成体干细胞与脂肪干
Introduction
Stem cells are cells which have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells in the body. The two most commonly known types of stem cells are the embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Adult stem cells can be further categorized into somatic stem cells and tissue-specific stem cells.
Somatic stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in the body’s organs and tissues, which are necessary for tissue growth and repair. These cells can differentiate into cells of the same tissue type but not all types of cells. Tissue-specific or adult stem cells, on the other hand, can differentiate into multiple cell types, but only those specified for a particular organ or tissue.
Adult Stem Cell Sources and Isolation Methods:
- Bone Marrow Stem Cells: These cells are typically sourced from the bone marrow of the pelvis, sternum or iliac crest of the bone, using a needle and syringe to extract the bone marrow.
- Peripheral Blood Stem Cells: These cells are sourced from the peripheral blood following a technique called leukapheresis.
- Adipose Tissue Stem Cells: These cells are sourced from fat cells via liposuction of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
- Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells: These cells are derived from the amniotic fluid obtained through amniocentesis.
Adult Stem Cells Vs. Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type in the body. For years, there has been much controversy surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells due to ethical issues over their sourcing from embryos created via in vitro fertilization.
Adult stem cells, however, have largely overcome this ethical dilemma. They do not pose any ethical issues and can be easily sourced from the body without harming the individual. Despite being less versatile in their ability to differentiate, adult stem cells have shown promising results in repairing damaged tissue and treating certain conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis, among others.
Adipose Tissue Stem Cells
Adipose tissue stem cells (ASCs) are adult stem cells that are harvested from adipose (fat) tissue. The adipose tissue is commonly sourced from subcutaneous fat, which is found just below the skin’s surface. Over recent years, there has been increased interest in ASCs due to their abundance, easy availability, and potential for clinical use.
ASCs are multipotent cells, meaning they can differentiate into multiple cell types such as osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), myocytes (muscle cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). These cells also secrete various growth factors and cytokines which contribute to tissue regeneration, immune modulation, and anti-inflammatory responses.
Comparison Between Adult Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells:
- Sourcing: While embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos, adult stem cells are obtained from tissues in the adult body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and peripheral blood. This means that adult stem cells do not raise any ethical concerns.
- Stability: Embryonic stem cells are less stable and can form tumors when transplanted into the body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, show higher stability and safety upon transplantation.
- Differentiation Capacity: Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into nearly all cell types in the body. Adult stem cells, however, are multipotent and can only differentiate into certain cell types.
- Viability: It is easier to isolate adult stem cells from tissues and culture them than embryonic stem cells due to their robustness and stability.
Advantages of Using Adipose Tissue Stem Cells:
ASCs have many advantages over other types of adult or embryonic stem cells. One of the most significant advantages of using ASCs in regenerative medicine is their abundance and ability to be easily harvested. In addition, they show high rates of proliferation and differentiate into a variety of tissue types, including bone, cartilage, muscle and fat, making them an ideal candidate for tissue repair and regeneration.
ASCs function to improve organ function through their ability to secrete various growth factors that stimulate blood supply to affected areas, increase immune modulation and reduce inflammation. This may improve overall organ and body function and reduce complications associated with disease states and trauma.
Conclusion:
Adult stem cells, including adipose tissue stem cells, are showing promising potential in regenerative medicine and cell therapy. These cells offer many advantages over embryonic stem cells, including easier sourcing, higher stability, and lower ethical concerns. Currently, ASCs are being extensively studied for their therapeutic potential in treating various conditions, including insulin resistance, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and neurological disease, among others.
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