Fat Cell Secretions Calm Inflamed Brain Cells in Lab Study

This laboratory study explored how substances released by fat-derived stem cells might help reduce brain inflammation. Researchers found that these natural secretions could quiet overactive immune cells in the brain, offering hope for future treatments of inflammatory brain conditions.

Researchers Test Two Methods of Processing Fat Tissue

Scientists compared stem cells from fat tissue collected using two different methods. One was standard liposuction processing. The other was the Lipogems® system, which uses gentle mechanical processing without enzymes. Both methods produced stem cells that released helpful substances into their surrounding fluid. This fluid, called "conditioned medium," contains the natural healing factors the cells produce.

Fat Cell Secretions Blocked Multiple Signs of Brain Inflammation

The research team exposed brain immune cells called microglia to a bacterial toxin. This toxin caused the microglia to become inflamed and overactive. When researchers added the conditioned medium from fat-derived stem cells, several positive changes occurred:

• The inflammatory marker CD68 decreased on microglial cells

• Production of inflammation-causing chemicals dropped significantly

• The rapid multiplication of activated microglia slowed down

• Movement of these immune cells toward the inflammation site reduced

These findings suggest that substances naturally released by fat stem cells can calm multiple aspects of brain inflammation.

Study Reveals Key Chemical Pathway Behind the Calming Effect

The researchers discovered that a fat-based signaling molecule called sphingosine-1-phosphate plays an important role. When brain immune cells become inflamed, they produce more of this molecule. The fat cell secretions appear to work partly by interrupting this chemical signaling pathway. A drug called FTY720, which blocks this same pathway, produced similar anti-inflammatory effects. This discovery helps scientists understand exactly how fat-derived treatments might work.

Laboratory Findings Show Promise for Future Brain Treatments

This study provides important scientific evidence about how fat tissue could help treat brain inflammation. The Lipogems® processed tissue performed effectively in calming inflamed brain cells. This is encouraging because the Lipogems® system is already used safely in humans for other conditions. However, patients should understand this was a laboratory study using cells in dishes, not a clinical trial in people.

What This Means for Patients Considering Treatment

If you have a brain inflammatory condition, this research offers reason for cautious optimism. The study demonstrates that your own fat tissue contains cells that naturally produce anti-inflammatory substances. These substances can reduce several harmful processes that occur during brain inflammation.

However, important limitations exist. This research occurred entirely in laboratory conditions. The microglial cells used were from a mouse cell line, not human cells. The leap from laboratory dishes to human brains is substantial. Clinical trials would need to show that these effects occur safely in actual patients.

Current Lipogems® treatments are primarily used for joint and orthopedic conditions. Using this technology for brain conditions would require further research and regulatory approval. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether emerging regenerative approaches might eventually become options for your specific condition.

Source: Marfia et al., None, 2016.