Modest release of adipsin/factor D by liposuction when using the superwet or tumescent technique

Human adipsin is recognized to be identical to factor D, which plays an important role in activation of the alternative complement pathway. Since adipsin/factor D is present in high amounts in adipose tissue, liposuction theoretically could result in an increased release of this serine protease into the bloodstream. In the present study, adipsin/factor D was measured in 22 patients undergoing syringe-assisted liposuction using the superwet or tumescent technique. Despite a relatively high mean aspirate volume (2648 ml), only a very modest increase in adipsin/factor D concentration was found during liposuction. All values before, during, and after liposuction were within the range found in healthy blood donors. Furthermore, there was no correlation between adipsin/factor D values and C3 activation products. We conclude that liposuction with the present techniques results in a very modest release of adipsin/factor D that is not associated with increased complement activation.