Characterization of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) and its biological effects in patients with Behçet's Disease

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease (BD) is an immune-mediated chronic systemic vasculitis, characterized by clinical manifestations that include: mucocutaneous ulcers, ocular involvement, immunological alterations, vascular and neurological implications. The available treatments present limitations such as high cost and side effects, and the search for a low-cost biological treatment with immunomodulatory potential becomes of great value. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has some characteristics that indicate a possible use as an immunomodulator due to the wide range of secreted cytokines, especially through the participation of TGF-β1 in the differentiation of T regulatory cells (Treg). This study aimed to characterize the PRP poor in leukocytes (P-PRP) of patients with BD and active ulcers and to evaluate its effects as an immunomodulator through a subcutaneous application. METHODS: We selected patients with a diagnosis of BD, with a low dose of prednisone and with no central nervous system or ocular involvement. Platelet and leukocyte count and quantification of 17 cytokines were evaluated in P-PRP. The effects of P-PRP were evaluated by cell frequency of TCD4 +, TCD8 +, Treg, natural killer (NK), and activated NK, as well as by the cytokine profile in patient's plasma, and the clinical manifestations through score and questionnaire. Also, it was evaluated the number and timing of oral ulcer closure. PRP was used as an adjuvant, with 9 applications of 3 mL, over 6 months, with a follow-up of one year. RESULTS: The results using PRP showed adequate values and no significant inter-and intra-individual variations. The systemic evaluations during the use of PRP showed significant alterations, characterized by the increase in Treg cell frequency (p = 0.0416) and a decrease in activated NK cells (p = 0.0010). However, no clinical correlation was observed through score analysis. The most relevant clinical data was the decrease in the closing time of ulcers throughout the application period. CONCLUSION: In a pilot study with BD patients, P-PRP promoted an anti-inflammatory profile characterized by increased Treg cells and decreased activated NK cells and alterations in cytokines. A clinical improvement was observed with a decrease in the number and time of closure of oral ulcers.