Investigating the Influence of Tranexamic Acid on Adipocyte Differentiation in an In Vitro Model

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used in plastic surgery to minimize bleeding and bruising.
• Its use in tumescent solutions for liposuction and fat grafting is growing.
• However, the impact of TXA on adipose tissue biology and progenitor cells requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) on human adipose tissue explants and adipose-derived progenitor cells.
• To assess the impact of TXA on capillary sprouting, progenitor cell viability, proliferation, adipogenesis, and thermogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Human subcutaneous adipose tissue explants were cultured with varying concentrations of TXA.
• Capillary sprouting was monitored over 11 days.
• Human adipose capillary-associated progenitor cells (HACAPs) were isolated and cultured under TXA exposure.
• Cell proliferation, adipogenic differentiation, and thermogenic responses were evaluated.

Main Results:

• TXA showed transient attenuation of early capillary sprouting, which resolved by day 5.
• HACAP yield, proliferation, and morphology were unaffected by TXA.
• Adipogenic differentiation and thermogenic marker expression remained unchanged in TXA-treated cells.
• No significant differences were observed between TXA-treated groups and controls.

Conclusions:

• Clinically relevant concentrations of TXA do not adversely affect adipose progenitor cell functions in vitro.
• These findings support the cellular safety of TXA in liposuction and fat grafting.
• The study provides reassurance for the expanding use of TXA in plastic and reconstructive surgery.