An experimental study on the prosthesis produced by inactivated autologous subcutaneous adipose tissue and skin dermal tissue in a mini-pig model

BACKGROUND: Autologous adipose tissue grafting is a valuable strategy for breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients. However, adipose tissue is absorbed and liquefies easily, and the cosmetic effects do not last. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cosmetic effects and histopathologic changes of the prostheses produced by inactivated autologous subcutaneous adipose tissue and dermal outer capsule in the mini-pig model. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in 6 Bama adult female mini-pigs weighing 15.5–20 kg. Autologous subcutaneous adipose tissue and dermis were harvested and made into the different prostheses. Then, the prostheses were implanted into abdominal subcutaneous tissue of the mini-pigs. At the 14(th) and 30th day after implantation, the skin appearances were observed, and the prostheses were harvested. The histopathologic changes of adipocytes and dermis in the different prostheses were evaluated. RESULTS: In vitro experiments showed that there were no significant changes in the size and histomorphology of autologous adipose tissue and/or dermis in the different prostheses. However, the results of the in vivo experiment found that the prosthesis produced by the inactivated adipose tissue with a dermal outer capsule produced the best cosmetic effect and the least fibrous connective tissue proliferation around the prosthesis. Moreover, the fewest proliferative fibrous connective tissues and infiltrated inflammatory cells were found in the adipocytes wrapped by dermis. The adipocyte morphology was normal. CONCLUSIONS: Results in this animal model indicated that the prosthesis produced by inactivated autologous subcutaneous adipose tissue with a dermal outer capsule may be a promising prosthesis for breast reconstruction. Validation of this new prosthesis requires more experiments to assess the long-term cosmetic effects and histopathologic changes.