Fat Grafting Rescues Radiation ‐Induced Joint Contracture

Fat grafting reduces radiation ‐induced hind limb contracture. AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of fat grafting on radiation ‐induced hind limb contracture. Radiation therapy (RT) is used to palliate and/or cure a range of malignancies but causes inevitable and progressive fibrosis of surrounding soft tissue. Pathological fibrosis may lead to painful contractures which limit movement and negatively impact quality of lif e. Fat grafting is able to reduce and/or reverse radiation‐induced soft tissue fibrosis. We explored whether fat grafting could improve extensibility in irradiated and contracted hind limbs of mice. Right hind limbs of female 60‐day‐old CD‐1 nude mice were irradiated. Chronic skin fibrosis a nd limb contracture developed. After 4 weeks, irradiated hind limbs were then injected with (a) fat enriched with stromal vascular cells (SVCs); (b) fat only; (c) saline; or (d) nothing (n = 10/group). Limb extension was measured at baseline and every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Hind limb skin then underwent histological analysis and biomechanical strength testing. Irradiation significantly reduced limb extension but was progressively rescued by fat grafting. Fat grafting also reduced skin stiffness and reversed the radiation‐induced histological changes in the skin. The greatest benefits we re found in mice injected with fat enriched with SVCs. Hind limb radiation induces contracture in our mouse model which can be improve...
Source: Stem Cells - Category: Stem Cells Authors: Tags: REGENERATIVE MEDICINE Source Type: research