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Intramuscular Nanofat Injection Promotes Inflammation-Induced Gastrocnemius Regeneration in a Syngeneic Rat Sciatic
Benjamin K Schilling1, Jocelyn S Baker1, Chiaki Komatsu2
1From the Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Injecting nanofat, or emulsified adipose tissue, into injured leg muscles significantly improved muscle contraction force and promoted healing. This suggests nanofat could be a promising therapy for muscle recovery after nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nanofat, derived from emulsified adipose tissue, is increasingly used in clinical settings.
- While primarily used in aesthetic applications, its regenerative potential extends to reconstructive surgery.
- This study explores nanofat's therapeutic effects on muscle recovery following nerve injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of direct nanofat injection in denervated gastrocnemius muscle in a rat model.
- To investigate the impact of nanofat on muscle function, gene expression, and inflammatory markers post-sciatic nerve injury.
Main Methods:
- Sciatic nerve injury was induced and repaired in Lewis rats.
- Nanofat was prepared from adipose tissue and injected into the gastrocnemius muscle.
- Gait analysis, muscle force measurement, gene expression, histology, and cytokine analysis were performed at 9 and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Nanofat injection significantly enhanced tetanic force generation in the gastrocnemius muscle.
- Muscle repair-associated inflammatory gene expression, including IL-1β and IL-18, was upregulated.
- Tetanic force showed a significant positive correlation with IL-1β and IL-18 levels.
Conclusions:
- Intramuscular nanofat injection improves muscle contraction force after sciatic nerve injury.
- Mechanisms may involve sustained inflammation mediated by CD68, iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-18.
- Nanofat shows potential for treating muscle atrophy and aiding recovery after nerve injury.
