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Okumuş EB, Böke ÖB, Turhan SŞ, Doğan A. From development to future prospects: The adipose tissue & adipose tissue organoids. Life Sci 2024; 351:122758. [PMID: 38823504 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Living organisms store their energy in different forms of fats including lipid droplets, triacylglycerols, and steryl esters. In mammals and some non-mammal species, the energy is stored in adipose tissue which is the innervated specialized connective tissue that incorporates a variety of cell types such as macrophages, fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells, adipocytes, blood cells, and several kinds of immune cells. Adipose tissue is so complex that the scope of its function is not only limited to energy storage, it also encompasses to thermogenesis, mechanical support, and immune defense. Since defects and complications in adipose tissue are heavily related to certain chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cholesterol metabolism defects, it is important to further study adipose tissue to enlighten further mechanisms behind those diseases to develop possible therapeutic approaches. Adipose organoids are accepted as very promising tools for studying fat tissue development and its underlying molecular mechanisms, due to their high recapitulation of the adipose tissue in vitro. These organoids can be either derived using stromal vascular fractions or pluripotent stem cells. Due to their great vascularization capacity and previously reported incontrovertible regulatory role in insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels, adipose organoids hold great potential to become an excellent candidate for the source of stem cell therapy. In this review, adipose tissue types and their corresponding developmental stages and functions, the importance of adipose organoids, and the potential they hold will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Bulut Okumuş
- Faculty of Engineering, Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Özüm Begüm Böke
- Faculty of Engineering, Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Selinay Şenkal Turhan
- Faculty of Engineering, Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Doğan
- Faculty of Engineering, Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Azuaje-Hualde E, Alonso-Cabrera JA, de Pancorbo MM, Benito-Lopez F, Basabe-Desmonts L. Integration of secreted signaling molecule sensing on cell monitoring platforms: a critical review. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05435-1. [PMID: 39048740 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring cell secretion in complex microenvironments is crucial for understanding cellular behavior and advancing physiological and pathological research. While traditional cell culture methods, including organoids and spheroids, provide valuable models, real-time monitoring of cell secretion of signaling molecules remains challenging. Integrating advanced monitoring technologies into these systems often disrupts the delicate balance of the microenvironment, making it difficult to achieve sensitivity and specificity. This review explored recent strategies for integrating the monitoring of cell secretion of signaling molecules, crucial for understanding and replicating cell microenvironments, within cell culture platforms, addressing challenges such as non-adherent cell models and the focus on single-cell methodologies. We highlight advancements in biosensors, microfluidics, and three-dimensional culture methods, and discuss their potential to enhance real-time, multiplexed cell monitoring. By examining the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of these technologies, we aim to contribute to the development of integrated systems that facilitate comprehensive cell monitoring, ultimately advancing biological research and pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Azuaje-Hualde
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Juncal A Alonso-Cabrera
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marian M de Pancorbo
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Fernando Benito-Lopez
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Analytical Microsystems & Materials for Lab-on-a-Chip (AMMa-LOAC) Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Basque Foundation of Science, IKERBASQUE, María Díaz Haroko Kalea, 3, 48013, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Basque Foundation of Science, IKERBASQUE, María Díaz Haroko Kalea, 3, 48013, Bilbao, Spain.
