Background: Liver cirrhosis is an important lethal health problem all over the world. Liver transplantation is the first efficient treatment. Unfortunately, it is limited due to many obstacles. Therefore, alternative treatments are required for cirrhosis. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a challenging measure for treatment of cirrhosis.
Aim of the Work: To assess the effect of PRP on experimentally induced liver fibrosis in albino rats.
Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult female rats were included in this study. They were divided into three groups: Group I: a control group and included 6 adult rats that received 0.5 ml of olive oil. Group II: consisted of 12 rats. They were subdivided into subgroup IIA: it included 6 rats that received carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) for six weeks and were sacrificed after the last injection for induction of fibrosis, subgroup IIB: it included 6 rats that were left for spontaneous recovery for four weeks after the last CCL4 injection. Group III: it consisted of 6 rats that were subjected to fibrosis then they received PRP (1 ml\kg) twice weekly for four weeks and then were sacrificed. Liver specimens were prepared for histological and immune-histochemical techniques. Morphometrical and statistical studies were done.
Results: CCL4 injection resulted in multiple injuries in hepatocytes including vacuolations in the cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. In addition, it resulted in hepatic fibrosis especially surrounding the central vein and portal areas. Treatment by PRP resulted in an obvious histological improvement in hepatic structure including apparently normal liver cells with acidophilic cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei and significant decrease (P<0.05) in hepatic fibrosis. Unfortunately, few areas in the field of hepatic tissue were not improved. There was significant increase in the mean number of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA).
Conclusion: PRP could be an adjuvant treatment for hepatic fibrosis which needs more investigations.