Abstract
Background: Cellulite is a condition in which the skin has a dimpled lumpy appearance. The main causes of cellulite development, studied until now, comprehends modified sensitivity to estrogens, the damage of microvasculature present among dermis and hypodermis. The differences of adipose tissue architecture between male and female might make female more susceptible to cellulite. Adipose tissue is seen to be deeply modified during cellulite development. Our study tried to understand the overall features within and surrounding cellulite to apply the best therapeutic approach. Methods: Samples of gluteal femoral area were collected from cadavers and women who had undergone surgical treatment to remove orange peel characteristics on the skin. Samples from cadavers were employed for an accurate study of cellulite using magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla and for light microscopy. Specimens from patients were employed for the proteomic analysis, which was performed using high resolution mass spectroscopy (MS). Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was obtained from the samples, which was studied using MS and flow cytometry. Results: light and electron microscopy of the cellulite affected area showed a morphology completely different from the other usual adipose depots. In cellulite affected tissues, sweat glands associated with adipocytes were found. In particular, there were vesicles in the extracellular matrix, indicating a crosstalk between the two different components. Proteomic analysis showed that adipose tissue affected by cellulite is characterized by high degree of oxidative stress and by remodeling phenomena. Conclusions: The novel aspects of this study are the peculiar morphology of adipose tissue affected by cellulite, which could influence the surgical procedures finalized to the reduction of dimpling, based on the collagen fibers cutting. The second novel aspect is the role played by the mesenchymal stem cells isolated from stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue affected by cellulite.
Highlights
Cellulite is the most common modification of skin appearance in women, causing them to seek aesthetic treatments [1]
Our paper aims to improve the knowledge about cellulite insurgence and development of studying the morphology of adipose tissue affected by cellulite; the novel aspects could influence the surgical procedures finalized to the reduction of the affected area
We studied cellulite affected tissues with a multimodal approach: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrastructural analysis (Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)) and proteomics both of cellulite tissue and Multilineage Differentiating Stress Enduring Cells (MUSE) cells, a subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells that are stress-tolerant and pluripotent, with special regenerative capability [12,13,14]
Summary
Cellulite is the most common modification of skin appearance in women, causing them to seek aesthetic treatments [1]. The first theory, formulated by Nürnberger and Muller, is based on the different architectural structure of subcutaneous tissues in male and female [6,7]. Nürnberger and Muller confirmed, in females, the thickening of collagen fibers that surround the lobules, affecting its protrusion, which is composed by mature adipocytes compressed inside each lobule. This mechanism is influenced by estrogen causing the protrusion of these papillae adiposae visible only in women [2,7]. Conclusions: The novel aspects of this study are the peculiar morphology of adipose tissue affected by cellulite, which could influence the surgical procedures finalized to the reduction of dimpling, based on the collagen fibers cutting. The second novel aspect is the role played by the mesenchymal stem cells isolated from stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue affected by cellulite
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
