Integrated proteomics highlights functional activation induced by advanced-platelet rich fibrin plus (A-PRF +) in primary equine fibroblasts.
Abstract: Wounds are common in equine practice, and often lead to complications such as infections, delayed healing and hypertrophic scarring, which can be costly and difficult to manage. Developing affordable and effective treatments has become an increasingly important focus in veterinary research. Equine advanced-platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+) demonstrates regenerative properties comparable to its human counterpart, but cellular-level investigations exploring its molecular mechanisms remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of equine A-PRF + on primary fibroblast cell cultures. The secretome analysis of A-PRF + revealed a complex protein profile involved in matrix remodelling, cell proliferation, and inflammation. Treatment with this platelet concentrate resulted in increased cell proliferation, enhanced migration, and significant changes in cell cycle progression compared to control groups. Reactive oxygen species production and organelles metabolism stimulation were observed, indicating active cellular responses, as well as an increase in genes and proteins associated with cell proliferation and wound regeneration. Proteomic analysis of treated fibroblasts confirmed the differential expression of key proteins associated with extracellular matrix dynamics and tissue regeneration processes. These findings provide insights into the molecular profile and functional responses of equine fibroblasts exposed to A-PRF + , contributing to our understanding of its cellular effects, supporting further exploration of this product in regenerative medicine applications.
© 2025. The Author(s).
Publication Date: 2025-05-23 PubMed ID: 40410219PubMed Central: PMC12102165DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-01820-7Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article investigates the regenerative properties and molecular mechanisms of equine advanced-platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+) on primary fibroblast cell cultures to improve the treatment process for wounds in equines.
Objective of the Research
- The study aims to explore the cellular effects of equine A-PRF+ on primary fibroblast cell cultures, a specific type of cell associated with wound healing and tissue regeneration processes. It also aims to understand the molecular mechanisms triggering these effects, thereby improving wound healing in equines.
Methodology
- To analyze the effects of A-PRF+, the researchers conducted a secretome analysis which revealed a complex protein profile involved in various key processes such as cell proliferation, matrix remodelling and inflammation.
- A-PRF+ was then applied to primary fibroblast cell cultures as a treatment. The progression of cell proliferation, migration and cell cycles were compared with control groups to assess the effects of the treatment.
Findings
- The A-PRF+ treatment led to increased cell proliferation and enhanced migration, indicating its positive effects on the growth and mobility of cells. Significant alterations were observed in cell cycle progression, implicating that A-PRF+ could accelerate the cell division and growth necessary for wound healing.
- On a cellular level, the production of reactive oxygen species and stimulation of organelles’ metabolism were notable. These processes are typically activated in response to cell damage, suggesting that A-PRF+ may potentially improve the cells’ ability to repair and recover.
- A significant increase in the expression of genes and proteins associated with cell proliferation and wound regeneration was recorded after the treatment with A-PRF+. Proteomic analysis highlighted the varied expression of key proteins involved in maintaining the structure and function of tissues (extracellular matrix dynamics) and tissue regeneration processes.
Implications
- The results offer valuable insights into the molecular profile and functional responses of equine cells exposed to A-PRF+, thereby contributing to a better understanding of its cellular effects. The findings support the benefits of A-PRF+ in promoting critical processes pertinent to wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- Given the positive outcomes, this study opens avenues for further exploration of A-PRF+ in regenerative medicine applications, thereby potentially improving the treatment processes for wounds in equines.
Cite This Article
APA
Miranda MR, Montano C, Golino V, de Chiara M, Del Prete C, Pepe G, De Biase D, Ciaglia T, Bertamino A, Campiglia P, Sommella E, Vestuto V, Pasolini MP.
(2025).
Integrated proteomics highlights functional activation induced by advanced-platelet rich fibrin plus (A-PRF +) in primary equine fibroblasts.
Sci Rep, 15(1), 18021.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01820-7 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- National PhD Program in "RNA Therapeutics and Gene Therapy", Napoli, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy. vvestuto@unisa.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Fibroblasts / metabolism
- Fibroblasts / drug effects
- Fibroblasts / cytology
- Proteomics / methods
- Cell Proliferation / drug effects
- Platelet-Rich Fibrin / metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Wound Healing / drug effects
- Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
- Cell Movement / drug effects
- Proteome
Grant Funding
- CUP: J97G22000400006 / Project IR0000028-"Pathogen readiness platform for CERIC-ERIC Upgrade" PRP@CERIC
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
References
This article includes 92 references
- Naik B, Karunakar P, Jayadev M, Marshal VR. Role of Platelet rich fibrin in wound healing: A critical review.. J. Conserv. Dent. 16, 284–293 (2013).
