Soft Tissue Augmentation of the Face With Autologous Platelet-Derived Growth Factors and Tricalcium Phosphate. Microtomography Evaluation of Mice.
BACKGROUND
The platelets used in oral, maxillofacial, and plastic surgery are generally grouped as concentrated platelet-rich plasma. The general principle of production consists of a centrifugation, making it possible to eliminate red blood cells, then acellular plasma, to preserve only the concentrated platelets.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was that micro porous tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) mixed with autologous platelet-derived growth factors could be an alternative to fat and hyaluronic acid which are widely used for oral and maxillofacial soft tissue augmentation.


METHODS
Ten female, 6 to 8-week-old black-haired mice were selected. On 1 cheek was injected the gel of tricalcium phosphate/autologous platelet-derived growth factors, while on the other cheek, was left empty and was used as control. The animals were killed after 8 weeks. Investigator evaluation was based on microtomography observation and comparison of control and test.


RESULTS
The microtomography technique demonstrated amorphous radiopaque images projected in the soft tissue parts of each paramedian region of the right cheek, in those sites corresponding to the injection of the gel of tricalcium phosphate/autologous platelet-derived growth factor. Eight weeks after surgery, β-TCP granules were clearly visible with most remaining within the cheek. The margins of the β-TCP granules were clear and not diffused within the vicinity of the tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that micro β-tricalcium phosphate Ca3(PO4)2 mixed with autologous platelet-derived growth factors material was able to create a lasting three-dimensional soft tissue augmentation and is a promising biomaterial for soft tissue augmentation as a scaffold for cells.
*Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences and Cesi-Met, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti †Department of Surgery Sciences University of Rome "La Sapienza," Piazzale Aldo Moro, Rome ‡Private practitoner in Rome, Rome §Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Antonio
A
Scarano
Luca
L
Valbonetti
Massimiliano
M
Marchetti
Felice
F
Lorusso
Maurizio
M
Ceccarelli
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005145:Face / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; C018392:tricalcium phosphate