Transplantation of mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat cells for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in a rat model.

PURPOSE: Autologous cells potentially provide an ideal injectable substance for management in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The aim of this study is to examine the effects of mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cell transplantation on VUR in a rat bladder pressurization-induced VUR model.

METHODS: To create VUR, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent urethral clamping and placement of cystostomy followed by intravesical pressurization. Rat DFAT cells (1 × 10(6) cells, DFAT group, n = 5) or saline (control group, n = 5) was then injected into the bilateral vesicoureteral junctions. Two weeks later, VUR grade was evaluated on cystography. The number of apoptotic cells in the renal pelvic urothelium, the ureteral inner/outer diameter ratio and the area of connective tissue in the posterior bladder wall were measured.

RESULTS: The reflux grade in the DFAT group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The number of apoptotic cells in the renal pelvic urothelium, ureteral inner/outer diameter ratio and connective tissue area in DFAT group were significantly lower in comparison with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: DFAT cell transplantation improved VUR and exerted nephroprotective effects in a rat VUR model.