E-ISSN: 1019-5157
ISSN: 2651-5024
Research
Histopathological Effects of Fat Graft and Mechanically Isolated Stromal Vascular Fraction on Dural Healing in a Rat Spinal Dural Defect Model
Inci Nur HACIOGLU VERGILI✉ ,
Bekir Can KENDIRLIOGLU ,
Ender VERGILI ,
Betul Ulya DURMUS ,
Kayhan BASAK ,
Evren AYDOGMUS
Neurosurgery, Haseki Training and Research Hospital; Neurosurgery, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital; Neurosurgery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine; Pathology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital
Accepted: 26/10/2026
Article in Press
Corresponding Author:
Inci Nur HACIOGLU VERGILI (incinurhacioglu@gmal.com)
Abstract
Aim
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which often results from dural defects and is associated with considerable morbidity, remains a significant challenge in neurosurgical practice. Although fat grafting is widely used for dural closure, its biological contribution to dural healing has not been fully characterized. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a heterogeneous adipose-derived cell population with regenerative potential, has emerged as a promising adjunct for tissue repair. This study evaluated the histopathological effects of fat grafting and mechanically isolated SVF on dural healing in a rat spinal dural defect model.
Material and Methods
Thirty adult female Wistar albino rats were included. Three rats served as adipose tissue donors; the remaining 27 were randomly assigned to three groups: control, fat graft, and SVF (n = 9 per group). A standardized spinal dural defect was created at the T10–T11 level. Treatments were applied topically, and the animals were euthanized on postoperative day 21. Dural repair was assessed using semiquantitative histopathological scores for inflammation and fibroblast proliferation, granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and neovascularization.
Results
Granulation tissue scores differed significantly among groups (p = 0.040). Dunn’s post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment showed significantly higher scores in the fat graft group than in the control group (adjusted p = 0.037, r = 0.482). Collagen deposition scores also differed significantly among groups (p = 0.030), with significantly higher scores in the SVF group than in the control group (adjusted p = 0.024, r = 0.510). No significant differences in inflammation and fibroblast proliferation or neovascularization were observed among groups.
Conclusion
In a rat spinal dural defect model, fat graft application was associated with increased granulation tissue formation, whereas SVF application was associated with increased collagen deposition. Despite the lack of a significant difference between the two interventions, these findings suggest that the approaches may affect different histopathological components of dural repair.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which often results from dural defects and is associated with considerable morbidity, remains a significant challenge in neurosurgical practice. Although fat grafting is widely used for dural closure, its biological contribution to dural healing has not been fully characterized. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a heterogeneous adipose-derived cell population with regenerative potential, has emerged as a promising adjunct for tissue repair. This study evaluated the histopathological effects of fat grafting and mechanically isolated SVF on dural healing in a rat spinal dural defect model.
Material and Methods
Thirty adult female Wistar albino rats were included. Three rats served as adipose tissue donors; the remaining 27 were randomly assigned to three groups: control, fat graft, and SVF (n = 9 per group). A standardized spinal dural defect was created at the T10–T11 level. Treatments were applied topically, and the animals were euthanized on postoperative day 21. Dural repair was assessed using semiquantitative histopathological scores for inflammation and fibroblast proliferation, granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and neovascularization.
Results
Granulation tissue scores differed significantly among groups (p = 0.040). Dunn’s post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment showed significantly higher scores in the fat graft group than in the control group (adjusted p = 0.037, r = 0.482). Collagen deposition scores also differed significantly among groups (p = 0.030), with significantly higher scores in the SVF group than in the control group (adjusted p = 0.024, r = 0.510). No significant differences in inflammation and fibroblast proliferation or neovascularization were observed among groups.
Conclusion
In a rat spinal dural defect model, fat graft application was associated with increased granulation tissue formation, whereas SVF application was associated with increased collagen deposition. Despite the lack of a significant difference between the two interventions, these findings suggest that the approaches may affect different histopathological components of dural repair.
Keywords
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak
Dura Mater
Adipose Tissue
Stromal Vascular Fraction
Granulation Tissue
Collagen
Rats