Experimental study shows mPRP reduces fibrosis and improves urethral healing in rabbits, suggesting a new treatment approach.
Key Points
This research aims to evaluate the efficacy of modified platelet-rich plasma (mPRP) in reducing urethral stricture recurrence and fibrosis in a rabbit model.
An experimental study was conducted using New Zealand White rabbits with a urethral stricture model induced by surgical injury and TGF-β injection.
Rabbits were treated with either standard PRP or modified PRP, and outcomes were assessed through immunohistochemistry and retrograde urethrography.
Collagen thickness and type levels were measured to evaluate improvements in urethral healing.
Collagen thickness decreased significantly in the mPRP group (11.38 ± 1.46 µm) compared to PRP (16.2 ± 2.4 µm; p < 0.05).
IHC revealed lower collagen type III levels in the mPRP group (3.0 ± 1.0) compared to PRP (6.8 ± 0.83), with a higher collagen I:III ratio for mPRP (1:2.6 vs 1:1.36).
Urethrography showed a wider lumen in the mPRP group (2.72 ± 0.14 mm) and shorter stricture length (0.60 ± 0.63 cm) compared to PRP (lumen: 2.41 ± 0.10 mm, length: 2.48 ± 0.16 cm; p < 0.05).