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Effect of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and Botulinum Toxin Type A on Fat Graft Retention in a Rat
Zahra Farahani Nik1, Fatemeh Nili Ahmad Abadi2, Mahshid Sabetghadam3
1Assistant Professor of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Clinical Research Development Unit, Shahid Rajaee Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Background:
Autologous fat grafting is widely used in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery; however, unpredictable graft survival remains a major limitation. Various biological modifiers have been proposed to improve graft retention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A), alone and in combination, on fat graft survival in a rat model.
Methods:
In this experimental animal study, 20 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Group 1 (BoNT-A + G-CSF), Group 2 (BoNT-A), Group 3 (G-CSF), and Group 4 (control). Autologous inguinal fat was harvested and transplanted into the subcutaneous scalp region. Grafts were evaluated after four weeks for weight and volume retention, angiogenesis (CD34), macrophage infiltration (CD68), collagen deposition, and adipocyte viability using histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Approval No: IR.TUMS.IKHC.REC.1398.287) and was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki for animal research.
Results:
The BoNT-A group demonstrated significantly higher angiogenesis, adipocyte viability, and graft retention compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). The G-CSF group showed significantly increased macrophage infiltration and fibrosis, with reduced graft volume and weight retention. The combination group demonstrated intermediate outcomes without synergistic benefit. No significant differences in body weight were observed among groups.
Conclusion:
Botulinum toxin significantly improves fat graft survival by enhancing angiogenesis and maintaining adipocyte viability, while local administration of G-CSF alone may adversely affect graft retention due to increased inflammation and fibrosis. These findings suggest that BoNT-A may serve as an effective adjunct in fat grafting procedures.
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