Here, we provide first insights into how autologous nanofat therapy may ameliorate OA by enhancing chondrocyte proliferation and synoviocyte migration while modulating inflammatory and pain-related factors. However, further research is needed to determine its effects on cartilage regeneration.

Chondrocytes and synoviocytes were isolated from articular cartilage and synovium of 22 OA-patients. Lipoaspirates from 13 OA-patients were emulsified using the Adinizer® or Lipocube™ Nano filter systems to generate nanofat. The fluid phase of SVF from both filtered and unfiltered lipoaspirates was applied to OA-affected cells. Luminex multiplex ELISA were performed with lipoaspirates and cell supernatants alongside functional assays evaluating cell migration, proliferation, metabolic activity, and senescence.

A total of 62 cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, neuropeptides, matrix-degrading enzymes, and complement components were identified in lipoaspirates. Among these, significant concentration differences were observed for TIMP-2, TGF-ß3, and complement component C3 between the filtered and unfiltered samples. Nanofat enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and migration, as well as synoviocyte migration and metabolic activity, while reducing chondrocyte metabolic activity. Pain-related factors like β-NGF, MCP-1, Substance P, VEGF, and αCGRP were reduced, while anti-inflammatory TGF-β1+3 increased and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-5, IL-7, IL-15, and IFN-γ) decreased. Nanofat also elevated secretion of complement components and TIMPs in both cell types. Notably, our results revealed no significant differences in cellular effects between sSVF filtered using the Adinizer® and Lipocube™ Nano systems, as well as compared to unfiltered sSVF.