A novel cryopreservation solution for adipose tissue based on metformin

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering
• Cryobiology

Background:

• Autologous fat grafting (AFG) often requires multiple sessions due to poor volume retention.
• Preserving young adipose tissue is crucial for enhanced therapeutic effects in AFG.
• Current cryopreservation methods need improvement for better adipose tissue viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effect of a novel cryopreservation solution containing trehalose, glycerol, and metformin on adipose tissue.
• To determine the optimal concentration of metformin for minimizing oxidative damage in adipose tissue.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the TGM solution compared to traditional cryopreservation methods.

Main Methods:

• Metformin concentrations (0-8 mM) were tested for their effect on adipose tissue oxidative damage.
• Adipose tissue was cryopreserved using trehalose+glycerol (TG), trehalose+glycerol+metformin (TGM), or DMSO+FBS (DF) solutions.
• Cryopreserved adipose tissue was transplanted into nude mice, and viability, apoptosis, and retention rates were assessed after one month.

Main Results:

• 2 mM metformin optimally reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in adipose tissue and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells.
• The TGM group showed the highest adipose tissue retention rate and structural integrity post-transplantation.
• Histological analysis revealed that TGM-preserved adipose tissue closely resembled fresh tissue.

Conclusions:

• The TGM cryopreservation solution effectively preserves adipose tissue viability and function.
• Metformin at 2 mM concentration enhances the protective effects of trehalose and glycerol.
• The TGM solution is non-toxic, safe, and suitable for clinical adipose tissue cryopreservation.