The discovery is perfect timing in this age of tissue engineering and embryonic stem cell research. Stem cells are immature cells that retain the ability to divide and provide cells that can become specialized and take the place of those that die or are lost. This is the earliest stage of a cell before it becomes a specific, well-functioning cell in a particular area of the body. Two recent studies have shown stem cells taken from a portion of fatty tissue from the abdomen as well as from fat cells removed during liposuction have the potential to become various kinds of body tissue such as soft tissue, nerves, skin and bone. Using liposuction to harvest fat-derived stem cells could eliminate the possibility of rejection, infections and complications associated with medications to prevent rejections.
Further research is needed but researchers say the potential looks promising.
The research was presented at this week's meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in Los Angeles. If you would like to receive a FREE weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs, click HERE .