Fig. 7

modVEGF-engineered hADSCs reduce levels of fibrosis, apoptosis, and necrosis in fat grafts. Fat grafts were harvested at 90 days after grafting for detailed molecular assessment. a Representative Masson’s trichrome staining of fat grafts. b Quantification of collagen (% area). Fibrotic areas are highlighted in blue with regions of extensive collagen deposition. c Representative immunostainings of α-SMA and CD31 shows mature blood vessels. d Analysis of α-SMA⁺ and CD31⁻ adipocytes (%). e Analysis of α-SMA⁺ and CD31⁺ vessels (%). Note: the hADSC^modVEGF group presented the least fibrotic tissue and gave rise to the most SMA⁺ capillaries, an indication of mature blood vessel formation. f Visualization of TUNEL⁺ cells indicates apoptotic activity. g Quantification of apoptotic cells. h Representative photomicrographs of TNF-α⁺ stainings. Black arrowheads practically indicate necrotic cells. i Analysis of TNF-α⁺ area (%). Scale bars = 20 μm. Error bars showed means ± SD. (*p† < 0.05, **p† < 0.01, ***p† < 0.001)