Oxylipins in Breast Implant–Associated Systemic Symptoms

Background

A subset of females with breast implants have reported a myriad of nonspecific systemic symptoms collectively termed systemic symptoms associated with breast implants (SSBI). SSBI symptoms are similar to manifestations associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. Breast tissue is rich in adipose cells, comprised of lipids. Insertion of an implant creates an oxidative environment leading to lipid oxidation. Oxylipins can influence immune responses and inflammatory processes.

Objectives

In this study we explored the abundance of a spectrum of oxylipins in the periprosthetic tissue surrounding the breast implant. Because oxylipins are immunogenic, we sought to determine if they were associated with the SSBI patients. We have also attempted to determine if the common manifestations exhibited by such patients have any association with oxylipin abundance.

Methods

The study included 120 patients divided into 3 cohorts. We analyzed 46 patients with breast implants exhibiting manifestations associated with SSBI; 29 patients with breast implants not exhibiting manifestations associated with SSBI (control cohort I, non-SSBI); and 45 patients without implants (control cohort II, no-implant tissue). Lipid extraction and oxylipin quantification were performed with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). LC-MS/MS targeted analysis of the breast adipose tissue was performed.

Results

Of the 15 oxylipins analyzed, 5 exhibited increased abundance in the SSBI cohort when compared to the non-SSBI and no-implant cohorts.

Conclusions

The study documents the association of the oxylipins with each manifestation reported by the patient. This study provides an objective assessment of the subjective questionnaire, highlighting which symptoms may be more relevant than the others.