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Dear Editor,
We have read with interest the recent article in Dental Research Journal entitled “Socket preservation using freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) with and without plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in dogs” by Samandari et al.
We would like to make some considerations regarding the use of PRGF in dogs. In the materials and methods section of this paper, Samandari et al. describe the preparation of PRGF in dogs using BTI-Biotechnology Institute's Technology. The authors provide centrifugation conditions of 2000 rpm for 8 min. In addition, they divide the plasma column into three fractions and use the one closest to the leukocytes (fraction 3).
First, we would like to point out that the centrifugation parameters referenced by the authors are not accurate, since the centrifuge PRGF system IV is a medical device that presents fixed centrifuge programs, and their modification by the user is not possible. In addition, the authors separate three fractions in plasma despite it has been extensively shown in humans that three fractions are not necessary since just the two fractions protocol presents a similar biological effect.
Second, we do not observe that the authors have performed a characterization of the product, nor do they refer to another previous publication that has carried out the PRGF characterization in dogs. We definitely believe that it is fundamental to know the product that is applied in the treatment.
To the best of our knowledge, there are at least another three studies
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was originally developed in humans, and then, its use has spread in veterinary. It would be desirable not to fail again on mistakes of the past and try to achieve a standardization of veterinary products.
As it is already known, the blood of each animal species has different characteristics that do not necessarily coincide with the human one.
The translation of PRGF from humans to dogs is dealing with two sides of the same coin. On the one side, human and dogs are different species; but on the other side, we need to properly transfer and translate our 20 years' experience in humans to the treatment of canine injuries. In summary, we encourage researchers to use PRGF technology both in research with animal models as well as in veterinary treatments but always characterizing the obtained product since we should not leave our knowledge to get lost in translation.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
E. A. is the Scientific Director of and R. P. and G. O. are scientists at BTI - Biotechnology Institute, a dental implant company that investigates in the fields of oral implantology and PRGF-endoret technology.