Understanding How Lipogems® Processing Preserves Your Body's Healing Cells

Micro-fragmented fat keeps tissues healthier in lab tests

This laboratory study from Italian researchers compared two ways of processing fat tissue for regenerative treatments. They wanted to understand why Lipogems® micro-fragmentation (MF-AT) seems to work better than traditional centrifugation (C-AT) for conditions like osteoarthritis.

The team took fat samples from the same donors and processed them both ways. Then they studied the tissues immediately and also grew them in lab cultures. The micro-fragmented fat maintained its natural structure and cell content much better than centrifuged fat. The centrifuged tissue broke down quickly during lab culture, while micro-fragmented tissue stayed intact.

Special healing proteins found at higher levels in Lipogems®

The researchers discovered something important about why micro-fragmentation may work better. They found two key biological markers at higher levels in micro-fragmented fat:

• HOXB7 — a gene that helps regulate how cells repair damaged tissue

• bFGF (basic Fibroblast Growth Factor) — a protein that promotes cell renewal and healing

These two markers work together. HOXB7 acts like a master switch that turns on bFGF production. In turn, bFGF helps cells multiply and stay healthy longer. This relationship may explain the tissue-repair benefits seen in clinical treatments.

Joint fluid actually helps preserve the healing properties

In a clever experiment, the researchers exposed micro-fragmented fat to synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is the natural liquid inside your joints. The scientists wanted to mimic what happens when processed fat is injected into a knee.

The results were encouraging. Exposure to joint fluid helped preserve the fat tissue's structure. It also maintained the beneficial HOXB7 and bFGF expression. This suggests that once injected into your joint, the micro-fragmented fat may continue supporting your body's healing processes.

Why processing method matters for your treatment

Not all fat processing techniques are equal. This study shows that how tissue is prepared directly affects its healing potential.

Traditional centrifugation creates more mechanical stress on cells. The tissue loses its natural structure faster. Micro-fragmentation, by contrast, uses gentler mechanical forces. This preserves:

• The protective tissue matrix around cells

• Pericytes (cells that support blood vessel health)

• Mesenchymal stem cells in their natural environment

• Key healing factors like HOXB7 and bFGF

What this means for osteoarthritis patients

If you have osteoarthritis and are considering Lipogems® treatment, this research offers useful insights. While this was a laboratory study — not a clinical trial with patients — it helps explain the science behind the procedure.

The findings suggest that micro-fragmented fat may support cartilage repair through multiple pathways:

• Direct contribution: Stem cells and pericytes may help rebuild damaged tissue

• Indirect signaling: Growth factors like bFGF may activate your body's own repair cells

• Reduced inflammation: The preserved tissue environment may help calm joint inflammation

Previous clinical studies have shown pain reduction and improved knee function after Lipogems® injections. Some patients even showed increased cartilage thickness after two years. This laboratory research now provides a possible explanation for those benefits.

Important limitations to consider

This study happened entirely in the laboratory. The researchers did not treat actual patients or measure clinical outcomes. The joint fluid used came from people with osteoarthritis, which helped simulate real conditions. However, human bodies are far more complex than lab cultures.

Still, understanding the basic science matters. When you know why a treatment might work, you can have more informed conversations with your doctor. This research adds another piece to the puzzle of regenerative medicine for joint conditions.

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Source: Casari et al., None, 2021.