Freeze-dried Platelet-rich Plasma and Stem Cell-conditioned Medium for Therapeutic Use in Horses.

The research article examines the use of freeze-dried Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and adipose stem cell-conditioned medium (ASC-CM) to enhance tissue healing in horses. The research finds that PRP and ASC-CM can be produced and maintained in freeze-dried form for 90 days without loss of quality effects.

Study Design and Analysis

• The researchers analyzed the quantities of Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in fresh and freeze-dried PRP and ASC-CM. PDGF and VEGF offer insight into the quality of PRP and ASC-CM, as they both play important roles in smoothing muscle cells, cell growth, division of cell, and formation of blood cells.
• The study conducted a stability assessment on freeze-dried samples at 90 and 180 days of storage, to comprehend the longevity of therapeutic substances.
• To evaluate the viability of cells in the reconstituted PRP, an experimental test for cell proliferation was performed using a culture of equine mesenchymal stem cells.

In Vivo Experiments

• The researchers conducted in vivo applications with PRP, ASC-CM, or a combination of both, in wound induced on horses, to determine the efficacy of these strategies for tissue healing.
• Horses were monitored via photographs, and wound areas were measured on set days after wound induction. This compared healing times amongst different treatments employed.
• Skin biopsies were obtained at two different timepoints during the experiment, which allowed for microscopic evaluation of tissue recovery.

Study Results

• PDGF and VEGF quantities did not show any noticeable difference between fresh and freeze-dried treatments. Furthermore, these measurements remained stable for 90 days post freeze-drying, but showed a considerable reduction after 180 days of storage.
• Regardless of the various treatments, no differences were observed in the histopathological evaluations, indicating that the treatments did not dramatically alter the microscopic structure of tissues.
• Significant differences were only recorded in inflammation parameters, fibroplasia, and collagen formation between the first and second biopsies.
• The cell proliferation test showed intense multiplication in the PRP gel mesh, suggesting that the PRP supported robust, cell growth. However, the time for healing was comparable across all treatments.

Key Conclusions of the Study

• The researchers concluded it’s possible to manufacture and preserve freeze-dried PRP and ASC-CM for up to 90 days. However, they indicated that more studies are essential to better understand the in vivo therapeutic effects of PRP and ASC-CM.