Effect of Platelet Growth Factors on Restoration of Amniotic ‎Membrane Cells after Freezing Process

Dormant corneal ulcers do not respond to common treatments. Today, several therapies are used to treat epithelial corneal ulcers, including artificial tear, ocular droplets derived from platelet-rich plasma, amniotic membrane transplantation, and limbal stem cell transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of platelet growth factors on the recovery of amniotic membrane epithelial cells and limbal stem cells grown on amniotic membrane.
In this experimental study, 5 amniotic membranes were prepared and after freezing and treatment with platelet lysate, the viability of the cells was evaluated. The limbal stem cells obtained from the human cornea were immune characterized for P63 and vimentin markers. The limbal stem cells seeded on the surface of amniotic membrane and after treatment with platelet lysates, the viability of the cells was evaluated.
The viability rate was significantly increased at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week intervals in the amniotic membrane treated with platelet lysate after the freezing process. The results of viability in Limbal stem cells indicated a significant increase at 24 hours and 72 hours after culture on the amniotic membrane fortified by platelet lysate. However, this increase was not significant during one week.
The results of this study showed that platelet lysates could increase the viability amniotic membrane cells and limbal stem cells; thus, using the cultured limbal cell on amniotic membrane fortified by platelet lysates will be helpful to limbal cell defects cases.