Remodeling Effect of HA Hybrid Cooperative Complexes on Dermal White Adipose Tissue and Its Structure

Skin aging affects white adipose tissue, resulting in volume loss and appearance of deep wrinkles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Profhilo^® Structura, a hybrid cooperative complex of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid at the concentration of 45mg/mL, on the stability and size distribution of dWAT adipocyte cells that could potentially mitigate the signs of aging.

15 SHK-1 female mice were used in this study. Six mice were treated with the medical device and nine were used as control group. Each mouse received two consecutive subcutaneous injections, 15 days apart. Two months after the first injection, all animals were sacrificed, and two sites/mouse were sampled. Through Western blot or immunofluorescence analysis, the protein expression levels of PPARγ, Caveolin1, Perilpin1 and Collagen VI were monitored. Using image analysis, the number, diameter, and area of dWAT adipocytes and also the tissue compactness were compared between the two experimental groups.

Image analysis revealed that the distribution of adipocytes based on diameter was different between the two groups, with a greater number of "very large" adipocytes in the treated group compared to the control; consequently, the measure of the total dWAT area was higher in the group treated with the medical device. In parallel, the expression levels of Collagen VI and PPARγ were also higher in the treated group. In addition, the group treated with the medical device showed a higher degree of tissue compactness than the control group.

Profhilo^® Structura demonstrated the ability to restore adipose tissue volume loss induced by aging by modulating the size of adipocytes, that phenotypically translates into an increase in the volume of the adipose compartment, while preserving tissue stability through the expression of Collagen VI, one of the main components of the pericellular network of adipocytes.