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Histological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Mechanically Processed Adipose Tissue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Schimanski, Tom, Loucas, Rafael, Loucas, Marios, Brébant, Vanessa
, Anker, Alexandra
, Klein, Silvan
, Diesch, Sophia Theresa, Pagani, Andrea and Prantl, Lukas
(2025)
Histological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Mechanically Processed Adipose Tissue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Cells 14 (21), p. 1664.
Date of publication of this fulltext: 03 Nov 2025 15:53
Article
DOI to cite this document: 10.5283/epub.78059
Abstract
Background: Mechanical processing techniques are commonly employed to prepare adipose tissue for clinical applications in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. However, their histological and immunohistochemical impact on adipose tissue remains incompletely characterized. Purpose: This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of mechanical processing on the histological and ...
Background: Mechanical processing techniques are commonly employed to prepare adipose tissue for clinical applications in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. However, their histological and immunohistochemical impact on adipose tissue remains incompletely characterized. Purpose: This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of mechanical processing on the histological and immunohistochemical properties of adipose tissue. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane Library databases, with publications up to December 2024, employing Boolean operators (“mechanically processed” OR “lipoaspirate” OR “fat graft” OR “gauze rolling” OR “decantation” OR “coleman fat” OR “celt” OR “nanofat” OR “lipofilling” OR “human fat”) AND (“histol*”). Included were English-language studies or studies with a recognized English translation which had been subject to peer review and reported quantitative or qualitative markers of mechanically processed human adipose tissue with histology or immunohistochemistry. Risk of Bias was assessed with the OHAT score. Results: A total of 15 studies (n = 15) were included. In 13 of 15 studies (87%), mechanically processed adipose tissue demonstrated an increased stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell density compared to unprocessed fat. Twelve studies (80%) reported improved preservation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), while 11 studies (73%) observed a reduction in mature adipocytes. Immunohistochemical analyses in 10 studies (67%) revealed elevated expression of vascular markers (CD31, CD34) and perilipin. Adverse histological features such as oil cysts, fibrosis, and inflammatory infiltrates were reduced in 9 studies (60%). Considerable heterogeneity in processing techniques and staining protocols precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions: Mechanical processing of adipose tissue is associated with favorable histological and immunohistochemical profiles, including increased SVF cell density, improved ECM preservation, and reduced inflammatory and fibrotic features. These findings support the potential of mechanical processing to enhance graft quality; however, standardization of techniques and evaluation protocols is needed to strengthen clinical translation.
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| Item type | Article | ||||
| Journal or Publication Title | Cells | ||||
| Publisher: | MDPI | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume: | 14 | ||||
| Number of Issue or Book Chapter: | 21 | ||||
| Page Range: | p. 1664 | ||||
| Date | 23 October 2025 | ||||
| Institutions | Medicine > Zentren des Universitätsklinikums Regensburg > Zentrum für Plastische-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie | ||||
| Identification Number |
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| Keywords | adipose tissue; histology; immunohistochemistry; fat grafting; stromal vascular fraction; extracellular matrix; mechanical processing | ||||
| Dewey Decimal Classification | 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine | ||||
| Status | Published | ||||
| Refereed | Yes, this version has been refereed | ||||
| Created at the University of Regensburg | Yes | ||||
| URN of the UB Regensburg | urn:nbn:de:bvb:355-epub-780599 | ||||
| Item ID | 78059 |
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