Increased Expression of Type I Collagen, MMP-1, and MMP-2 in Platelet-rich Plasma-treated Human Skin Fibroblasts

Han, Gil; Kim, Sang Pyo; Cho, Jae We

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a promising tool for dermal tissue regeneration. PRP combined with subcision can synergistically induce dermal tissue regeneration.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PRP on the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblasts, as well as on the type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-2 expression in these skin cells. The effect of PRP with subcision on the expression of TGF-beta1 was also investigated in an animal model.
METHODS
Human skin fibroblasts were treated with various concentrations of PRP. The proliferation and migration rate of the cells were evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion method and scratch assay, respectively. The expression levels of type I collagen, MMP-1, and MMP-2 were analyzed by western blot or RT-PCR. In addition, the activity levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 were studied by zymography. Finally, we treated the animal back with PRP, subcision, or PRP with subcision. The specimens were evaluated by H&E, Masson-trichrome, and TGF-beta1 immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS
Data from this study showed that PRP more effectively promoted the migration and proliferation of cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of type I collagen, MMP-1, and MMP-2 were increased in PRP-treated fibroblasts at the protein and mRNA levels. The in vivo study revealed that the expression of TGF-beta1 was prominently increased by co-treatment with PRP and subcision rather than by treatment with either PRP or subcision alone.
CONCLUSION
PRP treatment promoted fibroblast migration and proliferation, and increased the expression of type I collagen, MMP-1, MMP-2, and TGF-beta1. Therefore, PRP co-application with subcision is an effective method for dermal remodeling and can be a good treatment option for depressed acne scars.