Giamaica Conti1,2, Nicola Zingaretti2,3, Domenico Amuso4, Elena Dai Prè1, Jessica Brandi5, Daniela Cecconi5, Marcello Manfredi6, Emilio Marengo6, Federico Boschi7, Michele Riccio2,8, Roberto Amore4, Eugenio Luigi Iorio4, Alice Busato1, Francesco De Francesco2,8, Valentina Riccio2,9, Pier Camillo Parodi2,3, Luca Vaienti2, Andrea Sbarbati1,2. 1. Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy. 2. Accademia del Lipofilling, Research and Training Center in Regenerative Surgery, 61025 Pesaro, Italy. 3. Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Academic Hospital of Udine, Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy. 4. Master of Aesthetic Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy. 5. Department of Biochemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy. 6. Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Novara, Italy. 7. Department of Informatics, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy. 8. Department of Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60020 Ancona, Italy. 9. Veternirary Medical School, University of Camerino, 62024 Camerino, Italy.
Abstract
: Background: Cellulite is a condition in which the skin has a dimpled lumpy appearance. The main causes of cellulite development, studied until now, comprehends modified sensitivity to estrogens, the damage of microvasculature present among dermis and hypodermis. The differences of adipose tissue architecture between male and female might make female more susceptible to cellulite. Adipose tissue is seen to be deeply modified during cellulite development. Our study tried to understand the overall features within and surrounding cellulite to apply the best therapeutic approach. METHODS: Samples of gluteal femoral area were collected from cadavers and women who had undergone surgical treatment to remove orange peel characteristics on the skin. Samples from cadavers were employed for an accurate study of cellulite using magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla and for light microscopy. Specimens from patients were employed for the proteomic analysis, which was performed using high resolution mass spectroscopy (MS). Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was obtained from the samples, which was studied using MS and flow cytometry. RESULTS: light and electron microscopy of the cellulite affected area showed a morphology completely different from the other usual adipose depots. In cellulite affected tissues, sweat glands associated with adipocytes were found. In particular, there were vesicles in the extracellular matrix, indicating a crosstalk between the two different components. Proteomic analysis showed that adipose tissue affected by cellulite is characterized by high degree of oxidative stress and by remodeling phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: The novel aspects of this study are the peculiar morphology of adipose tissue affected by cellulite, which could influence the surgical procedures finalized to the reduction of dimpling, based on the collagen fibers cutting. The second novel aspect is the role played by the mesenchymal stem cells isolated from stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue affected by cellulite.
: Background: Cellulite is a condition in which the skin has a dimpled lumpy appearance. The main causes of cellulite development, studied until now, comprehends modified sensitivity to estrogens, the damage of microvasculature present among dermis and hypodermis. The differences of adipose tissue architecture between male and female might make female more susceptible to cellulite. Adipose tissue is seen to be deeply modified during cellulite development. Our study tried to understand the overall features within and surrounding cellulite to apply the best therapeutic approach. METHODS: Samples of gluteal femoral area were collected from cadavers and women who had undergone surgical treatment to remove orange peel characteristics on the skin. Samples from cadavers were employed for an accurate study of cellulite using magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla and for light microscopy. Specimens from patients were employed for the proteomic analysis, which was performed using high resolution mass spectroscopy (MS). Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was obtained from the samples, which was studied using MS and flow cytometry. RESULTS: light and electron microscopy of the cellulite affected area showed a morphology completely different from the other usual adipose depots. In cellulite affected tissues, sweat glands associated with adipocytes were found. In particular, there were vesicles in the extracellular matrix, indicating a crosstalk between the two different components. Proteomic analysis showed that adipose tissue affected by cellulite is characterized by high degree of oxidative stress and by remodeling phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: The novel aspects of this study are the peculiar morphology of adipose tissue affected by cellulite, which could influence the surgical procedures finalized to the reduction of dimpling, based on the collagen fibers cutting. The second novel aspect is the role played by the mesenchymal stem cells isolated from stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue affected by cellulite.