Stem cell research is conquering many areas of medicine. In diseases where modern medicine has reached its limits the potential of the healing powers of the body’s own stem cells is explored.
We have now evidence that the stem cells derived from adipose tissue can be used in the treatment of wound healing disorders. The positive effect of stem cell treatment of poorly healing wounds is now examined in more detail in several studies worldwide.
Defects of the skin arise every day in the most mundane activities. A healthy body is able to handle these little damages and heal itself. However, if the outer impact is too strong, for example, due to a large-scale combustion, this requires medical attention. Nevertheless, even small wounds can develop problems when the patient suffers from diabetes or circulatory problems. Here the stem cells come into play with their significant biological potential:
Burns can sometimes cause deep wounds. A new stem cell therapy was tested on mice and found that the administration of adipose-derived stem cells (Stromal Vascular Fraction, SVF) promotes wound healing after burns. The wounds of treated mice healed better than those of mice that received no stem cells. Also the risk of infection could be reduced considerably.
Also chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers or defects caused by venous diseases may profit from the healing potential of stem cells from autologous fat. The stem cells are thought not only to renew the skin but also likely improve the blood supply to the damaged area.
DDr. Heinrich, MD