Comparative effects of early versus delayed fat grafting following radiation exposure in rats

Abstract

Background: Autologous fat grafting has emerged as a promising technique to mitigate radiation-induced tissue damage during breast reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fat grafting timing on the irradiated skin in a rat model.

Materials and Methods: Twenty female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: early grafting (EG) and delayed grafting (DG). All the rats received 20-Gy external beam irradiation of the anterior thoracic wall. In the EG group, fat grafting was performed one day post-irradiation, whereas in the DG group, it was performed 21 ds should be days. The contralateral side of each rat served as a control and received saline injection. Macroscopic evaluation of the skin quality and necrosis rates, microangiography, and histological analyses were performed.

Results: Results showed that necrosis rates were significantly lower in grafted tissues than in control sites in both the EG and DG groups. Although the EG exhibited less fibrosis and higher vascularization, the differences were not statistically significant. Histological assessments revealed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and better preservation of skin appendages in the grafted areas, particularly in the EG. Microangiography confirmed adequate neovascularization around the graft.

Conclusion: Despite the limitations in sample size and grafting intervals, this study suggests that fat grafting, regardless of timing, can improve tissue integrity and vascularization in irradiated skin. Further research is needed to optimize protocols and enhance patient outcomes in breast reconstruction following radiotherapy.