A Histological study on the effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Hair Growth in Male Albino Rat Model of Androgenic Alopecia

Abstract Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the commonest cause of hair loss in men with limited treatment options. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as an autologous concentration of plasma with a greater count of platelets than that of whole blood. Its action depends on the released growth factors from platelets. It has been investigated and used in numerous fields of medicine. Recently, PRP has received growing attention as a potential therapeutic tool for hair loss. Aim of the work This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of PRP therapy on experimentally induced AGA in male albino rats. Materials and Methods Eighteen rats were divided into 3 groups - Group I (the control group), Group II (testosterone group): rats were injected 0.1 ml testosterone daily in the shaved area of the dorsum , Group III (PRP group): rats were injected 0.1 ml of testosterone daily+ 0.1 ml of PRP every 3 days in the shaved area of their dorsum. After 21 days from the start of the experiment, skin samples were collected from the site of injection and prepared for histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical examination by anti Ki 67. Morphometrical and statistical analysis were performed. Results Testosterone group when compared to the control group showed a significant decrease in the mean epidermal thickness, decreased mean number of anagen hair follicles, increase in the mean number of telogen hair follicles and decreased anagen/telogen ratio, all were statistically significant (P < 0.05). PRP group showed significant increase in the mean number of anagen hair follicles (p < 0.05), and a decrease in the mean number of telogen hair follicles (p < 0.05). This resulted in an increase in anagen/telogen ratio. There was also a significant increase in the mean epidermal thickness in the PRP group as compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical examination of anti Ki 67 stained sections showed significant decrease of the mean number of Ki 67 positive basal epidermal cells (P < 0.05) in the testosterone group compared to control group, and an increase in the mean number of Ki 67 positive basal epidermal cells in the PRP group (p < 0.05) as compared to the control group and the testosterone group. Conclusion Our data suggest that PRP injections may have a positive therapeutic effect on experimentally induced androgenic alopecia in adult male albino rats.