The Therapeutic Potential of Platelet- Rich Plasma and/or Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Diabetic Wound Healing: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Background: Non-healing wounds are a significant public health issue and a significant financial drain on the healthcare system. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was proved to be successful in numerous experiments as it is rich in many cytokines and proteins important for wound healing. Bone marrow- derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) release trophic factors that control inflammation and remodelling, thus it can aid in wound healing.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess morphological, histological and immunohistochemical effects of PRP and/or BM-MSCs on cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats.Materials and methods: Hundred healthy male albino rats; ten rats were used as mesenchymal stem cells and PRP donors. Eighteen rats were used as negative control group (A). Seventy-two rats (B) were divided into 4 groups 18 rats each after induction of diabetes by streptozotocin (STZ) drug and formation of skin wounds; Group I: positive control group, Group II: received single dose of PRP injection in the wound, Group III: received single dose of BM-MSCs injection in the wound, Group IV: BM-MSCs plus PRP. Cutaneous wounds were inspected and photographed every 2 days of the study period for morphological study. Six rats from each group were operated upon on days 7, 14, 30 of the study for histological and immunohistochemical studies.Results: The best healing results were seen in group IV regarding morphological, histological and immunohistochemial results with a statistically significant difference between group IV and other study groups. Group III showed better healing results than in group II which was better than that of group I.Conclusion: There is a synergistic effect of combined BM-MSCs and PRP on healing of skin wounds in STZ-induced diabetic rats which is better than to use either of them alone.