Effects of Autologous Transplantation of Dedifferentiated Fat (DFAT) Cells in Rabbits with Hindlimb Ischemia

Abstract

Mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells exhibit high proliferative activity and multi-lineage differentiation potential similar to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the present study, we examined the efficacy of angiogenic activity and safety of autologous DFAT cell transplantation in rabbits with hindlimb ischemia. The number of microvessel branching points in the ischemic area in the DFAT group was significantly greater than in the Control group. Autologous DFAT cell transplantation was performed easily and safely without any adverse effects up to 4 weeks after injection. DFAT cells may be an attractive cell source for therapeutic angiogenesis.