Synergistic Anti-Skin Aging Effect of Adipose-derived Stem Cell and Fat Graft

Abstract

Background: We investigated the beneficial effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and fat graft on skin wrinkles in a nude mouse model of chronological aging.<br/> Methods: With 50 weeks of chronological aging, 44 female BALB/c-nude mice were classified into 4 groups, i.e., a negative control group and groups injected subcutaneously with ADSCs (1 × 105 cells in 0.5 ml) on the back, injected with fat tissue (0.5 ml), or injected with both fat tissue (0.5 ml) and ADSCs (1 × 105 cells in 0.5ml). The degree of wrinkling was evaluated by a replica analysis and skin biopsies were performed after 4 weeks. The dermal thickness and density of collagen were determined. The levels of type 1 collagen and MMP were determined by western blot and type 1 procollagen mRNA levels were evaluated by RT-PCR. Tropoelastin, fibrillin-1, and CD31 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. <br/> Results: Based on the total wrinkle area, there was significant wrinkle reduction in the fat group and the ADSC with fat group. Collagen expression and type I procollagen mRNA levels were significantly higher in the ADSC with fat group than in the ADSC group and in the fat group. In addition, the ADSC with fat group exhibited significantly higher CD31 expression levels than those in the ADSC group and in the fat group.<br/> Conclusions: ADSCs and fat could both play important roles in wrinkle reduction and have synergic effects on collagen synthesis and neovascularization.<br/>