Impact of Rosiglitazone on Subdermal Adipose Tissue Growth and Lipid Droplet Formation: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

backgroundAdipose tissue regeneration plays a crucial role in tissue repair and aesthetic medicine. The PPARγ pathway is pivotal in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. As a PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone has shown potential in promoting adipocyte differentiation and lipid droplet formation. However, its localized effects on adipose tissue regeneration and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

objectiveThis study aimed to investigate the role of rosiglitazone in adipocyte growth and lipid accumulation through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, analyzing its effects under different concentrations and administration frequencies.

methods3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated and treated with varying concentrations of rosiglitazone (1, 10, 50, 100, 200 µmol/L). In parallel, a murine model was established with localized injections of rosiglitazone into inguinal fat pads, with the contralateral fat pad injected with physiological saline as a control. The study examined five rosiglitazone concentrations and three injection frequencies (once every 1, 3, or 7 days). Adipose tissue weight, lipid droplet formation, and the expression of adipogenesis-related genes (PPARγ and CEBPα) were assessed using Oil Red O staining, CCK-8 assays, and qPCR. Histological analysis (H&E staining, perilipin immunofluorescence) was performed on adipose tissues to evaluate morphological changes.

resultsRosiglitazone significantly promoted preadipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation both in vitro and in vivo. The most effective concentration was 100 µmol/L, which maximally increased preadipocyte numbers, lipid droplet size, and PPARγ/CEBPα expression. In the murine model, localized administration of rosiglitazone led to enhanced adipose tissue growth, particularly with injections every 3 to 7 days, whereas higher doses (200 µmol/L) showed no additional benefit and exhibited signs of metabolic adaptation.

conclusionRosiglitazone, as a PPARγ agonist, effectively promotes adipocyte proliferation and lipid accumulation, presenting potential applications in soft tissue augmentation and tissue engineering. Future studies should optimize its administration regimen and investigate its long-term clinical feasibility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .