Enhancing Adipose Cells with Low-Energy Shockwave Therapy
Title of Study: Improvement of adipose tissue-derived cells by low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Authors: Ellen Priglinger, Christina M A P Schuh, Carolin Steffenhagen, Christoph Wurzer, Julia Maier, Sylvia Nuernberger, Wolfgang Holnthoner, Christiane Fuchs, Susanne Suessner, Dominik Runzler, Heinz Redl, Susanne Wolbank
Cell-based therapies utilizing autologous adipose tissue-derived cells have garnered significant interest in medical research. These therapies typically employ the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), comprising various cell types like fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and adipose-derived stem cells. Their effectiveness is often hampered by variability in cell characteristics and regenerative capacities.
This study focuses on the application of low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to freshly harvested human adipose tissue and its derived SVF cells. The objective was to investigate whether ESWT could standardize and improve the regenerative properties and functionality of these cells.
The application of ESWT to adipose tissue notably increased the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) compared to both the isolated SVF cells treated with ESWT and the untreated control group. Furthermore, ESWT-treated adipose tissue exhibited a significant rise in the expression of specific mesenchymal and vascular markers, indicating enhanced regenerative potential. Additionally, the study observed an increase in growth factors like insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and placental growth factor (PLGF) following ESWT treatment, suggesting improved cell growth and regenerative capabilities.
The study demonstrates that ESWT can enhance the ATP content in adipose tissue and alter the expression of key regenerative markers. This enhancement could potentially yield a more potent and regenerative cell population for therapeutic purposes. The improvement in cellular properties through ESWT may increase the efficacy of autologous cell therapies, potentially expanding the pool of patients who could benefit from such treatments. In essence, shockwave therapy offers a promising avenue to augment the healing qualities of cells derived from patients’ adipose tissue, potentially improving the outcomes of cell-based therapeutic applications.