The management of melasma is challenging. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been shown to be beneficial, however, the use of anticoagulants for PRP is dangerous. To evaluate the efficacy of recently developed blood-derived biomaterials (injectable platelet-rich fibrin [I-PRF]) in a rat model of melasma. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used to replicate an experimental animal model of melasma. SD rats exhibiting melasma were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was administered weekly intradermal injections of I-PRF, whereas the control group received an equivalent amount of saline. After four weeks, back skin was removed and evaluated based on (1) gross observation, (2) pathological examination and imaging analysis, and (3) biochemical detection. Data were analysed using SAS9.4 software. I-PRF, a safe blood product without anticoagulants, inhibited melanin production in the epidermis and reduced oxidative stress damage in the cortex, improving melasma. I-PRF is a safe and cost-effective blood-derived biomaterial which is useful for the treatment of melasma.
Keywords: I-PRF; melasma; photoaging; ultraviolet ray.