Adipose tissue stem cells (ASCs), known as multipotent stem cells, are most commonly used in the clinical applications in recent years.
Adipose tissues (AT) have the advantage in the harvesting, isolation, and expansion of ASCs, especially an abundant amount of stem cells compared to bone marrow.
ASCs can be found in stromal vascular fractions (SVF) which are easily obtained from the dissociation of adipose tissue. Both SVFs and culture-expanded ASCs exhibit the stem cell characteristics such as differentiation into multiple cell types, regeneration, and immune regulators. Therefore, SVFs and ASCs have been researched to evaluate the safety and benefits for human use. In fact, the number of clinical trials on ASCs is going to increase by years; however, most trials are in phase I and II, and lack phase III and IV. This systemic review highlights and updates the process of the harvesting, characteristics, isolation, culture, storage, and application of ASCs, as well as provides further directions on the therapeutic use of ASCs.
In conclusion, even though ASCs have been isolated and researched for years, ASCs application is more and more focused as a source of adult stem cells in various diseases. However, the in- vitro experiments or human trials are limited, thus it is necessary to conduct new studies which continue to support the use of ASCs therapy in therapeutic treatment.
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells are a type of multipotent stromal cell found in adipose (fat) tissue, and they have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, such as adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes.
Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles, typically ranging from 30 to 150 nm in size, that are secreted by various cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells. They play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (such as mRNA and microRNA) between cells. The cargo within exosomes can influence the behavior and function of recipient cells, making them key players in various physiological and pathological processes. AD-MSC exosomes have attracted significant interest in recent years due to their potential therapeutic applications. They have been found to possess regenerative, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties, which make them promising candidates for treating a wide range of conditions, including tissue injury, degenerative diseases, and inflammatory disorders.
Some of the potential therapeutic applications of AD-MSC exosomes include:
Tissue repair and regeneration
They can promote cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, helping in the regeneration of damaged tissues, such as skin, bone, and cartilage.
Wound healing
AD-MSC exosomes can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue remodeling, which can enhance the wound healing process.
Anti - inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects
They can modulate immune cell functions, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair, making them useful in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Neuroprotection
AD-MSC exosomes have been found to protect neurons from damage and promote neural regeneration in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.