Growth Factors, CD34 Positive Cells, and Fibrin Network Analysis in Concentrated Growth Factors Fraction

An interesting clinical option for optimizing healing tissue is the use of platelet concentrate. Platelets contain high quantities of growth factors, among these TGF-beta 1 and VEGF, which are known to be implicated in tissue regeneration. CGF is produced by processing blood samples with a special centrifuge device; three layers are formed: top acellular plasma (PPP), middle CGF and bottom red blood cells (RBC) layers. Given that to date there are no data concerning the biological characteristic of CGF, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of TGF-beta 1 and VEGF in CGF and also in PPP and RBC layers. In addition, since circulating stem cells are recruited from blood to injured tissue for healing we also evaluated the presence of CD34 positive cells. Our data show the presence of TGF-beta 1 and VEGF in CGF and RBC layers. In addition, we show CD34 positive cells in CGF. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:772-777, 2011. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.