Transcriptomic characterization of platelet-rich fibrin-induced macrophage responses identifies U937 cells as a sensitive bioassay

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is extensively utilized to enhance localized tissue healing, a process that critically depends on the transient polarization of macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Given that PRF, like other blood clot derivatives, may intrinsically modulate macrophage behavior, we conducted a comprehensive screening assay to characterize the global macrophage response to PRF exposure.

To this end, we employed two widely used monocytic cell lines—U937 (histiocytic lymphoma) and THP-1 (acute monocytic leukemia)—as in vitro models to investigate macrophage responses. Cells were exposed to lysates derived from PRF, and transcriptomic alterations were profiled using bulk RNA sequencing.

Differential gene expression analysis was performed, with significance determined by an adjusted p-value threshold of <0.05. In U937-derived macrophages, gene expression profiling revealed a transcriptional signature consistent with inflammatory activation.