【Abstract】 Objective To find out the best method to prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and to evaluate the effect of PRP gel on skin flap survival and its mechanism. Methods Totally, 72 Wistar rats (aged 12 weeks, weighing 250-300 g) were used for the experiment. The arterial blood (8-10 mL) were collected from the hearts of 24 rats to prepare PRP with three kinds of centrifuge methods: in group A, 200 × g centrifuge for 15 minutes, and 500 × g centrifuge for 10 minutes；in group B, 312 × g centrifuge for 10 minutes, and 1 248 × g centrifuge for 10 minutes；and in group C, 200 × g centrifuge for 15 minutes, and 200 × g centrifuge for 10 minutes. The platelet was counted in the whole blood, PRP, and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) to determine an ideal centrifuge. PRP, PPP, and the serum after first centrifuge were collected. The concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were measured in the PRP, PPP, and serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and PRP and PPP gels were prepared. The flaps of 11 cm × 3 cm in size were elevated on the back of 48 rats, which were divided into 3 groups: PRP gel (PRP group, n=16) and PPP gel (PPP group, n=16) were injected, no treatment was given in the control group (n=16). The flap survival rate was measured at 7 days. Histological and real-time PCR were used to count the inflammatory cells and blood vessel density, and to detect the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), PDGF-AA, and PDGF-BB mRNA at 8 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days. Results Platelet counting showed platelet in group A was the highest. ELISA evaluation showed that the concentrations of TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB were significantly higher in PRP than in PPP and serum (P lt; 0.05). The flap survival rate was 61.2% ± 9.1% in PRP group, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05) when compared with that in PPP group (35.8% ± 11.3%) and control group (28.0% ± 5.4%). The inflammatory cells were significantly lower and the blood vessel density was significantly higher in PRP group than in PPP group and control group (P lt; 0.05). When compared with PPP group and control group, the expressions of VEGF and PDGF-BB increased at all time after operation in PRP group; the expression of EGF increased within 24 hours; and the expression of PDGF-AA increased after 3 days. There were significant differences in PDGF-AA mRNA at 3 days and 7 days, PDGF-BB mRNA at 8 hours, VEGF mRNA at 24 hours and 3 days, and EGF mRNA at 24 hours between PRP group and PPP and control groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion 200 × g centrifuge for 15 minutes and 500 × g centrifuge for 10 minutes is the best PRP preparation method. PRP can improve the skin flap survival by regulating the genes involved in angiogenesis.
Objective To prepare and study the biocompatibil ity of selectively decellular xenoskin which has the character of the lower antigen, continuous epidermis, and the dermal matrix without any cellular components. Methods The porcine skin was treated with glutaraldehyde solution, trypsin, and detergent solution TritonX-100 to prepare the selectivelydecellular xenoskin. The cytotoxicity was tested according to GB/T16886.5-2003 biological evaluation of medical devices for in vitro cytotoxicity, and the levels of cytotoxicity were evaluated with the United States Pharmacopeia. Subdermal implantation was tested according to GB/T16886.6-1997 biological evaluation of medical devices for local effects after implantation. Seventytwo mature Wistar rats were randomly assigned to groups A, B, and C (n=24). Three kinds of materials were implanted into subcutaneous of rats back. Selectively decellular xenoskin was transplanted into group A, fresh porcine skin was transplanted into group B, and allogeneic skin was transplanted into group C. The samples were collected to make the observation of gross and histology after 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Results The cytotoxicity was proved to be first grade by biocompatibil ity test. The gross and histological observation of subdermal implantation: after implantation, the most severe inflammatory reactions were seen in group B which dispersion was very slow. Inflammatory reactions in groups A and C alleviated gradually. In groups A and C, there was an increased collagen fiber density and angiogenesis at late stage; the transplanted skin was gradually degraded and absorbed. In group B, no obvious degradation and absorption were observed. Conclusion Selectively decellular xenoskin, prepared with glutaraldehyde solution, trypsin, and detergent solution, possesses characteristics of integral skin structure andexcellent biocompatibil ity, so it can be used as a new type substitute to repair the burn wound.