# Integrating platelet-rich plasma therapy into nursing practice: a review of biological mechanisms and clinical applications

**Authors:** Jing He, Darong Wang

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1711058 · Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology · 2026-02-13

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how platelet-rich plasma therapy can be used in nursing care to help heal wounds and manage musculoskeletal issues through growth factors and inflammation control.

## Contribution

The paper introduces strategic directions for integrating PRP into nursing frameworks, emphasizing digital tools and individualized care.

## Key findings

- PRP promotes tissue regeneration and modulates inflammation in chronic wounds and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Nursing roles in PRP treatment include patient selection, preparation, monitoring, and follow-up.
- Barriers to PRP adoption include formulation variability and lack of standardized protocols.

## Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, an autologous biologic rich in growth factors, has emerged as a promising modality in regenerative medicine, with expanding relevance in nursing-led care. PRP promotes tissue regeneration, modulates inflammation, and enhances functional recovery in several conditions, including chronic wounds, musculoskeletal disorders, and aesthetic applications. Its minimally invasive nature and patient-specific approach align closely with holistic nursing models. This review synthesizes current evidence on the biological mechanisms underlying PRP activity, including platelet composition, growth factor signaling, and immunomodulation, and critically evaluates clinical outcomes relevant to nursing practice. Particular attention is given to nursing roles throughout the PRP treatment continuum, from patient selection and preparation to monitoring and long-term follow-up. Despite its clinical promise, PRP adoption in nursing practice faces barriers such as formulation variability, lack of standardized protocols, and limited nurse-led guidelines. We propose strategic directions for integrating PRP into evidence-based nursing frameworks, emphasizing digital tools, individualized care pathways, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) [NCBI Gene 6774] {aka ADMIO, ADMIO1, APRF, HIES}, CRP (C-reactive protein) [NCBI Gene 1401] {aka PTX1}, AKT1 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1) [NCBI Gene 207] {aka AKT, PKB, PKB-ALPHA, PRKBA, RAC, RAC-ALPHA}, IL10 (interleukin 10) [NCBI Gene 3586] {aka CSIF, GVHDS, IL-10, IL10A, TGIF}, COX2 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit II) [NCBI Gene 4513] {aka COII, MTCO2}, TGFB1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) [NCBI Gene 7040] {aka CAEND1, CED, DPD1, IBDIMDE, LAP, TGF-beta1}, IGF1 (insulin like growth factor 1) [NCBI Gene 3479] {aka IGF, IGF-I, IGFI, MGF}, MIR192 (microRNA 192) [NCBI Gene 406967] {aka MIRN192, miR-192, miRNA192}, PIK3CB (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta) [NCBI Gene 5291] {aka P110BETA, PI3K, PI3KBETA, PIK3C1}, F2 (coagulation factor II, thrombin) [NCBI Gene 2147] {aka PT, RPRGL2, THPH1}, BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2) [NCBI Gene 650] {aka BDA2, BMP2A, SSFSC, SSFSC1}, RUNX2 (RUNX family transcription factor 2) [NCBI Gene 860] {aka AML3, CBF-alpha-1, CBFA1, CCD, CCD1, CLCD}, HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) [NCBI Gene 3082] {aka DFNB39, F-TCF, HGFB, HPTA, SF}, VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) [NCBI Gene 7422] {aka L-VEGF, MVCD1, VEGF, VPF}, EGF (epidermal growth factor) [NCBI Gene 1950] {aka HOMG4, URG}, IL4 (interleukin 4) [NCBI Gene 3565] {aka BCGF-1, BCGF1, BSF-1, BSF1, IL-4}
- **Diseases:** degenerative joint diseases (MESH:D019636), Chronic wounds (MESH:D014947), DFUs (MESH:D017719), inflammation (MESH:D007249), fibrosis (MESH:D005355), pressure injuries (MESH:D003668), hematoma (MESH:D006406), pain (MESH:D010146), hematologic diseases (MESH:D006402), stiffness (MESH:C566112), Achilles tendinopathy (MESH:D052256), tendon or ligament injuries (MESH:D013708), lateral epicondylitis (MESH:D013716), PRP (MESH:D000080203), infection (MESH:D007239), ischemic (MESH:D002545), thrombocytopenia (MESH:D013921), diabetes (MESH:D003920), malignancy (MESH:D009369), wound infection (MESH:D014946), compartment syndrome (MESH:D003161), joint (MESH:D007592), edema (MESH:D004487), ulcer (MESH:D014456), Anxiety (MESH:D001007), dizziness (MESH:D004244), musculoskeletal disorders (MESH:D009140), alopecia (MESH:D000505), rotator cuff tendinosis (MESH:D000070636), autoimmune diseases (MESH:D001327), bleeding (MESH:D006470), hypoxic (MESH:D002534), atrophic acne scarring (MESH:D002921), muscle tears (MESH:D009135), elbow tenderness (MESH:D063806), ligament strains (MESH:D013180), venous leg ulcers (MESH:D014647), vasovagal reactions (MESH:D019462), osteoarthritis (MESH:D010003), fever (MESH:D005334), erythema (MESH:D004890), intramuscular (MESH:D006391), tissue injury (MESH:D017695), hemolysis (MESH:D006461), burn (MESH:D002056), plantar fasciitis (MESH:D036981)
- **Chemicals:** P-PRP (-), lidocaine (MESH:D008012), acetaminophen (MESH:D000082), ethyl chloride (MESH:D005018), oxygen (MESH:D010100), steroid (MESH:D013256), LR (MESH:D007852), LP (MESH:D008070), minoxidil (MESH:D008914), calcium chloride (MESH:D002122), hyaluronic acid (MESH:D006820)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## References

96 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12946073/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12946073