The wound-healing and antioxidant effects of adipose-derived stem cells

Background: The aim of tissue engineering is to repair and regenerate damaged organs using a combination of cells, biomaterials and growth factors. Mesenchymal stem cells within the stromal-vascular fraction of subcutaneous adipose tissue, that is adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been used in skin repair with satisfactory results. The production and secretion of growth factors has been reported to be an essential function of ADSCs, and diverse regenerative effects of ADSCs in the skin have been demonstrated. Objective: Recent research developments concerning the wound-healing and antioxidant effects of ADSCs are briefly described. Methods: Various experimental results regarding the wound-healing and antioxidant effect of ADSCs are introduced, and the mechanisms and identification of active proteins involved in these function are further discussed. Results/conclusion: Evidence of ADSC differentiation of skin has not been reported in vivo, but ADSCs accelerate wound-healing and exhibit antioxidant effects under various conditions. The wound-healing and antioxidant effects of ADSCs are mainly mediated by the activation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes via the paracrine mechanism. Since ADSCs are easily obtained in large quantities and have an advantage over other stem cell sources, ADSCs and their secretory factors show promise for use in skin repair and regeneration.