Platelet-poor plasma of athletes is a potent inducer of myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts

Introduction. Blood products, i.e. platelet rich plasma (PRP), leukocyte-poor plasma (PRP) and platelet poor plasma (PPP), have previously been used to improve muscle regeneration. In this study, six months’ frozen-stored PPP of individuals who practiced different types of physical exercise was analysed; it could steer mouse C2C12 myoblast cells towards proliferation, migration and myogenic differentiation, and it could affect the morphology/shape of myotubes. Materials and Methods. PPP of male Olympic weightlifters, football players and professional folk dancers, aged 15-19, was collected 12 h post-training and stored for 6 months at -20°C. C2C12 cell proliferation was assessed by MTT test, motility by scratch assay, myogenic differentiation by myotube formation and gelatinase activity by gel-zymography. Results and Conclusions. PPP induced proliferation and migration of C2C12 cells. Proliferative capacity was as follows: weightlifters > dancers > football players; mean migratory capacity was: weightlifters = dancers > football players. PPP induced formation of myotubes; significant inter-individual variations were detected: PPP from weightlifters induced formation of round myotubes, and PPP from football players and dancers induced formation of elongated myotubes. The mean myotube area was as follows: football players > dancers > weightlifters. PPP gelatinolytic activity was observed; it was negatively correlated with C2C12 myoblast proliferation. These results provide general but distinct evidence that PPP of individuals practicing certain types of exercise can specifically modify myoblast morphology/function. This is significant for explaining physiological responses and adaptations to exercise. In conclusion, long-term, frozen-stored PPP preserves its potential to modify myoblast morphology and function. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175062]