Adipose-derived stem cells for regenerative medicine in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery

Stem cell-based therapies for the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs offer a paradigm shift in that they may provide alternative therapeutic solutions for a number of diseases. The use of embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells in clinical settings is still limited due to cell regulation, genetic manipulation, and ethical considerations, even though these cells are highly beneficial. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) appear to be an ideal population of stem cells for practical regenerative medicine because they are not subject to the same restrictions. In addition, because of their autologous tissue origin, they are non-immunogenic, and are plentiful and easy to obtain. Although ASCs originate from mesodermal lineages, several preclinical studies have shown that the use of ASCs in regenerative medicine is not limited to mesodermal tissue, but also extends to both exodermal and endodermal tissues and organs. Based on this background knowledge, the purpose of this review is to summarize and describe the underlying biology of ASCs and their proliferation and differentiation capacities, together with current preclinical and clinical data, particularly in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, regarding the use of ASCs in regenerative medicine.