Stem cell‑based cell therapy has provided a promising method for the treatment of pulmonary diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Furthermore, adipose‑derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been reported to be effective in lung repair and regeneration. In the current study, IPF was induced in mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM), and ADSCs were delivered systemically into the mice via the tail vein to evaluate the effects of ADSC transplantation. The ADSC engraftment rate and morphometric changes in lung tissue samples in vivo were investigated by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, as well as by western blotting. The results indicated that ADSCs may relieve IPF and provide a significant contribution to lung repair when administered at an early stage.