Autologous lipofilling: coenzyme Q10 can rescue adipocytes from stress-induced apoptotic death

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat transplantation (or lipofilling) is an excellent technique for correction of cosmetic defects. The success of the procedure relies strongly on the techniques of harvesting and transferring viable adipocytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of two harvesting methods and coenzyme Q10 on the viability and apoptotic death of adipocytes collected for autologous lipofilling. METHODS: Human adipose tissue from six patients was collected by Luer-Lok syringe according to Coleman's technique or by means of an aspirator with a 680-mmHg vacuum. Half of each sample collected using Coleman's technique was treated with 10 muM Coenzyme Q10, and the other half served as untreated control. Viability and apoptosis were assessed by immunoenzymatic, biochemical, and morphological methods. RESULTS: The harvesting of adipose tissue by aspirator reduced the viability and increased apoptotic death significantly more than harvesting tissue using Coleman's technique. Biochemical and morphological analyses confirmed that treatment of adipose tissue with coenzyme Q10 reduced and even inhibited apoptotic death of harvested adipocytes. CONCLUSION: Coenzyme Q10 can rescue adipocytes from stress-induced apoptotic death