Abstract
Background: There is a clinical need for the use of engineered adipose tissue in place of surgical reconstruction. We previously found that the external volume expansion (EVE) device increased special cell clusters in well-vascularized connective stroma during adipose regeneration. However, the origin of these cell clusters and their role in adipose tissue regeneration remain unknown. Aim: In the present study, we evaluated EVE in the construction of expanded prefabricated adipose tissue (EPAT) in a rat model. Methods: Rats were randomized into an EVE suction group and a control group, with 24 rats in each group. The structure and origin of the special cell clusters were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry; their role in adipose tissue regeneration was investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. Results: Special cell clusters began to increase at week 1 with a peak at week 4, and then receded from weeks 8 to 12. Clusters were identified as glandular epithelial cells as determined by their gland-like structure and expression of specific markers. The cell clusters induced significant infiltration of macrophage antigen-2 (Mac-2) positive macrophages by secreting monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) at the early stage of suction. Subsequently, these infiltrated macrophages expressed massive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promoted angiogenesis. Conclusion: EVE generated glandular epithelial cell clusters, which recruited macrophages to promote angiogenesis and subsequent adipose tissue regeneration. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the effects of EVE devices on adipose tissue regeneration.
Highlights
Soft tissue replacement is often required for patients with congenital defects, trauma, or surgical resections [1]
We showed that the external volume expansion (EVE) device induced significant adipose tissue regeneration as previously described [17], and found the number of special cell clusters increased from weeks 1 to 4, but decreased at week 8 and 12 with use of the EVE device
We found that the recruited macrophages expressed massive amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at week 1 in suction group, and the paracrine effect of macrophage may promote angiogenesis during fat regeneration under EVE device
Summary
Soft tissue replacement is often required for patients with congenital defects, trauma, or surgical resections [1]. The use of EVE devices can result in a significant growth of adipose tissue [5,6]. The cell clusters induced significant infiltration of macrophage antigen-2 (Mac-2) positive macrophages by secreting monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) at the early stage of suction. These infiltrated macrophages expressed massive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promoted angiogenesis. Conclusion: EVE generated glandular epithelial cell clusters, which recruited macrophages to promote angiogenesis and subsequent adipose tissue regeneration. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the effects of EVE devices on adipose tissue regeneration
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