title: Adipose stem cells as a clinically available and effective source of adult stem cell therapy.
abstract: The greatest advantage of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) over other types of adult stem cells is its large number when we harvest primarily. The number of ASCs within adipose tissue reaches more than hundreds of times compared with BMSCs contained in the same amount of bone marrow. The major role of 'regenerative medicine' in 21st century is based on cell therapy and ASC is going to take the core position. It is important to know the characteristics of ASCs for successful clinical application. There are several unique features of ASCs which is known common characteristic of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Cellular plasticity is one of the most important features of ASCs as in other adult stem cells and the cells also have a special function of immune modulation and immunosuppression. Strong angiogenic potential is another important nature of ASCs. In many reports, ASCs are known not only to be differentiated into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, vascular endothelial cells, but also to be cardiomyocytes and neuronal cells. In conclusion, the new knowledge of ASCs is going to impact on the regenerative medicine. To take the advantage of this new type of cells and utilize the cells, we need to understand the function of ASCs and future possibilities of ASCs. We plastic surgeons continue to stimulate the our curiosity and creativity, as well as our clinical inspiration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jeong
keywords: Adipose stem cells; Adult stem cells; Cell therapy; Stem cells