What if the medical field could use our own fat cells to treat or give rise to regenerative medicine? Adipose tissue often has a bad association as it is commonly known as body fat. Although excessive adipose tissue buildup can lead to obesity, heart problems, etc., these tissues are very important and active endocrine organ. Research and clinical trials have also proved much usefulness of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stell Cells in both regenerative medicines and various joint pain treatment plans. Adipose tissue is comprised of adipocytes (fat cells), that store and release energy throughout the body. Moreover, adipose tissue includes other cells that can produce particular hormones that can respond to various signals in the body, and thus regulates glucose, cholesterol, and metabolism of sex hormones. Apart from the biological usefulness of adipose tissue, Adipose Tissue-Derived Stell Cells (ADSCs) can be derived from subcutaneous fat from a donor to use the purified fat in various procedures. The process of fat harvesting is very minimally invasive. The secretion of trophic factors from ADSCs lets regenerative and therapeutic outcomes in a wide range of applications. With the advancement of technology in the field of medicine, doctors can take advantage of the outcome of ADSCs.
Regenerative medicine is defined as the process of replacing human cells or tissues to restore normal functions. These biomedical approaches and clinical therapies involve the use of stem cells. Stem cells are appreciated as in many novel medical treatments, biomedical engineers and scientists have found evidence of incredible outcomes. Adipose Tissue-Derived Stell Cells are a type of stem cell that has a capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, which is to naturally give rise to other cells that are beneficial in rejuvenation processes. These cells are harvested subcutaneously, from under the skin, which is why it is noninvasive. In the reconstructive procedure, Autologous Fat Transfer (AFT) is an incredible non-surgical procedure that is used in both reconstructive and other treatments. The harvested fat cells are purified and decanted. The product can be used to inject in areas of concern on the skin to initiate the growth of collagen and healthy tissue. AFT treats dull skin and enhances the treated area with the use of no implants. Some advantages of AFT included a relatively low complication rate due to the use of the patient’s own fat, minimally invasive incision, and a good safety record.
Other potentials of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem cells have led to focus on osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and eventually cardiovascular application among researchers. In joint degenerative diseases, adipose tissue can provide relief from injured cartilages that have a limited ability to heal. Joint pain is very common among related changes in bone morphology in middle-aged and older people. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis occurs due to the destruction of the protective cartilage that cushions joints. Autologous Fat transfer utilizes the least healthcare resource consumptions and provides rapid and inexpensive options for an alternative treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
According to the article “Adipose Tissue-Derived Stell Cells” in the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health journal, in the last decade, adipose tissue has been one the most researched and studied tissues as its endocrine activity which manifested in the release of numerous growth factors. The differentiation that the ADSCs undergoes can give rise to cells that are naturally of ectodermal origin, letting doctors employ the incredible capability of ADSCs. Moreover, ADSC’s have been used in experiments in a model of osteoporosis in rats, and results have shown regeneration in bone tissues.