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Review
. 2025 Mar 19;14(6):458.
doi: 10.3390/cells14060458.

A Comprehensive Exploration of the Biological Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis

Gabriele Storti  1 , Riccardo Foti  1 , Roberta Foti  2   3 , Marco Palmesano  1   4 , Martina Patacchiola  1 , Dalila Incognito  5 , Giulio Cervelli  6 , Benedetto Longo  1 , Maria Giovanna Scioli  7 , Elena Fiorelli  7 , Sonia Terriaca  7 , Andrea Lisa  4   8   9 , Bong Sung Kim  10 , Augusto Orlandi  7 , Valerio Cervelli  1
Affiliations
Review

A Comprehensive Exploration of the Biological Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis

Gabriele Storti et al. Cells. .

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis affecting the skin and internal organs. Genetic and environmental factors influence susceptibility, severity, and onset. Current treatments are limited and not always effective, leading researchers to investigate new approaches, such as the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) through fat grafting. This review seeks to understand how ADSCs may impact the development and progression of SSc, with a particular focus on how these cells could alter immune responses and reduce fibrosis. ADSCs have been found to affect various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, by releasing cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. These interactions generally suppress inflammation and promote a regulatory immune environment. Additionally, ADSCs can influence the extracellular matrix, helping to prevent fibrosis through signaling molecules like exosomes. ADSCs show promise as a treatment for SSc due to their ability to modulate the immune system and reduce fibrosis. Early clinical studies are encouraging, but more research is needed to fully understand how they work and to develop effective treatment protocols.

Keywords: ADSC; lipofilling; systemic sclerosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Coleman technique involves the harvesting of adipose tissue, centrifugation, and the removal of the oily portion, as well as the part containing blood and local anesthetic. The fat graft is then injected into the recipient areas.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The injection of the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the skin areas affected by systemic sclerosis (SSc) acts through different biological pathways, which ultimately determine multiple clinical effects. Abbreviation: SVF (stromal vascular fraction).
Figure 3
Figure 3
ADSCs exert their pro-angiogenic role by releasing VEGF, HGF, and bFGF, which stimulate angiogenesis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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