Dr Jeannie Devereaux, doctor of medical biology and physiology and a renowned researcher in the field of platelet-rich plasma, recently presented at the 2024 Non-Surgical Symposium on ‘Enhancing hair restoration outcomes through high-dose platelets and monocyte intervention’.
In the following article for Aesthetic Medical Practitioner magazine, Dr Devereaux shares her expertise on the importance of higher platelet concentration for hair restoration and why her system of choice is EmCyte PurePRP.
EmCyte PurePRP Therapy for Hair Restoration
EmCyte PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is an evidence-based regenerative treatment classified with a DEPA AAA score and is used to promote hair growth and address hair thinning and alopecia. This therapy involves extracting a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the monocyte-rich, platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. EmCyte PurePRP therapy is known for its high concentration of platelets, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration.
Importance of higher platelet concentration
EmCyte’s PRP systems can achieve a platelet dose of 10-25 billion platelets. This high dose is important for several reasons:
- Enhanced alpha and dense granule release: Platelets release up to 350 molecules required for tissue regeneration. Platelets also release growth factors that stimulate hair follicle activity, improve blood supply to the hair follicles and prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. In particular, the stem cells in the bulge are stimulated to produce new hair and strengthen the hair shaft.
- Platelet–derived exosomes: These exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication by transporting bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs between cells. Platelet-derived exosomes (PDEs) are of particular interest in regenerative medicine due to their potential therapeutic properties. They contain a variety of growth factors, cytokines and other bioactive molecules that are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. PDEs facilitate communication between cells, influencing processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and tissue regeneration.
- Improved efficacy: Clinical studies suggest that higher platelet concentrations can enhance the effectiveness of PRP therapy, leading to better and more sustained hair growth outcomes. Higher platelets equate to higher growth factors superseding platelet-rich fibrin.
- Faster results: A higher dose of platelets can potentially accelerate the hair restoration process, providing quicker visible results for patients.
Role of monocytes in hair follicles
Monocytes play a role in immune response and tissue repair. In the context of hair follicles:
- Inflammation regulation: Monocytes help regulate inflammation, which is crucial for creating a conducive environment for hair growth.
- Tissue remodelling: They assist in tissue remodelling and repair, which supports the regeneration of hair follicles.
- Growth factor production: Monocytes can produce additional growth factors that further enhance the regenerative effects of PRP.
Benefits of monocyte-rich PRP
Monocyte-Rich PRP offers several benefits for hair restoration:
- Enhanced healing: The presence of monocytes can enhance the healing process, reducing downtime and improving overall results.
- Synergistic effects: Monocytes and platelets together can create a more potent regenerative response, enhancing the stimulation of hair follicles.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Monocytes help control inflammation, which can reduce potential side effects and improve patient comfort.
- Role of macrophages in hair regeneration: Macrophages, specifically M2 macrophages, have been identified as crucial players in hair regeneration. The intensity of anagen initiation and hair growth is proportional to the number of transplanted M2 macrophages. Activation of macrophages, particularly M2 polarization, is essential for hair stem cell activation. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), released by M2 macrophages, activate stem cells and facilitate hair regeneration.
- Macrophage activity during hair growth phases: During the anagen phase, macrophages promote proliferation by releasing Wnt ligands, followed by the activation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and the secretion of Oncostatin M. These factors collectively stimulate the hair follicle cells, leading to their active division and growth. During the catagen phase, macrophages facilitate the cessation of hair growth and the initiation of follicle regression through the release of fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5). Additionally, macrophages maintain and regulate the telogen stage through JAK-STAT signalling pathways, ensuring the follicle’s readiness for the subsequent growth phase.
By understanding these processes and the crucial role of macrophages, particularly M2 macrophages, in hair regeneration, we can develop more effective treatments for hair loss and improve the health of the scalp and hair follicles.
EmCyte PurePRP is distributed in Australia by High Tech Medical.
