Jerome Surmenian*- Joseph Choukroun **
* Pratique privée, Nice, France, surmenianjerome@yahoo.fr
** Centre Anti-Douleur, Nice, France

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) belongs to a new generation of platelet concentrates, with simplified processing and without biochemical blood handling. In this second article, we investigate the platelet-associated features of this biomaterial. During PRF processing by centrifugation, platelets are activated and their massive degranulation implies a very significant cytokine release. Concentrated platelet-rich plasma platelet cytokines have already been quantified in many technologic configurations. To carry out a comparative study, we therefore undertook to quantify PDGF-BB, TGFb-1, and IGF-I within PPP (platelet-poor plasma) supernatant and PRF clot exudate serum. These initial analyses revealed that slow fibrin polymerization during PRF processing leads to the intrinsic incorporation of platelet cytokines and glycanic chains in the fibrin meshes. This result would imply that PRF, unlike the other platelet concentrates, would be able to progressively release cytokines during
fibrin matrix remodeling; such a mechanism might explain the clinically observed healing properties of PRF. (Oral Surg
Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2006;101:E45-50).
Although platelet rich fibrin (PRF) looks like an autolo- gous fibrin gel with cicatricial properties, it is actually a new platelet concentrate concept.1-4 Its production pro- tocol attempts to accumulate platelets and the released cytokines in a fibrin clot. These data are already docu- mented for platelet concentrates of previous generations (ie, different kinds of concentrated platelet-rich plasmac