Early Adipogenesis and Upregulation of UCP1 in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulated by Devitalized Microfragmented Fat (MiFAT)

TL;DR

The study shows that devitalized microfragmented fat can stimulate fat cell development in stem cells, leading to early lipid production and a brown fat-like pattern.

Contribution

The novel finding is the early adipogenesis and UCP1 upregulation in MSCs stimulated by devitalized MiFAT, suggesting beige-brown fat differentiation.

Findings

MSCs stimulated with MiFAT produced lipid droplets within 3 days.

MiFAT stimulation increased adipokine expression and upregulated PPARGC1A and UCP1.

The differentiation pattern resembles beige-brown fat.

Abstract

Adipose tissue is mainly composed by adipocytes. Moreover, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), macrophages, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix components are present. The variety of molecules as cytokines and growth factors of its structure very rich in blood vessel makes it also similar to a true endocrine organ that however needs still to be fully investigated. In our study, we used human lipoaspirate to obtain mechanically microfragmented fat (MiFAT) which was washed and then devitalized by freezing–thawing cycles. In our experiments, thawed MiFAT was used to stimulate cultures of MSCs from two different sources (adipose tissue and gingiva papilla) in comparison with a traditional stimulation in vitro obtained by culturing MSCs with adipogenic medium. MSCs stimulated with MiFAT showed a very early production of lipid droplets, after only 3 days, that correlated with an increased expression of adipokines. Furthermore, a significant upregulation of PPAR gamma 1 alpha coactivator (PPARGC1A) was observed with an overexpression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) that suggest a pattern of differentiation compatible with the beige–brown fat.

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