Background and Aim: Given the significance, widespread complications, and increasing prevalence of diabetes as a chronic metabolic disease, and considering the regenerative and tissue repair-stimulating effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and erythropoietin (EPO), this study aimed to compare the effects of PRP and EPO on hematological indices and bone marrow cytology in diabetic rats.
Methods: In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic receiving PRP, diabetic receiving EPO, and diabetic receiving a combination of PRP and EPO. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection. PRP (0.5 ml/kg, twice a week) and EPO (300 IU/kg, three times a week) were administered subcutaneously for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, blood and bone marrow samples were collected for hematologic and cytologic analyses.

Results: Diabetes significantly reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and also decreased blood and bone marrow leukocytes (p<0.05). Additionally, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly increased in all diabetic groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the EPO-treated diabetic group, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were significantly elevated compared to the untreated diabetic group (p<0.05). Bone marrow examination showed a slight decrease in mature myeloid and lymphoid cells in diabetic rats compared to controls, with a non-significant increase in these cells in diabetic groups treated with PRP, EPO, or the combination therapy (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study suggests that PRP may prevent red blood cell destruction by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation, while EPO mitigates the harmful effects of diabetes by enhancing erythropoiesis and reducing inflammation. The combination of PRP and EPO appears to have synergistic effects, potentially reducing the adverse impacts of diabetes on blood and bone marrow. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical applications of these treatments.