The Effect of Mechanical Stress on Adipocyte Morphology and Metabolism

Abstract

This paper describes the effect of mechanical stress following lipo-suction surgery and passage of fat pads through needles on adipocyte morphology and metabolism. Biochemical assays for glucose oxidation, lipid synthesis, and insulin stimulation confirm the morphological evaluations, i.e., needles larger than 20 gauge have little, if any, effect. New strategies need to be developed for injection of adipocytes using needles smaller than 20 gauge. In addition, these assays may prove useful for clinicians to optimize fat pad preparation and the use of biological modifiers to enhance the successful outcome of autogenous lipografts.