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Marder M, Remmert C, Perschel JA, Otgonbayar M, von Toerne C, Hauck S, Bushe J, Feuchtinger A, Sheikh B, Moussus M, Meier M. Stem cell-derived vessels-on-chip for cardiovascular disease modeling. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114008. [PMID: 38536819 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome is accompanied by vascular complications. Human in vitro disease models are hence required to better understand vascular dysfunctions and guide clinical therapies. Here, we engineered an open microfluidic vessel-on-chip platform that integrates human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (SC-ECs). The open microfluidic design enables seamless integration with state-of-the-art analytical technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics by mass spectrometry, and high-resolution imaging. Beyond previous systems, we report SC-EC maturation by means of barrier formation, arterial toning, and high nitric oxide synthesis levels under gravity-driven flow. Functionally, we corroborate the hallmarks of early-onset atherosclerosis with low sample volumes and cell numbers under flow conditions by determining proteome and secretome changes in SC-ECs stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein and free fatty acids. More broadly, our organ-on-chip platform enables the modeling of patient-specific human endothelial tissue and has the potential to become a general tool for animal-free vascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Marder
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Remmert
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius A Perschel
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Stefanie Hauck
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Bushe
- Core Facility Pathology & Tissue Analytics, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Core Facility Pathology & Tissue Analytics, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bilal Sheikh
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Leipzig, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michel Moussus
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Meier
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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4
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Lin S, Feng D, Han X, Li L, Lin Y, Gao H. Microfluidic platform for omics analysis on single cells with diverse morphology and size: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1294:342217. [PMID: 38336406 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microfluidic techniques have emerged as powerful tools in single-cell research, facilitating the exploration of omics information from individual cells. Cell morphology is crucial for gene expression and physiological processes. However, there is currently a lack of integrated analysis of morphology and single-cell omics information. A critical challenge remains: what platform technologies are the best option to decode omics data of cells that are complex in morphology and size? RESULTS This review highlights achievements in microfluidic-based single-cell omics and isolation of cells based on morphology, along with other cell sorting methods based on physical characteristics. Various microfluidic platforms for single-cell isolation are systematically presented, showcasing their diversity and adaptability. The discussion focuses on microfluidic devices tailored to the distinct single-cell isolation requirements in plants and animals, emphasizing the significance of considering cell morphology and cell size in optimizing single-cell omics strategies. Simultaneously, it explores the application of microfluidic single-cell sorting technologies to single-cell sequencing, aiming to effectively integrate information about cell shape and size. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY The novelty lies in presenting a comprehensive overview of recent accomplishments in microfluidic-based single-cell omics, emphasizing the integration of different microfluidic platforms and their implications for cell morphology-based isolation. By underscoring the pivotal role of the specialized morphology of different cells in single-cell research, this review provides robust support for delving deeper into the exploration of single-cell omics data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Lin
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China; Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Oriented Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiao Han
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Ling Li
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, China.
| | - Yao Lin
- Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Oriented Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Haibing Gao
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
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Avtanski D, Hadzi-Petrushev N, Josifovska S, Mladenov M, Reddy V. Emerging technologies in adipose tissue research. Adipocyte 2023; 12:2248673. [PMID: 37599422 PMCID: PMC10443968 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2023.2248673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Technologies are transforming the understanding of adipose tissue as a complex and dynamic tissue that plays a critical role in energy homoeostasis and metabolic health. This mini-review provides a brief overview of the potential impact of novel technologies in biomedical research and aims to identify areas where these technologies can make the most significant contribution to adipose tissue research. It discusses the impact of cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell sequencing, multi-omics analyses, spatial transcriptomics, live imaging, 3D tissue engineering, microbiome analysis, in vivo imaging, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect them to play an increasingly important role in advancing our understanding of adipose tissue and improving the treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimiter Avtanski
- Friedman Diabetes Institute, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Nikola Hadzi-Petrushev
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Institute of Biology, “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Slavica Josifovska
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Institute of Biology, “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Mitko Mladenov
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Institute of Biology, “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Varun Reddy
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
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Deng S, Li C, Cao J, Cui Z, Du J, Fu Z, Yang H, Chen P. Organ-on-a-chip meets artificial intelligence in drug evaluation. Theranostics 2023; 13:4526-4558. [PMID: 37649608 PMCID: PMC10465229 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug evaluation has always been an important area of research in the pharmaceutical industry. However, animal welfare protection and other shortcomings of traditional drug development models pose obstacles and challenges to drug evaluation. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology, which simulates human organs on a chip of the physiological environment and functionality, and with high fidelity reproduction organ-level of physiology or pathophysiology, exhibits great promise for innovating the drug development pipeline. Meanwhile, the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) provides more improvements for the design and data processing of OoCs. Here, we review the current progress that has been made to generate OoC platforms, and how human single and multi-OoCs have been used in applications, including drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. Moreover, we discuss issues facing the field, such as large data processing and reproducibility, and point to the integration of OoCs and AI in data analysis and automation, which is of great benefit in future drug evaluation. Finally, we look forward to the opportunities and challenges faced by the coupling of OoCs and AI. In summary, advancements in OoCs development, and future combinations with AI, will eventually break the current state of drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Caifeng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Junxian Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhao Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Yunnan Biovalley Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kunming 650503, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Yunnan Biovalley Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kunming 650503, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
