Comparative efficacy of different sources of platelet-rich plasma on cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rabbit models

Therapeutic effects of varied-source Platelet-Rich Plasma gel on diabetic rabbit 4 cm² squared full-thickness cutaneous wounds were assessed. Thirty New-Zealand Rabbits (mean weight: 2.63 ± 0.35 kg; age range: 12-18 weeks) were divided into five groups of six each. Heterologous Platelet-Rich Plasma was sourced from a male Akkaraman sheep (age: 1 year; weight: 50 kg). Diabetes induction: Alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg, 2 doses, 48h apart). Regulation: Recombinant DNA human insulin. Baseline blood glucose: 100.5± 6.5 mg/dL; post-alloxan (5d): 336.9 ± 51.9 mg/dL (P = 0.000). Double centrifugation and CaCl₂ gelation produced PRP with 3.5 times baseline platelet concentration. Post-wounding clinical parameters, morphometric and morphologic evaluations were done at 0th, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21st, and 25th days. Histopathology was performed on day 25. Acceleration in wound healing was observed in all Platelet-Rich Plasma treated (i.e. Diabetic Autologous-Platelet-Rich Plasma, Diabetic Homologous-Platelet-Rich Plasma, Diabetic Heterologous-Platelet- Rich Plasma) groups, meanwhile in both control groups, delayed wound healing was detected, especially in the Diabetic Rabbit Normal Saline group. Enhanced wound contraction observed in all Platelet- Rich Plasma groups (60 % by day 14th) vs. controls (Healthy Rabbit Normal Saline & Diabetic Rabbit Normal Saline: 56 % on days 14th & 17th respectively). These values later on day 21st and day 25th reached up to 95.72 ± 3.74 % and 99.23 ± 0.71 % for Diabetic Autologous- Platelet-Rich Plasm; 92.44 ± 5.07 % and 96.04 ± 3.70 % for Diabetic Homologous-Platelet-Rich Plasm; 89.37 ± 12.24 % and 97.32 ± 3.12 % for Diabetic Heterologous-Platelet-Rich Plasm; while 76.96 ± 15.04 % and 84.33 ± 9.29 % for Diabetic Rabbit Normal Saline and 84.91 ± 17.30 % and 92.27 ± 14.72 % for Healthy Rabbit Normal Saline; (P = 0.036 & P = 0.019 respectively). Histopathologically Platelet- Rich Plasma augmented the wound healing cascade, with early angiogenesis, healthy granulation, and sufficient re-epithelialization. Regardless of the Platelet-Rich Plasma source, it modulates and accelerates cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rabbit models, highlighting its potential as a valuable adjunct therapy for wound healing in diabetic patients.