The Role of Fat Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

Abstract

Adipose tissue has become a useful “stem cell depot” for regenerative medicine. ASCs and their derivatives, such as microfat, nanofat, SVF, microvascular fragments, secretomes, and exosomes, are all promising sources of multipotent cells and paracrine factors. Moreover, they are less encumbered by ethical concerns when compared to embryo-derived stem cells. Their pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic activities adjust the hemispheric injured environments and promote repair in dermatologic, orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurologic, hepatic, and reconstructive indications. Clinical ASC preparations can be rapidly processed from lipoaspirate and used autologously, enhancing immunogenicity. The benefits work mechanically through cellular engraftment and paracrine signaling (secretomes/exosomes), which enhance vascularization and limit fibrosis. Likewise, the mechanism that regulates collagen metabolism also comes into play.  As isolating, conditioning, and biomaterial scaffolds improve, ASC applications will broaden. Meanwhile, several individuals are comparing ASCs with other mesenchymal sources, such as bone marrow and DFAT cells. In general, cellular and acellular therapies derived from fat represent a flexible, scalable platform for tissue engineering and translational regeneration standardization, which is a priority area for long-term outcome reports.