Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) graft and amniotic membrane graft on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and type 1 collagen post conjunctival excision

Background: Conjunctiva, when injured, can heal spontaneously. However, in extensive wounds, wound healing is often accompanied by scarring and wound contraction. Currently, for cases of disease and trauma to the surface of the eyeball, it can be reconstructed using the amniotic membrane, but there are still weaknesses in the use of amnion. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is currently being developed for the reconstruction of ocular surface wounds. Methods: A total of 20 male New Zealand rabbits (20 eyes) were divided into two groups. In the first group, conjunctival excision and PRF membrane graft suturing were performed on the right eye conjunctival defect, while the second group had an amniotic membrane sutured on the right eye conjunctival defect. On the 14th day, enucleation was carried out and continued with histopathological examination using immunohistochemistry using TGF antibodies and type 1 collagen to evaluate the levels of TGF and type 1 collagen in the conjunctiva. Results: The results after 14 days of treatment showed that there was a very significant difference in TGF Beta expression between the AMT group and the PRF group (p = 0.007*; <0.05). However, in the expression of type 1 collagen, there was no significant difference in the expression of type 1 collagen between the AMT group and the PRF group (p = 0.791; >0.05). Conclusion: There were differences in the expression of TGF-β and type 1 collagen in the administration of the PRF membrane compared to the administration of the amniotic membrane after conjunctival excision of experimental male New Zealand rabbits on day 14.