- Buonocore M et al. Exploiting the features of short peptides to recognize specific cell surface markers.. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24, 15610 (2023).
- Song P, He D, Ren S, Fan L, Sun J. Platelet-rich fibrin in dentistry.. J. Appl. Biomater. Funct. Mater. .
- Crisci A et al. Standardized protocol proposed for clinical use of L-PRF and the use of L-PRF Wound Box®.. J. Unexplored Med. Data. 2, 77–87 (2017).
- Masuki H et al. Growth factor and pro-inflammatory cytokine contents in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF), and concentrated growth factors (CGF).. Int. J. Implant Dent. 2, 19 (2016).
- Pavlovic V, Ciric M, Jovanovic V, Trandafilovic M, Stojanovic P. Platelet-rich fibrin: Basics of biological actions and protocol modifications.. Open Med. (Wars) 16, 446–454 (2021).
- Narayanaswamy R et al. Evolution and clinical advances of platelet-rich fibrin in musculoskeletal regeneration.. Bioengineering 10, 58 (2023).
- Stefanescu A et al. Assessing the effectiveness of A-PRF+ for treating periodontal defects: A prospective interventional pilot study involving smokers.. Medicina 60, 1897 (2024).
- Pitzurra L, Jansen IDC, de Vries TJ, Hoogenkamp MA, Loos BG. Effects of L-PRF and A-PRF+ on periodontal fibroblasts in in vitro wound healing experiments.. J. Periodontal. Res. 55, 287–295 (2020).
- Santos Pereira VB, Barbirato DDS, Lago CAPD, Vasconcelos BCDE. The effect of advanced platelet-rich fibrin in tissue regeneration in reconstructive and graft surgery: Systematic review.. J. Craniofac. Surg. 34, 1217–1221 (2023).
- Liu YH et al. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) has an impact on the initial healing of gingival regeneration after tooth extraction.. J. Oral Biosci. 64, 141–147 (2022).
- Kosmidis K, Ehsan K, Pitzurra L, Loos B, Jansen I. An in vitro study into three different PRF preparations for osteogenesis potential.. J. Periodontal. Res. 58, 483–492 (2023).
- Ghanaati S et al. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin: A new concept for cell-based tissue engineering by means of inflammatory cells.. J. Oral Implantol. 40, 679–689 (2014).
- Caston SS. Wound care in horses.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 28, 83–100 (2012).
- Spink J, Moyer DC. Defining the public health threat of food fraud.. J. Food Sci. 76, R157–R163 (2011).
- Wang X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Miron RJ. Fluid platelet-rich fibrin stimulates greater dermal skin fibroblast cell migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis when compared to platelet-rich plasma.. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 18, 2004–2010 (2019).
- Dachlan I et al. The effect of platelet-rich fibrin on normal dermal fibroblast proliferation after mitomycin-c treatment: An in vitro study.. Ann. Med. Surg. (Lond.) 62, 473–476 (2021).
- Marescal O, Cheeseman IM. Cellular mechanisms and regulation of quiescence.. Dev. Cell 55, 259–271 (2020).
- Pagliara V et al. Myogenesis in C2C12 cells requires phosphorylation of ATF6α by p38 MAPK.. Biomedicines 11, 1457 (2023).
- Matsuzaki S et al. Physiological ER stress mediates the differentiation of fibroblasts.. PLoS ONE 10, e0123578 (2015).
- Miron RJ et al. Injectable platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF): Opportunities in regenerative dentistry?. Clin. Oral Investig. 21, 2619–2627 (2017).
- Farooq M, Khan AW, Kim MS, Choi S. The role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in tissue repair and regeneration.. Cells 10, 3242 (2021).
- Kajanne R et al. EGF-R regulates MMP function in fibroblasts through MAPK and AP-1 pathways.. J. Cell Physiol. 212, 489–497 (2007).
