Key words: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet growth factors, alopecia, androgenetic alopecia
Abstact
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in regenerative plastic surgery and dermatology. PRP is a simple, cost-effective and feasible treatment option with high patient satisfaction for hair loss and can be regarded as a valuable adjuvant treatment modality for androgenic alopecia and other types of non-scarring alopecias. Authors have proposed a hair model termed “Golden anchorage with ‘molecular locking’ of ectodermal and mesenchymal components for survival and integrity of hair follicle (HF)” in this article. Golden anchorage comprises of bulge stem cells, ectodermal basement membrane and bulge portion of APM. PRP with its autologous supply of millions of growth factors works on ‘Golden anchorage’ along with keratinocytes (PDGF), dermal papilla (IGF and fibroblast growth factor), vasculature (VEGF and PDGF) and neural cells (Nerve Growth Factor) in a multipronged manner serving as an ‘elixir’ for hair growth and improving overall environment.
Conclusion
PRP therapy works as an elixir for hair growth, as it has action on almost all the essential components required for survival of HF-keratinocytes (PDGF),stem cells (SCF),DP (IGF and bFGF), arrector pili muscle (bFGF, IGF),blood vessels (VEGF and PDGF) and neural cells (NGF).We propose the term ‘Golden anchorage’ which is formed by the confluence of stem cells, ectodermal basement membrane and bulge portion of the APM and is essential for the survival of the HF. Besides working on this vital area, PRP also works in rejuvenating melanocytes, DP and neurovascular bundle. Thus, PRP improves the overall environment for survival of HF and surrounding supportive structures and helps in reversal of miniaturization.
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