Vitronectin Levels in Leukocyte-platelet Rich Fibrin, Injectable-platelet Rich Fibrin, and Serum: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate preparation containing several proteins that aid in healing. Vitronectin is one of these proteins that has not been quantified in all types of PRF. Various protocols have been suggested to alter the yield of different components of PRF to enhance wound healing. Hence, it is beneficial to know the vitronectin levels in PRF. Aim: To detect, estimate, and compare the levels of vitronectin in two PRF protocols and serum. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Periodontics at the SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital. Dharwad, Karnataka, India from January 2019 to June 2020 involved 12 systemically and periodontally healthy volunteers. Blood was obtained from each volunteer to collect and prepare serum, Leukocyte-PRF (L-PRF), and injectable-PRF (i-PRF), respectively. Three distinct samples -supernatant, exudate, and clot -were collected and categorised into seven groups (L-PRF supernatant, L-PRF exudate, L-PRF clot, i-PRF supernatant, i-PRF exudate, i-PRF clot, blood serum) that were assayed for levels of vitronectin. The data were statistically analysed using the independent t -test, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Newman- Keuls Post -hoc procedures. Results: The mean age was 24.92 +/- 2.57 years. Vitronectin was detected and estimated in all the samples. Vitronectin levels ranged from 64.09 +/- 0.04 ng/mL to 64.20 +/- 0.21 ng/mL. One- way ANOVA applied to test between and within groups was significant (p=0.049). A statistically significant difference was observed only between L-PRF exudate and serum (p=0.05). Conclusion: The comparable levels of vitronectin in L-PRF and i-PRF observed in present study suggest that vitronectin in these two PRF protocols may aid wound healing.