H K S C Hong Kong Stem Cell

Studies show that stem cells from fat tissue demonstrate early success in reconstructive surgery.

STEM cells derived from human fat tissue were recently reported to demonstrate early success in reconstructive surgeries in over 30 patients in Japan who underwent facial and breast procedures.

Innovative treatment

The results from an investigator-initiated study by Dr Kotaro Yoshimura of Tokyo University in Japan were presented at the 4th annual meeting for the International Fat Applied Technology Society that took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US.

According to Dr Alice, the CHA-Station™ procedure involves aspirating undesired fat from another part of the body, infusing it with stem cells, and then injecting it into body parts such as the breasts, buttocks or even the hollow contours of the face.

Dr Yoshimura performed an innovative stem cell treatment on 39 patients who underwent procedures ranging from repair of congenital facial and breast defects, and aesthetic enhancements to breast reconstruction following partial mastectomy.

The procedure is similar to a conventional lipo-injection. Dr Yoshimura’s team lipo-suctioned fat from patients, concentrated stem cells found in the fat, then injected the fat and stem cells into the areas of damaged tissue. Each patient received his or her own fat and stem cells.

Until now, doctors have injected fat into damaged tissue to give physical or mechanical support. However, eventual loss of that fat, called atrophy, is a common occurrence in patients who have had injected fat therapy.

Dr Yoshimura observed minimal atrophy in his patients, and believes the stem cells were key to keeping the fat healthy and allowing it to rejuvenate.

Stem cells derived from fat tissue appear to act through the promotion of blood vessels as a way to increase the survival of the transplanted tissue, as well as continuing tissue turnover after transplantation by forming new fat cells, helping to preserve tissue volume, stated Dr Yoshimura.

These are early findings for which more research is required prior to making such a treatment broadly available. However, these clinical results demonstrate the potential for stem cells derived from fat tissue.

Dr Yoshimura also said that 70% of all complications arising from cosmetic surgery are linked to the use of artificial materials. Stem cell enriched-fat, therefore, holds the promise of eliminating such complications.

Stem cells from adipose tissue (fat) is a rich source of stem cells, as well as other cell types that contribute to the natural healing process in humans. Referred to by the medical community as adipose-derived stem cells, researchers have “prompted” such cells to convert to fat, bone, cartilage and muscle, and believe these cells could help treat heart conditions, heal broken bones, and even be used in reconstructive surgery.

According to Dr Jeffrey Gimble of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, fat is considered to be much more than just those extra pounds we carry around. Unlocking the potential of stem cells found in fat tissue is just the beginning.

Additional applications

A separate research team, led by Dr Lorenza Lazzari, also released work that supports the thought that fat stem cells within transplanted fat can improve lipo-injection therapy.

Dr Lazzari’s team extracted fat from the abdomens and thighs (lipo-suction) of 12 patients, and then injected the fat into the patient’s vocal folds. This therapy is used following damage due to disease or anatomical defect. Until now, the team believed the injected fat offered only mechanical or structural support of the vocal folds.

Prior to injection, however, the team also sampled the fat for laboratory analysis.

Dr Lazzari’s team found that this procedure gave vocal abilities and normal speech to their patients for the long-term – one to two years, so far. The injected fat remained healthy and demonstrated rejuvenation.

To determine why, the team analysed the fat tissue used for injection and found the presence of stem cells.

Dr Lazzari believes that adult stem cells (ASCs) residing naturally in fat tissue may enhance the rejuvenation of damaged vocal folds.

Sample analysis indicated that ASCs in fat samples were present and able to differentiate into various cell types, and may act as a source to provide regenerative abilities in vocal fold tissue.

Local scenario

Aesthetic physician and cosmetic surgeon Dr Alice Prethima Michael says this technology can be used for skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing therapy through the CHA-Station™ procedure.

With CHA-Station™, undesired fat is aspirated from another part of the body and infused with stem cells, then injected into body parts such as the breasts, buttocks or even the hollow contours of the face.

“I’m a firm believer in educating patients and the general public about the latest medical treatments and technologies,” says Dr Alice. “Introducing the CHA-Station™ to the public is part of my mission to educate them on this safer and longer lasting option to aesthetic enhancement.”

Reference:
http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2011/11/20/health/9909421&sec=health