- Ruangpanit N et al. Gelatinase A (MMP-2) activation by skin fibroblasts: Dependence on MT1-MMP expression and fibrillar collagen form.. Matrix Biol. 20, 193–203 (2001).
- Johnson BZ, Stevenson AW, Prêle CM, Fear MW, Wood FM. The role of IL-6 in skin fibrosis and cutaneous wound healing.. Biomedicines 8, 101 (2020).
- Balaji S et al. Interleukin-10-mediated regenerative postnatal tissue repair is dependent on regulation of hyaluronan metabolism via fibroblast-specific STAT3 signaling.. FASEB J. 31, 868–881 (2017).
- Li Y et al. HB-EGF-induced IL-8 secretion from airway epithelium leads to lung fibroblast proliferation and migration.. BMC Pulm. Med. 21, 347 (2021).
- Hamill KJ et al. Alpha actinin-1 regulates cell-matrix adhesion organization in keratinocytes: Consequences for skin cell motility.. J. Invest. Dermatol. 135, 1043–1052 (2015).
- Dias HB, de Oliveira JR, Donadio MVF, Kimura S. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate prevents pulmonary fibrosis by regulating extracellular matrix deposition and inducing phenotype reversal of lung myofibroblasts.. PLoS ONE 14, e0222202 (2019).
- Liang ZH et al. GLI family zinc finger protein 2 promotes skin fibroblast proliferation and DNA damage repair by targeting the miR-200/ataxia telangiectasia mutated axis in diabetic wound healing.. Kaohsiung J. Med. Sci. 40, 422–434 (2024).
- Kwon Y. YAP/TAZ as molecular targets in skeletal muscle atrophy and osteoporosis.. Aging Dis. 16, 299–320 (2024).
- Manganelli V et al. Role of ERLINs in the control of cell fate through lipid rafts.. Cells 10, 2408 (2021).
- Soares CS, Babo PS, Faria S, Pires MA, Carvalho PP. Standardized Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) from canine and feline origin: An analysis on its secretome pattern and architectural structure.. Cytokine 148, 155695 (2021).
- Al-Sharabi N et al. Proteomic analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells secretome in comparison to leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin.. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24, 13057 (2023).
- Yaprak E, Kasap M, Akpinar G, Islek EE, Sinanoglu A. Abundant proteins in platelet-rich fibrin and their potential contribution to wound healing: An explorative proteomics study and review of the literature.. J. Dent. Sci. 13, 386–395 (2018).
- Takaya K, Okabe K, Ishigami A. Actin cable formation and epidermis–dermis positional relationship during complete skin regeneration.. Sci. Rep. 12, 15913 (2022).
- Gurtner GC, Werner S, Barrandon Y, Longaker MT. Wound repair and regeneration.. Nature 453, 314–321 (2008).
- Vondriska TM, Pass JM, Ping P. Scaffold proteins and assembly of multiprotein signaling complexes.. J. Mol. Cell Cardiol. 37, 391–397 (2004).
- Tracy LE, Minasian RA, Caterson EJ. Extracellular matrix and dermal fibroblast function in the healing wound.. Adv. Wound Care 5(3), 119–136 (2016).
- Jolly LA et al. Fibroblast-mediated collagen remodeling within the tumor microenvironment facilitates progression of thyroid cancers driven by BrafV600E and Pten loss.. Cancer Res. 76, 1804–1813 (2016).
- Engström W, Ward A, Moorwood K. The role of scaffold proteins in JNK signalling.. Cell Prolif. 43, 56–66 (2010).
- Tang DD, Gerlach BD. The roles and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, intermediate filaments and microtubules in smooth muscle cell migration.. Respir. Res. 18, 54 (2017).
- Etienne-Manneville S. Actin and microtubules in cell motility: Which one is in control?. Traffic 5, 470–477 (2004).
- Nobes CD, Hall A. Rho, rac, and cdc42 GTPases regulate the assembly of multimolecular focal complexes associated with actin stress fibers, lamellipodia, and filopodia.. Cell 81, 53–62 (1995).
- Spiering D, Hodgson L. Dynamics of the Rho-family small GTPases in actin regulation and motility.. Cell Adh. Migr. 5, 170–180 (2011).
