A recently discovered type of cartilage resembling bubble wrap could revolutionize facial surgeries, including nose reshaping. This long-overlooked tissue, found in both humans and mice, was identified by researchers during a study on fat cells in mouse ears.
Cartilage, which is commonly known for its presence in joints, noses, and ears, has traditionally been thought to have a uniform structure throughout the body. However, upon closer examination, researchers uncovered a fat-rich cartilage, which they have named lipocartilage, that is connected by a thin protein mesh. “It looks like bubble wrap,” notes a leading researcher.
Although lipocartilage had been briefly mentioned in historical accounts dating back to the 1850s, this recent study sheds new light on its unique properties. When researchers compared samples of lipocartilage to standard cartilage from mouse knees and ribs, they found it to be softer and more elastic due to its high fat content. This discovery suggests that lipocartilage could have distinct physiological roles that warrant further investigation.
Additionally, lipocartilage was identified in human samples, raising the possibility of cultivating this tissue in laboratories for reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. Traditionally, alterations like nose reshaping require cartilage harvested from a patient’s rib; however, deriving lipocartilage from stem cells could eliminate this need.
While attempts to grow standard cartilage from stem cells have faced challenges, researchers successfully cultivated lipocartilage from human embryonic stem cells, significantly simplifying the process of identifying and eliminating potential tumor-inducing stem cells.
The practical application of these findings is still in its early stages, with ongoing trials in mice to test stem-cell derived lipocartilage for facial implants. Researchers are hopeful that human trials could commence within five years, potentially transforming surgical practices in the near future.
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