How Lipogems® May Help Calm Joint Inflammation

Lab Study Shows Fat Tissue Releases Anti-Inflammatory Signals

When doctors use Lipogems® to treat joint problems, they inject specially processed fat tissue from your own body. But how exactly does this help reduce inflammation? Researchers in Italy set out to answer this question by studying what happens when micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) releases natural substances into surrounding areas. This process is called "paracrine signaling"—essentially, cells communicating by releasing helpful molecules.

MFAT Secretome Reduced Key Inflammation Markers

The research team collected fat tissue samples from six women and processed them using the Lipogems® device. They then studied the "secretome"—the mixture of proteins, growth factors, and other substances that the fat tissue naturally releases. When they exposed immune cells called macrophages to this secretome, they found significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Specifically, the secretome reduced production of two important inflammation signals:

• MCP-1 (a protein that attracts immune cells to inflamed areas)

• RANTES (another protein involved in calling immune cells to action)

By lowering these signals, the MFAT secretome may help prevent excessive immune cell buildup in joints—a key factor in ongoing inflammation and pain.

Surface Protein ICAM-1 Dropped Significantly on Immune Cells

One of the study's most striking findings involved a protein called ICAM-1. This protein sits on the surface of immune cells and acts like a "sticky pad" that helps immune cells attach to blood vessel walls and move into inflamed tissue. The researchers found that MFAT secretome significantly reduced ICAM-1 levels on macrophages.

When immune cells have less ICAM-1, they are less able to migrate into joints and cause inflammation. This suggests that Lipogems® may work partly by making it harder for inflammatory cells to accumulate in affected areas.

No Effect on Normal or Cancer Cell Growth—A Safety Finding

An important part of any treatment is understanding whether it might cause unwanted effects. The researchers tested whether the MFAT secretome affected the growth of various cell types, including:

• Normal human skin cells

• Healthy stem cells

• Pancreatic cancer cells

• Melanoma (skin cancer) cells

The results showed no significant effect on the growth of any of these cells. This finding supports the safety profile of MFAT-based treatments, suggesting they do not promote abnormal cell growth.

What This Means for Patients Considering Lipogems®

This laboratory study helps explain one way Lipogems® may reduce joint inflammation. Rather than just providing physical cushioning or structural support, the processed fat tissue actively releases substances that calm inflammatory responses. The research suggests these natural signals can:

• Lower the production of proteins that attract immune cells

• Reduce the "stickiness" of immune cells, limiting their movement into joints

• Achieve these effects without promoting unwanted cell growth

It is important to note this was an "in vitro" study, meaning it was conducted in laboratory dishes rather than in living patients. While these findings are promising, they show what happens under controlled conditions. The research team concluded that the clinical effectiveness of MFAT in treating joint inflammation may be partly due to these paracrine (signaling) effects.

A Piece of the Puzzle for Understanding Treatment Benefits

This study adds to our understanding of why patients often report relief after Lipogems® procedures. The anti-inflammatory properties identified here complement what doctors already know about MFAT's regenerative potential. For patients with joint inflammation, this research provides scientific evidence that the treatment does more than simply inject material into a joint—it may actively help reduce the inflammatory process itself.

If you are considering Lipogems® for joint inflammation, this study offers reassurance that the treatment has measurable biological effects that support its clinical use. As always, discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider to determine whether this approach is right for you.

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Source: Coccè et al., Mediators of Inflammation, 2024.