Evaluating the Efficacy of Dedifferentiated Fat Cells (DFATs) vs Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ASCs) in Enhancing the Viability of Fat Grafts

Abstract

Abstract Background Enhancing graft fat survival remains a paramount challenge in autologous fat transplantation surgeries. Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) represent 2 pivotal cells with potential to improve fat graft survival rates. Objectives In this study we aimed to compare the effectiveness of DFATs and ASCs in promoting fat graft survival, emphasizing their adipogenic and angiogenic capabilities. Methods Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted. In vitro assessments compared adipogenesis, angiogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, cell migration abilities, and surface markers. For in vivo evaluation, a cell-assisted lipotransfer animal model was employed to gauge graft volume retention and histological morphology. Analysis techniques included hematoxylin and eosin staining, Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results In vitro findings suggested a slight superiority of DFATs in adipogenesis and angiogenesis compared to ASCs. In vivo tests demonstrated both cell types surpassed the control in terms of graft volume retention, with the DFATs group marginally outperforming in retention rates and the ASC group presenting a slightly enhanced graft tissue structure. Conclusions Our study underscores the distinct advantages of DFATs and ASCs in bolstering fat graft survival, offering potentially novel insights for plastic surgeons aiming to elevate fat graft survival rates.