries,because of the increasing aging population. There is a great hope onthe regenerative medicine, which is believed to be a robust strategy inimproving organ dysfunction and delaying tissue degeneration. In thisfield, the early studies have mainly focused on the production of stemcells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in order to recreate compatibletissues in vitro to be used as replacing patches in the human body invivo. Although some studies have been promising, they remain associatedwith several problems, including (i) high production cost, (ii) poor clinicalresults, (iii) necessity of repeated infusions of undifferentiated cells.Methods: Of note, some recent studies have concentrated on theshedding and culture medium of stem cells (so-called secretome), whichhave the potential of stimulating mesenchymal cells of our bodies. Havinused a simple comparison, it can be suggested that the secretome couldbe considered a good-stock that could cure a designated patientmuch better than the beef-piece (the cultured stem cells). Basically,the haemo-component include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poorplasma (PPP), platelet gel (PG), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), serum eye drops(E-S) and PRP eye drops (E- PRP), are rich in growth factors (VEGF, PDGF,TGF beta 1. It can be used not only as transfusional system but alsoto promote soft/hard tissue regeneration in vivo by potentiating existingmesenchymal stem cells, without requiring the use of artificial tissues. Inaddition to regenerative properties, some of these elements (e.g., PG) hasalso anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and anti-bacterial impactsagainst some microorganisms.Results: We report on a series of patients treated at Bolznao hospital,Italy. Three dramatic cases of wounds in oncohaematological patientswere identified and treated using PG. An exhaustive documentation ofall cases is reported, including Case#1 deals with a case of skin damagepost for a breast cancer; Case #2 deals with a laterocervicalis abscessand jaw osteonecrosis; and Case # 3 deals with severe oral mucositispost ASCT. Furthermore, we discussed additional cases (e.g., decubituswith infected wounds).Conclusion: Randomized studies are needed to establish the differenceand the best efficacy of PG and CBPG. Furthermore, early studies byCalabrese et al (personal communication), have shown that PG couldfacilitate bone grafting in maxillofacial surgery. This would furthersupport the overall idea that secretome and secretome-like substances may be the holy water of Regenerative Medicine.

Keywords:

Cord blood platelet gel , Platelet gel , Chronic wounds , Aplasia , Mesenchymal stem cells , Growth factor