Is Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) the new wonder therapy for infertility?

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood-derived product with an increased concentration of platelets to plasma relative to that of whole blood, which supports its therapeutic effects¹. It has been integrated into numerous treatment regimens in various aspects of medicine including orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, dermatology, dentistry and diabetic wound healing². While some of these uses are well established, many uses are underreported in the literature. Given the rise in popularity of PRP, multiple clinical trials have been conducted to assess its application in various medical and surgical conditions. PRP is now starting to become an area of interest in reproductive medicine more specifically focusing on infertility². The term PRP was first used in the 1970s to describe plasma with an increased concentration of platelets than in peripheral blood³. In 1974, Kohler and Lipton, in studying fibroblast physiology, found that platelets could have significance as growth stimulants⁴. In the following years, further research indicated that platelets are a source of growth factors that stimulate fibroblast activity⁵. In order to obtain a clinical effect, platelets should be activated first by external factors and/or by the exposed collagen fibers of damaged tissues. The main advantage of using PRP is the autologous nature of the preparation; therefore, there is no risk of immune reaction and transmission of microorganisms from other donors⁶. Another significant advantage lies in the fact that its preparation is simple and fast (about 30 min from blood withdrawal to its application) and the cost of preparation is low⁶.