Anat Cell Biol.  2016 Sep;49(3):184-188. 10.5115/acb.2016.49.3.184.

Histological and biochemical study of the superficial abdominal fascia and its implication in obesity

• Pandey AK
• Kumar P
• Aithal SK
• Kotian SR
• Thittamaranahalli H
• Bangera H
• Prasad K
• Souza AD

• KMID: 2353343
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2016.49.3.184

Abstract

The advancement of liposculpturing and fascial flaps in reconstructive surgery has renewed interest in the superficial fascia of abdomen. Its histological and biochemical composition may play a vital role in maintaining strength and elasticity of the fascia. Hence, study of abdominal fascia for the elastic, collagen, and hydroxyproline contents is desirable to understand asymmetrical bulges and skin folds and in improving surgical treatment of obesity. Samples of superficial fascia were collected from of upper and lower abdomen from 21 fresh cadavers (15 males and 6 females). Samples were stained using Verhoeff-Van Gieson stain. Digital images of superficial fascia were analyzed using TissueQuant software. The samples were also subjected to hydroxyproline estimation. The superficial fascia was formed by loosely packed collagen fibers mixed with abundant elastic fibers and adipose tissue. Elastic contents and collagen contents of superficial fascia were significantly more in the upper abdomen than that in the lower abdomen in males. Hydroxyproline content of superficial fascia of upper abdomen was significantly more than that of lower abdomen in both males and females. The elastic, collagen and hydroxyproline contents of superficial fascia of upper abdomen were higher compared to the lower abdomen. This may be a reason for asymmetric bulging over abdomen and more sagging fold of skin in the lower abdomen than in the upper abdomen. This study may therefore be helpful in finding new ways to manage obesity and other body contour deformities.

Keyword

Abdominal obesity; Collagen fibers; Elastic tissue; Sucutaneous tissue

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adipose Tissue
Cadaver
Collagen
Congenital Abnormalities
Elastic Tissue
Elasticity
Fascia*
Female
Humans
Hydroxyproline
Male
Obesity*
Obesity, Abdominal
Skin
Subcutaneous Tissue
Collagen
Hydroxyproline

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Representative image of the Van Gieson and Verhoff stained superficial fascia (×10) showing elastic (black arrow) and collagen fibers (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2 Representative image of the results of automated measurement of elastic fibers (white colored) calculated by TissueQuant image analysis software (×10).

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  Fig. 3 Representative image of the results of automated measurement of collagen fibers (white areas) calculated by TissueQuant image analysis software (×10).

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