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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
08:52
Adipo-Clear: A Tissue Clearing Method for Three-Dimensional Imaging of Adipose Tissue
Published on: July 28, 2018
27.8K
In Toto Adipocytes Analysis Using Hydrophilic Tissue Clearing, Light Sheet Microscopy, and Deep Learning-Based Image
Dylan Le Jan1, Manar Harb2, Mohamed Siliman Misha1
1Oniris, NP3 (Nutrition, PathoPhysiology & Pharmacology), Nantes, France.
Biology of the Cell
|June 22, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D method to measure adipocyte volume in visceral adipose tissue, revealing increased adipocyte size in obese rats. This technique overcomes limitations of traditional methods for studying obesity-related metabolic changes.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disease research
- Adipose tissue biology
- 3D imaging techniques
Background:
- Obesity involves excessive fat storage in adipocytes, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT).
- Adipocyte volume changes are linked to metabolic dysfunction in obesity.
- Current methods for measuring adipocyte size have limitations and artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an innovative 3D method for assessing adipocyte volume in adipose tissue (AT).
- To overcome limitations of traditional histological and dissociation techniques.
- To investigate adipocyte volume changes in visceral adipose tissue of obese rats.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescent labeling of lipids and extracellular matrix (ECM) in intact AT.
- Tissue clearing without delipidation.
- 3D light sheet microscopy for imaging.
- Deep learning for automated adipocyte size analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated an innovative 3D method for in toto AT investigation.
- Showed increased adipocyte volume in mesenteric AT from obese rats.
- Observed a correlation between adipocyte volume and increased inter-adipocyte distance.
Conclusions:
- The combined AT clearing and light sheet microscopy method enables 3D adipocyte characterization.
- This technique is valuable for studying adipocyte hypertrophy in obesity.
- The approach has broad applications in pathological conditions, nutritional studies, and drug evaluations.
