Smoking and Physical Activity Significantly Influence Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Yield and Viability

Subcutaneous tissue is an abundant source of adipose-derived regenerative cells. It is readily available and easy to extract by means of liposuction, making it one of the most popular sources for tissue engineering and regenerative medical applications.

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell yield and viability of the lipoaspirate obtained from 43 patients undergoing elective liposuction were examined in correlation with their age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and physical activity. The lipoaspirate was processed with the Celution^® 800/CRS system to isolate the SVF and a few drops of the obtained pellet were used for cell counting with NecleoCounter^® NC-100^TM.

Twenty-eight (65.1%) were men and 15 (34.9%) were women with an average age of 40.7 ± 10.4 years (women) and 38.9 ± 11.8 years (men). Viable SVF cells/g fat was significantly correlated with smoking level (negative correlation, ρ=  - 0.312, P < 0.05) and with marginal significance with female gender. Cell viability showed a significant negative correlation with physical activity level (ρ =   - 0.432, P < 0.01); borderline significance for correlation of this parameter with smoking level should not be neglected. Other parameters did not influence the cell yield nor the viability of the stromal vascular fraction.

Many factors may influence SVF cell yield and viability. Our findings indicate that age and smoking significantly influenced SVF cell yield, age positively while smoking negatively. Increased physical activity had a negative correlation with SVF cell viability.

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