Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

Stem cell-based therapies for the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs offer a paradigm shift that may provide alternative therapeutic solutions for a number of diseases. The use of embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells in clinical situations is still limited due to cell regulation, genetic manipulation, and ethical considerations, even though these cells are theoretically highly beneficial. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) seem to be an ideal population of stem cells for practical regenerative medicine because they are not subject to the same restrictions. Additionally, because of their autologous tissue origin, they are nonimmunogenic, and are plentiful and easy to harvest. Although ASCs originate from mesodermal lineages, recent preclinical studies have shown that the use of ASCs in regenerative medicine is not limited to mesodermal tissue, but also extends to both exodermal and endodermal tissues and organs. In summary, ASCs are a promising source of stem cells for future cell-based therapies in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.