Cell-Free Fat Extract Increases Dermal Thickness by Enhancing Angiogenesis and Extracellular Matrix Production in Nude Mice

BACKGROUND: Although adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and nanofat have anti-aging effects on skin, they contain cellular components that have certain limitations in clinical practice. Cell-free fat extract (Ceffe) is a fraction that is purified from nanofat through removal of cellular components and lipid remnants, which comprise various growth factors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ceffe on cultured human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and on the dermis of nude mice in vivo. METHODS: In the in vitro study, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured with Ceffe for 72 hours, followed by flow cytometry measurement of cell proliferation and cell cycle. In the in vivo study, different concentrations of Ceffe were injected in the dorsal skin of nude mice for 4 weeks. The thickness of the dermis; proliferation of cells; density of the capillary; and expressions of type I and III collagen (Col-1 and Col-3), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) were measured using histologic and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Ceffe significantly increased cell proliferation in cultured dermal fibroblasts. In the mouse skin, Ceffe significantly increased the thickness of the dermis, number of proliferating cells, density of the capillary, and expressions of Col-1 and Col-3. CONCLUSIONS: Ceffe increased the dermal thickness of nude mice possibly by enhancing angiogenesis and extracellular matrix production and can, therefore, be used for skin rejuvenation.