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Baptista LS, Silva KR, Jobeili L, Guillot L, Sigaudo-Roussel D. Unraveling White Adipose Tissue Heterogeneity and Obesity by Adipose Stem/Stromal Cell Biology and 3D Culture Models. Cells 2023; 12:1583. [PMID: 37371053 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune and endocrine dysfunctions of white adipose tissue are a hallmark of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In humans, white adipose tissue comprises distinct depots broadly distributed under the skin (hypodermis) and as internal depots (visceral). Depot-specific ASCs could account for visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue properties, by regulating adipogenesis and immunomodulation. More importantly, visceral and subcutaneous depots account for distinct contributions to obesity and its metabolic comorbidities. Recently, distinct ASCs subpopulations were also described in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, the superficial layer closer to the dermis shows hyperplastic and angiogenic capacities, whereas the deep layer is considered as having inflammatory properties similar to visceral. The aim of this focus review is to bring the light of recent discoveries into white adipose tissue heterogeneity together with the biology of distinct ASCs subpopulations and to explore adipose tissue 3D models revealing their advantages, disadvantages, and contributions to elucidate the role of ASCs in obesity development. Recent advances in adipose tissue organoids opened an avenue of possibilities to recreate the main cellular and molecular events of obesity leading to a deep understanding of this inflammatory disease besides contributing to drug discovery. Furthermore, 3D organ-on-a-chip will add reproducibility to these adipose tissue models contributing to their translation to the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra S Baptista
- Numpex-bio, Campus UFRJ Duque de Caxias Prof Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 25240005, Brazil
| | - Karina R Silva
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Histology and Embryology Department, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550900, Brazil
- Teaching and Research Division, National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Rio de Janeiro 20940070, Brazil
| | - Lara Jobeili
- Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering, University of Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, CNRS, LBTI UMR 5305, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Lucile Guillot
- Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering, University of Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, CNRS, LBTI UMR 5305, 69367 Lyon, France
- Urgo Research Innovation and Development, 21300 Chenôve, France
| | - Dominique Sigaudo-Roussel
- Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering, University of Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, CNRS, LBTI UMR 5305, 69367 Lyon, France
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Lauschke VM, Hagberg CE. Next-generation human adipose tissue culture methods. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 80:102057. [PMID: 37247571 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
White adipocytes are highly specialized, lipid-storing cells. Their unique characteristics, including their large cell size and high buoyancy, have made adipocytes hard to study in vitro. Most traditional monolayered adipocyte culture models also poorly reflect the morphology and expression of their mature counterparts. The recent invent of 3D adipocyte cultures seems to circumvent many of these shortcomings, and holds promise of improved adipocyte studies in vitro. Notable advances include vascularized and immunocompetent 3D adipose tissue models and organ-on-a-chip models. This short review aims to highlight some of the most recent advances, as well as discussing what challenges still lie ahead in order to develop culture models that are easily applicable, while adequately reflecting the characteristics of human adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70 376 Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tübingen, 72 074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolina E Hagberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Aubry G, Lee HJ, Lu H. Advances in Microfluidics: Technical Innovations and Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:444-467. [PMID: 36625114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Aubry
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Hyun Jee Lee
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States.,Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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Poojari A, Dev K, Rabiee A. Lipedema: Insights into Morphology, Pathophysiology, and Challenges. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123081. [PMID: 36551837 PMCID: PMC9775665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipedema is an adipofascial disorder that almost exclusively affects women. Lipedema leads to chronic pain, swelling, and other discomforts due to the bilateral and asymmetrical expansion of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Although various distinctive morphological characteristics, such as the hyperproliferation of fat cells, fibrosis, and inflammation, have been characterized in the progression of lipedema, the mechanisms underlying these changes have not yet been fully investigated. In addition, it is challenging to reduce the excessive fat in lipedema patients using conventional weight-loss techniques, such as lifestyle (diet and exercise) changes, bariatric surgery, and pharmacological interventions. Therefore, lipedema patients also go through additional psychosocial distress in the absence of permanent treatment. Research to understand the pathology of lipedema is still in its infancy, but promising markers derived from exosome, cytokine, lipidomic, and metabolomic profiling studies suggest a condition distinct from obesity and lymphedema. Although genetics seems to be a substantial cause of lipedema, due to the small number of patients involved in such studies, the extrapolation of data at a broader scale is challenging. With the current lack of etiology-guided treatments for lipedema, the discovery of new promising biomarkers could provide potential solutions to combat this complex disease. This review aims to address the morphological phenotype of lipedema fat, as well as its unclear pathophysiology, with a primary emphasis on excessive interstitial fluid, extracellular matrix remodeling, and lymphatic and vasculature dysfunction. The potential mechanisms, genetic implications, and proposed biomarkers for lipedema are further discussed in detail. Finally, we mention the challenges related to lipedema and emphasize the prospects of technological interventions to benefit the lipedema community in the future.
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