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Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Sampling Using a Mini-Liposuction Technique
Published on: September 27, 2021
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Histomorphometric analyses of human adipose tissues using intact, flash-frozen samples
Sofia Laforest1,2,3, Mélissa Pelletier1,2, Andréanne Michaud4
1Endocrinology and Nephrology, CHU de Quebec-Laval University, 2705 Laurier Blvd. (R-4779), Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|January 23, 2018
Summary
Flash-frozen adipose tissue samples stored at -80°C can be reliably used for histomorphometric analyses. This method enables retrospective studies on frozen human adipose tissue, maintaining tissue architecture and adipocyte size measurements.
Area of Science:
- Adipose tissue biology
- Histology and histopathology
- Biomedical research methods
Background:
- Histomorphometric analysis of adipose tissue typically requires fresh tissue fixation.
- Standard protocols involve formalin fixation of fresh adipose tissue samples.
- Preservation of adipose tissue for retrospective analysis presents a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using flash-frozen adipose tissue for histomorphometric analysis.
- To compare measurements from frozen-fixed samples with those from fresh-fixed samples.
- To determine if flash-frozen adipose tissue supports techniques used for fresh-fixed tissues.
Main Methods:
- Adipose tissue samples were divided into fresh-fixed and flash-frozen groups.
- Frozen samples were stored at -80°C before fixation during thawing.
- Adipocyte diameter, macrophage subtypes (M1, M2), and total macrophages (CD68) were measured via immunohistochemistry.
- Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for visual inspection and tissue architecture assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in cell breakage between fresh-fixed (68%) and frozen-fixed (74%) samples.
- Adipocyte size distribution frequencies were comparable between fresh-fixed and frozen-fixed tissues (p > 0.9).
- Mean adipocyte size from frozen-fixed samples strongly correlated with fresh-fixed samples (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001).
- Staining quality and tissue architecture were similar in both preservation methods.
Conclusions:
- Intact flash-frozen adipose tissue samples stored at -80°C are suitable for histomorphometric analysis.
- This method is comparable to conventional fresh-fixation techniques.
- The findings support the use of flash-frozen adipose tissue for retrospective studies.
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