Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Treatments and Formulations

Abstract

This article analyzes the current literature on the use of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to evaluate the available evidence regarding their therapeutic potential in the treatment of cartilage pathology. Seventeen articles were included and analyzed, showing that there is overall a lack of high-quality evidence concerning the use of ASCs. Most trials are case series with short-term evaluation. The most adopted approach consists of an intra-articular injection of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) rather than the expanded cells. Based on the available data, no specific preparation method or formulation could be considered as the preferred choice in clinical practice.

Keywords: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells; Cartilage; Intra-articular injection; Osteoarthritis; Stem cells; Stromal vascular fraction.