Comparative study of the release of growth factors VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and PDGF-AB (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-AB) in 4 different PRP and PRF protocols (C-PRF, S-PRF, L-PRF)

OBJECTIVE: Platelet concentrates have been widely used in many fields of medicine for years. The purpose of this comparative study was to compare four different protocols for the production of platelet concentrates based on the release of the growth factors VGEF and PDGF-AB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 samples were collected from 20 volunteers. In each subject, 4 blood draws were performed, each corresponding to the protocols that followed. So, for each patient one PRP and 3 PRFs (C-PRF, one S-PRF and one L-PRF) were prepared following the respective protocols with different centrifugations each. The samples were tested for the release of the growth factors VGEF and PDGF-AB immediately after their preparation using the ELISA kit Sandwich method according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: The results of the current investigation showed the superiority of the C-PRF protocol over PRP which came second in line, based on the magnitude of release of the two growth factors. The S-PRF and L-PRF protocols appeared with the lowest concentrations of growth factors with relatively little difference between them. In addition, the concentration of PDGF-AB compared to VGEF was almost threefold in the final results. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it appears that different platelet concentrates show significant differences in the release of growth factors. This work shows, as a first image, that the C-PRF protocol gives the greatest release of the growth factors studied, in the first minutes after their preparation. It is expected that larger comparative studies will be carried out that will concern a larger range of growth factors, in a larger number of volunteers, also studying the release at different times from the moment of their preparation, so that the comparison between these preparations becomes more thorough.