- Ma Y et al. Histone demethylases in autophagy and inflammation.. Cell Commun. Signal. 23, 24 (2025).
- Ulukan B, Sila Ozkaya Y, Zeybel M. Advances in the epigenetics of fibroblast biology and fibrotic diseases.. Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 49, 102–109 (2019).
- Kirk T, Ahmed A, Rognoni E. Fibroblast memory in development, homeostasis and disease.. Cells 10, 2840 (2021).
- Liu S et al. Fetal bovine serum, an important factor affecting the reproducibility of cell experiments.. Sci. Rep. 13, 1942 (2023).
- Yaneselli K et al. Impact of different formulations of platelet lysate on proliferative and immune profile of equine mesenchymal stromal cells.. Front. Vet. Sci. 11, 1410855 (2024).
- Santos A, Sheguti TM. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the culture of mesenchymal stem cells in cell therapy.. J. Stem Cell Res. Ther. 7, 26–28 (2022).
- He L, Lin Y, Hu X, Zhang Y, Wu H. A comparative study of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the effect of proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts in vitro.. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod. 108, 707–713 (2009).
- Atsu N, Ekinci-Aslanoglu C, Kantarci-Demirkiran B, Nuhoglu F. The comparison of platelet-rich plasma versus injectable platelet rich fibrin in facial skin rejuvenation.. Dermatol. Ther. .
- Coronado M et al. Physiological mitochondrial fragmentation is a normal cardiac adaptation to increased energy demand.. Circ. Res. 122, 282–295 (2018).
- Guo T et al. Mitochondrial fission and bioenergetics mediate human lung fibroblast durotaxis.. JCI Insight. 8, e157348 (2023).
- Yu T, Wang L, Zhang L, Deuster PA. Mitochondrial fission as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases: Insights into antioxidant strategies.. Antioxidants (Basel) 12, 1163 (2023).
- Sterczała B et al. Impact of APRF+ in combination with autogenous fibroblasts on release growth factors, collagen, and proliferation and migration of gingival fibroblasts: An in vitro study.. Materials (Basel) 15, 796 (2022).
- Bagdadi K et al. Reduction of relative centrifugal forces increases growth factor release within solid platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF)-based matrices: A proof of concept of LSCC (low speed centrifugation concept).. Eur. J. Trauma Emerg. Surg. 45, 467–479 (2019).
- Chen K et al. Regulation of inflammation by members of the formyl-peptide receptor family.. J. Autoimmun. 85, 64–77 (2017).
- Ding H et al. Transferrin receptor 1 ablation in satellite cells impedes skeletal muscle regeneration through activation of ferroptosis.. J. Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 12, 746–768 (2021).
- Czapiga M, Gao JL, Kirk A, Lekstrom-Himes J. Human platelets exhibit chemotaxis using functional N-formyl peptide receptors.. Exp. Hematol. 33, 73–84 (2005).
- Ward JH, Kushner JP, Kaplan J. Transferrin receptors of human fibroblasts. Analysis of receptor properties and regulation.. Biochem. J. 208, 19–26 (1982).
- Kanaya S, Nemoto E, Ebe Y, Somerman MJ, Shimauchi H. Elevated extracellular calcium increases fibroblast growth factor-2 gene and protein expression levels via a cAMP/PKA dependent pathway in cementoblasts.. Bone 47, 564–572 (2010).
- Izard T, Brown DT. Mechanisms and functions of vinculin interactions with phospholipids at cell adhesion sites.. J. Biol. Chem. 291, 2548–2555 (2016).
- Giannone G. Super-resolution links vinculin localization to function in focal adhesions.. Nat. Cell Biol. 17, 845–847 (2015).
- Bays JL, DeMali KA. Vinculin in cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions.. Cell Mol. Life Sci. 74, 2999–3009 (2017).
- Tochio T, Tanaka H, Nakata S, Hosoya H. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase A is involved in HaCaT cell migration by inducing lamellipodia formation.. J. Dermatol. Sci. 58, 123–129 (2010).
- Kusakabe T, Motoki K, Hori K. Mode of interactions of human aldolase isozymes with cytoskeletons.. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 344, 184–193 (1997).
- Harris SJ, Winzor DJ. Enzyme kinetic evidence of active-site involvement in the interaction between aldolase and muscle myofibrils.. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 91, 121–126 (1987).
