Characterisation of adipose-tissue derived stem cells in excised and aspirated fat tissue.

Department of Plastic- and Breastsurgery, Toke Alstrup

Background

Autologous adult stem cells or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are of great interest due to their relevance in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASC) shares several characteristics with bone marrow SCs, including ability for differentiation and thereby clinical application.

Purpose

The project aims to investigate the basic yield of ASCs in human fat tissue. In comparing extraction techniques, digestion methods and quantification techniques, our study seeks to clarify the physiological levels of stem cells in the human adipose tissue. 

Method

The project is designed as a prospective case-control study. Adipose tissue is extracted by excision and aspirated and quantified using flow cytometry and colony-forming-unit assays. The effect of enzymatic digestion of the fat is compared with and without mechanical distortion.

Perspectives

An increased knowledge of the physiologic levels of ASCs, as well as optimal methods for quantification, will provide crucial information on how to continue the development of future stem cell research and treatment.