Adipose tissue-derived stem cells in breast reconstruction: a brief review on biology and translation

Abstract

Recent developments in adipose-derived stromal/stem cell (ADSC) biology provide new hopes for tissue engineering and regeneration medicine. Due to their pluripotent activity, paracrine activity, and immunomodulatory function, ADSCs have been widely administrated and exhibited significant therapeutic effects in the treatment for autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic conditions both in animals and human clinical trials. Cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) based on ADSCs has emerged as a promising cell therapy technology and significantly improved the fat graft retention. Initially applied for cosmetic breast and facial enhancement, CAL has found a potential use for breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients. However, more challenges emerge related to CAL including lack of a standardized surgical procedure, the controversy in the effectiveness of CAL, and the potential oncogenic risk of ADSCs in cancer patients. In this review, we summarized the latest research and intended to give an outline involving the biological characteristics of ADSCs as well as the preclinical and clinical application of ADSCs.

Glucose Enhances Pro-Tumorigenic Functions of Mammary Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells on Breast Cancer Cell Lines

“…To date, the contribution of MSCs in BC progression has been investigated mainly by using murine MSCs (mMSCs), human bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) or human abdominal adipose tissue (AT)-derived MSCs. However, biological differences between BM-MSCs and AT-derived MSCs have been described and, in the context of AT, the functional diversity of depots is well established [ 16 , 17 , 36 ]. Indeed, although different studies reported that MSCs support BC cell growth and migration [ 9 , 23 ], a piece of literature assigns tumor-suppressive functions to MSCs, considering them as suitable carriers for anti-cancer drug delivery [ 22 , 37 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, adipose tissue (AT) is an abundant source of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) showing self-renewal activity, multi-lineage differentiation potential and secreting a plethora of factors with immunomodulatory, angiogenic, neurotrophic, pro- and anti-inflammatory functions [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. MSCs are largely modified by external stimuli.…”

Adipose Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Looking Forward

“…Cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL), SVF and ASCs have demonstrated promise in adipose tissue regeneration and augmentation ( Zhu et al, 2015 ; Li et al, 2017 ; Hong, 2020 ). The administration of ASCs enhances the outcomes of fat grafting in humans, particularly breast reconstruction, facial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery applications ( Shukla et al, 2020b ; Fang et al, 2021 ). This is mainly due to the ability of ASCs to differentiate into endothelial and epithelial cells as well as secrete cytokines and growth factors that promote angiogenesis through paracrine mechanisms and cell-cell interactions in a co-culture system, thus enhancing neovascularization and accelerating wound healing ( Nie et al, 2011 ; Haubner et al, 2013 ).…”

Regenerative Strategy for Persistent Periprosthetic Leakage around Tracheoesophageal Puncture: Is It an Effective Long-Term Solution?

“…Compared with bone marrow, ASC yield from fat-tissue liposuction is 500-fold greater, with easier access, a less invasive harvesting procedure, fewer complications, and less damage to the donor sites [2]. Due to these practical advantages, ASC-based cell therapies have been widely applied for volumetric enhancement, wound healing, and soft tissue and bone regeneration [3][4][5][6].…”