A new tool to assess human fat grafts transplanted into nude mice using a nuclear magnetic resonance device

Abstract

Aim: Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the research of the use of autologous fat grafting in clinical practice. Despite the many advantages this method possesses, the unpredictable fat resorption rates limit its use. The primary aim of this study was to develop an accurate, quick, non-invasive assessment tool, using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique, which allows the injection of fat in small droplets rather than in large aliquots (the main drawback of our formerly described method) which allows assessment of fat retention in a more clinically relevant way.

Methods: A total of 7 nude mice were transplanted with human fat using the Coleman technique. Pre- and post-transplantation and then once weekly, mice were analyzed using an NMR scanner. At the end of the 7-week experimental period the mice were sacrificed.

Results: Seven weeks following transplantation 7 mice demonstrated a decrease of 40% of their average fat content compared to immediately post transplantation (standard deviation of 18%). All mice followed the same trend, and the low standard deviation throughout emphasizes the accuracy of NMR as a reliable assessment tool.

Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrates that NMR is a reliable and accurate tool to assess fat content, and has allowed development of a clinically relevant animal model for human fat transplantation.

Keywords

Nuclear magnetic resonance / fat / transplantation / mouse / model

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