Combined plasma rich in growth factors and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes the cutaneous wound healing in rabbits

Abstract

Background: The use of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) and Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ASCs) are today the gold-standard in regenerative medicine. The trend nowadays is to avoid using traumatic techniques and choose low or non-invasive procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PRGF, ASCs and the combination of both in full-thickness skin defects in rabbits. With this purpose, a total of 144 rabbits were used for this study. The animals were divided in three study groups of 48 rabbits each depending on the administered treatment: PRGF, ASCs, and PGRF+ASCs. Two wounds of 8 mm of diameter were created on the back of each rabbit: the first was treated with saline solution, and the second with the treatment assigned for each group. Macroscopic and microscopic evolution of wounds was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days post-surgery. With this aim, 8 animals of each group at each checking period were euthanised and wounds were harvested at each checking period.