Comparison between stromal vascular fraction and adipose derived stem cells in a mouse lymphedema model

Abstract

Background: Lymphedema is one of the most common complications following breast cancer. Axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy are two well-known risk factors resulting in either removal or damage to the lymph nodes. As stem cells are known for their regenerative capabilities, they could theoretically repair/restore the damaged lymph vessels leading to a decrease in lymphedema.

Methods: We evaluated the treatment of SVF and ASC on a mouse lymphedema model. Forty-five mice were allocated into three groups containing 15 mice each. The SVF group was injected with 100 μl containing 1 × 10⁶ SVF, the ASC group with 100 μl ml containing 1 × 10⁶ ASC and the NS with 100 μl ml of NS. Volumes of the mice were assessed weekly by μCT hindlimb volumetry for a total of 8 weeks. Lymph vessel morphometry was assessed by cross-sections of both hindlimbs stained for anti-LYVE1. Lymphatic function was assessed by lymphatic clearance.

Results: The volume change between the groups was non-significant throughout all 8 weeks. The immunohistochemistry showed a statistically significant difference between the hindlimbs in ASC vs. NS group p = 0.032, 95% CI [–2121, −103].

Conclusion: The volume of the hindlimbs showed that treatment with SVF or ASC yielded very similar results compared to the control group when assessed after 8 weeks. In week two the biggest difference between ASC and NS was seen but the difference diminished during the 8 weeks. The secondary outcomes showed that the lymph vessel lumen decreased when treated with ASC compared to the control group. Lymphoscintigraphy yielded non-significant results.

Keywords:

• Adipose derived stem cells
• stromal vascular fraction
• lymphedema
• mouse
• comparison
• plastic surgery
• tumour

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Peter Bollen, head of section, and the animal technicians at the Biomedical Laboratory for their care and overseeing of the animals in this experiment.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Independent and unrestricted grants supporting the research project: The Danish Cancer Society, Dagmar Marshalls Foundation, Aase and Ejnar Danielsens Foundation, Andersen-Isted Foundation, Jascha-Foundation, Else and Mogens Wedell-Wedellsborgs Foundation, Kai Lange and Gunhild Kai Langes Foundation.