Sources of processed lipoaspirate cells: Influence of donor site on cell concentration

Background: Recently, adipose tissue harvested by liposuction has been identified as a source of processed lipoaspirate cells. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of processed lipoaspirate cells in adipose tissue obtained by liposuction from different harvest areas in women. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 women in whom liposuction in four or more different zones in the same procedure was indicated. After selective liposuction, the material was sent to the laboratory, where it was processed for extraction of processed lipoaspirate cells, which were separated from the adipose tissue, quantified, and characterized through determination of c-kit expression. The following harvest regions were evaluated: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, trochanteric region, inner thigh, knee, and flank. The cell concentration obtained at each site was compared by analysis of variance for mixed models. Results: A significant difference was found for cell concentration obtained at the different harvest sites. The cell concentration in the lower abdomen was greater than in other areas, but no significant difference was found in relation to the inner thigh. Conclusions: The lower abdomen and the inner thigh may have higher processed lipoaspirate cell concentrations. These sites may turn out to be better sources of adult mesenchymal stem cells.