Adipose stem cells (ACSs) – stem cells derived from fat – are a promising source of cells for use in plastic surgery and regenerative medicine, according to a special review in the June issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
But much more research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of any type of ASC therapy in human patients, according to the article by ASPS Member Surgeon Rod Rohrich, MD of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, and colleagues. Dr. Rohrich is Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Adipose Stem Cells-Exciting Possibilities, but Proceed with Caution
The authors present an up-to-date review of research on the science and clinical uses of ASCs. Relatively easily derived from human fat, ASCs are “multipotent” cells that can be induced to develop into other kinds of cells-not only fat cells, but also bone, cartilage and muscle cells.
