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Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Involutional lipoatrophy: macrophage-related involution of fat lobules
M J Zalla1, R K Winkelmann, O S Gluck
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
Involutional lipoatrophy, a form of fat loss, may be triggered by prior intramuscular injections. Macrophage activity surrounding fat cells is a key feature in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Involutional lipoatrophy is characterized by idiopathic fat loss.
- Histopathologic features are key to diagnosis.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of intramuscular injections presented with involutional lipoatrophy.
- Macrophage invasion of adipose tissue was prominent.
- Microscopic examination revealed specific changes in fat lobules and surrounding dermis.
Findings:
- Macrophages containing acid mucopolysaccharide material were observed adjacent to lipocytes.
- Focal iron deposits were noted.
- Electron microscopy showed macrophages interacting with lipocytes, with variations in lipocyte lipid content.
Implications:
- Previous injections may stimulate a macrophage response.
- This response could lead to the regression of adjacent fat lobules.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing lipoatrophy.
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