Comparative analysis of cytokine profiles in canine injectable platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma

This study compared injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from canine blood, focusing on their cellular content and cytokine profiles to evaluate their suitability for various veterinary clinical applications. Blood samples were collected from 20 client-owned dogs. i-PRF and PRP were prepared using low-speed centrifugation and double centrifugation methods, respectively. Blood cell counts were quantified using automated cell analysers, while growth factors and cytokines were measured using a Luminex assay. The results showed that both i-PRF and PRP significantly reduced red blood cell content compared with whole blood. PRP achieved a 3.81-fold increase in the platelet concentration compared with whole blood, significantly higher than the 1.89-fold increase achieved by i-PRF. PRP also contained significantly higher levels of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes and monocytes. Growth factor and cytokine profiles between the two products were unexpectedly similar. In conclusion, while PRP demonstrated superior platelet and white blood cell concentrations compared with i-PRF, its preparation process was more complex and time-consuming. Conversely, i-PRF offered the advantages of shorter preparation time and the absence of anticoagulants, making it potentially more suitable for certain clinical applications despite the similarity in growth factor and cytokine profiles between the two products.