Fat stem cells are abundant in the human body and can be used for various treatments. They can be obtained from many sources, including umbilical cord tissue, molar teeth, amniotic fluid, Wharton’s jelly, and other tissues. These sources are widely available and do not harm the patient. Although this field has various success stories, many key issues remain unresolved. In this article, we’ll cover this information.
Molecular characteristics:
The molecular characteristics of fat stem cells are not the same for all types of fat tissue. The fat cells found in the abdomen have different characteristics than those from the thighs or hips. For example, the subcutaneous adipose tissue contains more ASCs than the visceral adipose tissue. Moreover, the ASCs derived from subcutaneous fat have less apoptosis than those from visceral fat tissue.
Applications:
Fat stem cells may help several conditions. For example, they may help with neovascularization and fibroblast regeneration. They may also help in adipocyte regeneration. Several applications of fat stem cells are being studied, including the treatment of aging skin.
Immunoprivileged:
Fat stem cells are unique among other adult stem cell types, as they are immune privileged, which means they are resistant to inflammatory immune responses. This property makes fat stem cells an attractive candidate for regenerative medicine. These cells also secrete several haematopoietic factors that are necessary for tissue repair.
Cardiovascular:
Researchers have discovered that fat-derived stem cells can improve cardiac function in patients suffering from heart attacks. This type of treatment improves blood flow to the heart and improves its pumping ability. But the research has some limitations. For example, the study used a small number of patients, and chance differences may influence the results.
Liver:
Liver fat stem cells have been studied to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research has shown that the transplantation of adipose-derived MSCs may have therapeutic value in this disease. The stem cells have similar differentiation potential as hepatocytes.
Joint instability:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes severe pain and disability worldwide and is expected to become increasingly prevalent as the population ages. Current accepted medical treatments for osteoarthritis aim to reduce pain and modify disease progression. While surgical options include joint replacement, many risks are associated with these procedures. With recent advances in stem cell research, regenerative medicine may one day offer a new option for treating OA.