Platelet-rich plasma and platelet-derived lipid factors induce different and similar gene expression responses for selected genes related to wound healing in rat dermal wound environment

Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the plasma fraction that contains higher levels of platelet-sequestered proteins such as growth factors and chemokines, it is also abundant in bioactive lipids whose role in wound healing has not been well characterized. This study provides a preliminary evaluation for the effect of the lipid component of PRP on selected genes related to wound healing. Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into four groups after induction of full thickness excisional wounds: the lipid fraction (LF) (lipid extract from PRP) group, PRP group, dimethyl sulfoxide group, and sham group. Subsequently, relevant groups were topically treated with test preparations. Healing wounds were collected on 3rd, 7th and 14th days, and expression levels of 12 genes were determined using qPCR. LF treatment-induced gene expression signature distinct from that induced by PRP treatment, although there are some overlaps in LF- and PRP-responsive genes. Differentially expressed all eight genes (Cxcl5, Cxc11, Egfr, Tgfb1, IL10, Tgfa, Mmp1, and Mmp7) to LF response were significantly down-regulated at either 3rd, 7th, or 14th days. Also, the comparison between LF- and PRP-treatment groups showed that the LF significantly decreased expression of Cxcl11, Mmp7, and Tgfa mRNA on day 7 of healing. This study revealed that PRP and its LF induced different and similar gene expression responses of the skin during the repair of full thickness excisional wounds. Identifying mRNA response to LF treatment at whole transcriptome level can be beneficial for comprehensive understanding of the role of platelet-derived lipid factors in wound healing processes.