Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue in Clinical Applications for Dermatological Indications and Skin Aging

Abstract

Operating at multiple levels of control, mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue (ADSCs) communicate with organ systems to adjust immune response, provide signals for differentiation, migration, enzymatic reactions, and to equilibrate the regenerative demands of balanced tissue homeostasis. The identification of the mechanisms by which ADSCs accomplish these functions for dermatological rejuvenation and wound healing has great potential to identify novel targets for the treatment of disorders and combat aging. Herein, we review new insights into the role of adipose-derived stem cells in the maintenance of dermal and epidermal homeostasis, and recent advances in clinical applications of ADSCs related to dermatology.

Keywords: adipose-derived stem cells; aging; clinical applications; dermis; epidermis; matrikines; skin homeostasis; subcutaneous adipose depot; wound healing.

Figure 1

Skin Structure. The skin is composed of 3 main layers-Epidermis, Dermis and Subcutaneous layers containing (1) hair shaft; (2) stratum corneum; (3) sweat-pore; (4) hair follicle; (5) arrector pili muscle; (6) sebaceous gland; (7) nerve; (8) eccrine sweat gland; (9) cutaneous vascular plexes; (10) adipose depot. Detailed structure of (A) epidermis is shown with the stratum layers and (B) cellular composition and dermis is shown.

Figure 2

A Schematic representation of dermal fibroblast in regulation of skin homeostasis. Fibroblasts have been shown to influence the signaling pathways for the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen and growth factors.

Figure 3

Stages of Wound Healing: Wound healing is a 3-step process. (1) Inflammation stage initiated by migration of inflammatory and stem cells to the wound-site; (2) Proliferation and Granularization stage involving secretion of growth factors and migration of fibroblasts, keratinocytes and endothelial cells to initiate ECM production and repair and; (3) Re-epithelialization stage is the final stage of wound healing process marked by the synthesis and organization of new collagen and elastin fibers resulting in healed epidermis.