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World J Stem Cells. Jan 26, 2014; 6(1): 65-68
Published online Jan 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i1.65
Current applications of adipose-derived stem cells and their future perspectives
Eun-Hee Kim, Chan Yeong Heo
Eun-Hee Kim, Chan Yeong Heo, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 463-707, South Korea
Chan Yeong Heo, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
Author contributions: Kim EH and Heo CY equally contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Chan Yeong Heo, MD, PhD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gumi-Dong 300, Seongnam 463-707, South Korea. lionheo@snu.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-31-7877222 Fax: +82-31-7874055
Received: August 28, 2013
Revised: November 18, 2013
Accepted: December 12, 2013
Published online: January 26, 2014
Processing time: 170 Days and 23.4 Hours
Abstract

Adult stem cells have a great potential to treat various diseases. For these cell-based therapies, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are one of the most promising stem cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). ESCs and iPSCs have taken center stage due to their pluripotency. However, ESCs and iPSCs have limitations in ethical issues and in identification of characteristics, respectively. Unlike ESCs and iPSCs, ADSCs do not have such limitations and are not only easily obtained but also uniquely expandable. ADSCs can differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes and neurons under specific differentiation conditions, and these kinds of differentiation potential of ADSCs could be applied in regenerative medicine e.g., skin reconstruction, bone and cartilage formation, etc. In this review, the current status of ADSC isolation, differentiation and their therapeutic applications are discussed.

Keywords: Adipose-derived stem cells; Isolation; Differentiation; Transplantation; Cell-based therapy

Core tip: Adult stem cells have a great potential for reconstructive and regenerative medicine. Particularly, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a promising useful cell source for cell-based therapy because of their capability of expansion and differentiation into special cell types. In this review, the current status of ADSC isolation, differentiation and their therapeutic applications are discussed.