- Geng S et al. Deletion of TECRL promotes skeletal muscle repair by up-regulating EGR2.. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 121, e2317495121 (2024).
- Micera A et al. Toll-like receptors and tissue remodeling: The pro/cons recent findings.. J. Cell Physiol. 231, 531–544 (2016).
- Hermida-Nogueira L, Blanco J, García Á. Secretome profile of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes.. Methods Mol. Biol. 2628, 207–219 (2023).
- Broeckx S et al. Allogenic mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for equine degenerative joint disease: A pilot study.. Curr. Stem Cell Res. Ther. 9, 497–503 (2014).
- Fujioka-Kobayashi M et al. Optimized platelet-rich fibrin with the low-speed concept: Growth factor release, biocompatibility, and cellular response.. J. Periodontol. 88, 112–121 (2017).
- Covelli V et al. Salicylic acid release from syndiotactic polystyrene staple fibers.. Molecules 28, 5095 (2023).
- Ogorevc J, Lapanja T, Poklukar K, Tominšek N, Dovč P. Establishment of primary keratinocyte culture from horse tissue biopsates.. Acta Agric. Slov. 106, 87–91 (2015).
- Madelaire CB, Klink AC, Israelsen WJ, Hindle AG. Fibroblasts as an experimental model system for the study of comparative physiology.. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part B: Biochem. Mol. Biol. .
- Di Prima G et al. Green extraction of polyphenols from waste bentonite to produce functional antioxidant excipients for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes: A waste-to-market approach.. Antioxidants 11, 2493 (2022).
- Jung KM. Betaine enhances the cellular survival via mitochondrial fusion and fission factors, MFN2 and DRP1.. Anim. Cells Syst. (Seoul) 22, 289–298 (2018).
- Carbone D et al. Metabolomics-assisted discovery of a new anticancer GLS-1 inhibitor chemotype from a nortopsentin-inspired library: From phenotype screening to target identification.. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 234, 114233 (2022).
- Franken NA, Rodermond HM, Stap J, Haveman J, van Bree C. Clonogenic assay of cells in vitro.. Nat. Protoc. 1, 2315–2319 (2006).
- Rapa SF et al. Plumericin protects against experimental inflammatory bowel disease by restoring intestinal barrier function and reducing apoptosis.. Biomedicines 9, 67 (2021).
- Ostacolo C et al. Identification of an indol-based multi-target kinase inhibitor through phenotype screening and target fishing using inverse virtual screening approach.. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 167, 61–75 (2019).
- De Vita S et al. 2-Substituted 1,5-benzothiazepine-based HDAC inhibitors exert anticancer activities on human solid and acute myeloid leukemia cell lines.. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 93, 117444 (2023).
- Aquino G et al. Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of antioxidant compounds from spring onion leaves using Box-Behnken design.. Sci. Rep. 13, 14923 (2023).
- Izdebska M et al. Lidocaine induces protective autophagy in rat C6 glioma cell line.. Int. J. Oncol. 54, 1099–1111 (2019).
- Wang YY, Lee KT, Lim MC, Choi JH. TRPV1 antagonist DWP05195 induces ER stress-dependent apoptosis through the ROS-p38-CHOP pathway in human ovarian cancer cells.. Cancers 12, 1702 (2020).
- Amodio G et al. PERK-mediated unfolded protein response activation and oxidative stress in PARK20 fibroblasts.. Front. Neurosci. 13, 673 (2019).
- Colarusso C et al. Activation of the AIM2 receptor in circulating cells of post-COVID-19 patients with signs of lung fibrosis is associated with the release of IL-1α, IFN-α and TGF-β.. Front. Immunol. 13, 934264 (2022).
- Trentini M et al. Link between organic nanovescicles from vegetable kingdom and human cell physiology: Intracellular calcium signalling.. J. Nanobiotechnol. 22, 68 (2024).
- Viode A et al. A simple, time- and cost-effective, high-throughput depletion strategy for deep plasma proteomics.. Sci. Adv. 9, eadf9717 (2023).
- Capaci V et al. The deep proteomics approach identified extracellular vesicular proteins correlated to extracellular matrix in type one and two endometrial cancer.. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 25, 4650 (2024).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists