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Hypertrophic adipocytes have been implicated in the progression of obesity-induced complications. These enlarged fat cells cause release of free fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines, promote hypoxia and fibrosis and limit insulin sensitivity. Photobiomodulation (PBM), or the influence of light on biological tissues, has previously been demonstrated to reduce lipid accumulation in stem cells undergoing adipogenesis. Here, we characterize the effect of PBM on an in vitro hypertrophic obesity model and its influence on reduction of lipids and restoration to normal adipocyte function. Adipose-derived stem cells were induced to hypertrophy with the addition of palmitic acid (PA) and was confirmed with fluorescent imaging of lipid content, and functional changes such as glucose uptake.
