Osteogenic potential of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells as an alternative stem cell source

Bone formation using human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells and a biodegradable scaffold

Human adipose tissue, obtained by liposuction, was processed to obtain a fibroblast-like population of cells or adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ATSCs). The ATSCs, as well as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), have the capacity for renewal and the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages of mesenchymal tissues. These cells are capable of forming bone when implanted ectopically in an appropriate scaffold. The aim of this study was to evaluate a beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) as a scaffold and to compare the potential of osteogenic differentiation of ATSCs with BMSCs. Both cell types were loaded into beta-TCP disk and cultured in an osteogenic induction medium. Optimal osteogenic differentiation in ATSCs in vitro, as determined by secretion of osteocalcin, scanning electron microscope, and histology, were obtained in the culturing with the beta-TCP disk. Furthermore, bone formation in vivo was examined by using the ATSC- or BMSC-loaded scaffolds in nude mice. The present results show that ATSCs have a similar ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and to synthesize bone in beta-TCP disk as have BMSCs.

Multipotential differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells

Tissue engineering offers considerable promise in the repair or replacement of diseased and/or damaged tissues. The cellular component of this regenerative approach will play a key role in bringing these tissue engineered constructs from the laboratory bench to the clinical bedside. However, the ideal source of cells still remains unclear and may differ depending upon the application. Current research for many applications is focused on the use of adult stem cells. The properties of adult stem cells that make them well-suited for regenerative medicine are (1) ease of harvest for autologous transplantation, (2) high proliferation rates for ex vivo expansion and (3) multilineage differentiation capacity. This review will highlight the use of adipose tissue as a reservoir of adult stem cells and draw conclusions based upon comparisons with bone marrow stromal cells.