Evaluation of the characteristics of leucocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma from participants with diabetes

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the characteristics of leucocyte- rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) from three groups of participants; healthy diabetics, healthy controls and a group of diabetics with an active foot ulcer.

ELISAs were used to measure the concentrations of a number of intrinsic growth factors in LR-PRP. No significant differences were found between groups for the levels of any growth factor.

The pH and redox potential of the unsupplemented LR-PRP from the three groups of study participants were determined using a hand-held ArrowDOX pH / redox meter. There was no significant difference in the pH values or redox potential found between the three groups of participants.

Experiments using a well diffusion assay and seeded lawns of bacteria frequently identified in diabetic foot infections were conducted to investigate antimicrobial properties of either pure or supplemented LR-PRP.

The inherent antimicrobial properties of LR-PRP were measured. Some plates which had lawns of Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus vulgaris and E.coli had zones of inhibition caused by LR- PRP from all three study groups.

Antibiotics (co amoxiclav, clindamycin, doxycycline and pip / taz)frequently used to manage diabetic foot infections were used to supplement the LR-PRP. Zones of inhibition were found for the dilutions in LR-PRP for some of the antibiotics against some bacteria, which were greater than the zones of inhibition obtained for LR - PRP and Ringers solution alone. Some differences were found in size of the ZOI between participant groups.

The LR –PRP encouraged enhanced bacterial growth on the plates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicating that clinicians should consider assessing the wound for the presence of this organism prior to application. 

Enhanced bacterial growth rather than inhibited bacterial growth was found in all three study groups, with all challenge bacteria used when LR-PRP was supplemented with insulin.

Date of Award	May 2016
Original language	English
Supervisor	Ciara Hughes (Supervisor), Paul McCarron (Supervisor) & David McDowell (Supervisor)