The Effect of Low-Dose Methotrexate on Autologous Fat Graft Survival

Abstract

Background/aim: The survival of autologous fat graft tissue is dependent on various factors such as vascularization and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of low-dose methotrexate (LD-MTX) on fat graft volume and survival. Materials and methods: A total of 13 male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups, a control group and an LD-MTX group. An autologous fat graft obtained from the inguinal region of each rat was transferred to its back. LD-MTX was administered intraperitoneally in the LD-MTX group once a week for 4 weeks after the surgical procedure. The control group underwent surgery but was not administered MTX. Fat grafts were harvested for analyses. Results: The results showed that 2 months postoperatively the fat graft weights of the control and LD-MTX groups were not significantly different. In addition, the vascularity of the grafts was higher in the LD-MTX group than it was in the control group. The mean lipid peroxidation levels were essentially the same in the two groups, but myeloperoxidation was significantly lower in the LD-MTX group than it was in the other group. Conclusion: The results showed that LD-MTX administration may not preserve the quality and volume of transplanted fat tissue in rats.