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Schimanski, Tom ; Loucas, Rafael ; Loucas, Marios ; Brébant, Vanessa ; Anker, Alexandra ; Klein, Silvan ; Diesch, Sophia Theresa ; Pagani, Andrea ; Prantl, Lukas

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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Details

Item typeArticle
Journal or Publication TitleCells
Publisher:MDPI
Volume:14
Number of Issue or Book Chapter:21
Page Range:p. 1664
Date23 October 2025
InstitutionsMedicine > Zentren des Universitätsklinikums Regensburg > Zentrum für Plastische-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie
Identification Number
ValueType
10.3390/cells14211664DOI
Keywordsadipose tissue; histology; immunohistochemistry; fat grafting; stromal vascular fraction; extracellular matrix; mechanical processing
Dewey Decimal Classification600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
StatusPublished
RefereedYes, this version has been refereed
Created at the University of RegensburgYes
URN of the UB Regensburgurn:nbn:de:bvb:355-epub-780599
Item ID78059

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