Epitheliotrophic capacity of a growth factor preparation produced from platelet concentrates on corneal epithelial cells: a potential agent for the treatment of ocular surface defects?
BACKGROUND
Topical application of serum eye drops has been reported to accelerate healing of persistent ocular surface defects. It is supposed that growth factors in serum support the wound healing process. Platelets (PLTs) are rich in growth factors and easily available as PLT concentrates (PCs) from blood banks. Therefore, growth factor preparations from PCs may serve as a new and superior therapeutic agent for such defects.


METHODS
After thrombin stimulation for growth factor release, the cell-free supernatant (PLT releasate) of washed PCs (n = 8) was analyzed for epitheliotrophic factors and its wound healing capacity in comparison to serum (n = 8). Human corneal epithelial cells were used as a model to investigate cell growth, migration, and differentiation in response to both blood products.


RESULTS
PLT releasate contains more epithelial growth factor, PLT-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta, but less hepatocyte growth factor, fibronectin, and vitamins. Cell growth was significantly better in response to PLT releasate. Migration and differentiation were slightly better supported by serum.


CONCLUSIONS
Possibly owing to its high content of growth factors, PLT releasate has a distinct superior effect on cell growth. Stimulation of migration and differentiation was slightly inferior but still acceptable. PLT releasate could therefore be a novel treatment option for ocular surface defects.
Hartwig
Dirk
D
Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany. hartwig@immu.mu-luebeck.de
Harloff
Susanne
S
Liu
Lei
L
Schlenke
Peter
P
Wedel
Thilo
T
Geerling
Gerd
G
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000032:analysis; D000328:Adult; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008875:Middle Aged
D006133:Growth Substances; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate