Short-term post-implantation dynamics of in vitro engineered human microvascularized adipose tissues.

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Engineered adipose tissues are developed for their use as substitutes for tissue replacement in reconstructive surgery. To ensure a timely perfusion of the grafted substitutes, different strategies can be used such as the incorporation of an endothelial component. In this study, we engineered human adipose tissue substitutes comprising of functional adipocytes as well as a natural extracellular matrix using the self-assembly approach, without the use of exogenous scaffolding elements. Human microvascular endothelial cells (hMVECs) were incorporated during tissue production in vitro and we hypothesized that their presence would favor the early connection with the host vascular network translating into functional enhancement after implantation into nude mice in comparison to the substitutes that were not enriched in hMVECs. In vitro, no significant differences were observed between the substitutes in terms of histological aspects. After implantation, both groups presented numerous adipocytes and an abundant matrix in addition to the presence of host capillaries within the grafts. The substitutes thickness and volume were not significantly different between groups over the short-term time course of 14 days (d). For the microvascularized adipose tissues, human CD31 staining revealed a human capillary network connecting with the host microvasculature as early as 3 d after grafting.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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