Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells

Abstract

The adipose tissue is considered as a multifunctional organ which plays an important role in energy storage and endocrine and immune responses. In addition, it serves as a reservoir for a population identified as adipose-derived stem/ stromal cells (ASCs). ASCs have been documented to possess the potential to differentiate toward multiple cell lineages both in vitro and in vivo . At present, 168 national and international clinical trials involving ASC have been registered according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health of which 38 have been completed. Both pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of ASCs to treat various diseases. The mechanisms by which ASCs may provide regenerative function include their ability to differentiate into target tissue specific cells, the secretion of factors to recruit and direct host-derived reparative cells, and/or immunomodulatory effects. Thus, due to its abundance, easy availability, and low morbidity during harvest, adipose tissue provides a feasible tissue source of adult stromal/stem cells for regenerative medicine.