In Toto Adipocytes Analysis Using Hydrophilic Tissue Clearing, Light Sheet Microscopy, and Deep Learning-Based Image Processing

Abstract

Background Information

Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disease characterized by excessive fat storage in adipocytes, particularly in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) like mesenteric adipocytes. Metabolic dysfunctions due to obesity are often associated with modification of adipocyte volume. Various techniques for measuring adipocyte size are described in the literature, including classical histological methods on paraffin-embedded tissue sections or dissociation of adipose tissue (AT) using collagenase with artifacts due to AT post treatment.

Results

This study aims to develop and implement an innovative method for 3D investigation of AT to assess adipocyte volume, overcoming the limitations and biases inherent in traditional techniques. The principle of the method relies on fluorescent labeling of lipids and extracellular matrix (ECM) in toto within AT, followed by a tissue clearing step without delipidation and imaging using 3D light sheet microscopy coupled with automated analysis of adipocyte size through a deep learning approach. By this work we showed that the volume of adipocytes increased in mesenteric AT from obese rats with an increase in the distance between adipocytes.

Conclusion and Significance

The current work highlights the interest in combining AT clearing without a delipidation step and light sheet microscopy for in toto 3D adipocyte characterization in obese versus healthy rats. While this method is particularly valuable for understanding adipocyte hypertrophy in the context of obesity, its applicability extends beyond this area. This innovative approach offers valuable opportunities for investigating adipocyte dynamics in various pathological conditions, evaluating the impact of nutritional interventions, and assessing the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments.