Effects of Platelet-Rich Fibrin/Collagen Membrane on Sciatic Nerve Regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Alternative treatment approaches to improve the regeneration ability of damaged peripheral nerves are currently under investigation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of leucocyte/platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) with or without a collagen membrane as a supporter on crushed sciatic nerve healing in a rat model. Recovery of motor function and electrophysiologic measurements were evaluated at 4 weeks postoperatively. The whole number of myelinated axons, peripheral nerve axon density, average nerve fiber diameter (µm), and G-ratio were analyzed and compered among the groups. Functional, electrophysiological, and histological evaluations showed no significant difference among the groups with the exception of the L-PRF with collagen membrane groups that showed relatively positive effects on the functional and histological nerve recovery. In addition, the collagen membrane with L-PRF can be effect in nerve regeneration.

Healing Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Peripheral Nerve Injuries.

Regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) has been a major challenging issue in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve injuries are the major difficulties and complications of oral surgeries following dental implant placement, etc. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the regeneration of PNIs. Medline NCBI databases were searched for related articles up to and including May 2016. Being published in English papers, use of PRP in peripheral nerve regeneration, in vivo studies, and having histological evaluations was the inclusion criteria. Seventeen papers were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and categorized regarding PNIs types including cut or crushed injuries. The effects of using PRP only or in combination with cells on the functional recovery and histological assessments are discussed and compared with the other treatments such as autologous nerve graft, acellular nerve allograft, and synthetic nerve conduits. The authors also clarified the perspectives in the current field. Consequently, PRP demonstrated positive effects on healing of the nerve function as well histological improvements in cut nerve PNIs model; however, more studies in the field of crushed nerves are needed to arrive at an evidence-based conclusion.