Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Skin Diseases, Wound Healing, and Skin Defects: A Review

September 2022 in “ Cytotherapy ”

Isabelle Schneider, Maurizio Calcagni, Johanna Buschmann

adipose-derived stem cells ASCs wound healing chronic wounds diabetic ulcers burn wounds alopecia atopic dermatitis immunomodulatory pro-angiogenic scar formation neovascularization growth factors stem cells hair loss eczema immune-modulating new blood vessels scar reduction

Studysummary This review summarizes recent research on the therapeutic uses of adipose-derived stem cells for wound healing and treating skin diseases but does not provide new experimental results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review discusses the potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in treating skin diseases, wound healing, and skin defects. ASCs have been found to promote wound healing, particularly in chronic wounds or diabetic patients, due to their immunomodulatory and pro-angiogenic characteristics. They can also reduce scar formation and mediate neovascularization. ASCs have been used in treating diabetic ulcers, burn wounds, alopecia, and atopic dermatitis. In terms of hair loss, ASCs secrete growth factors that activate neighboring cells, making them a potential therapeutic option. However, the review highlights the need for larger standardized studies to establish optimal treatment. The review also notes that while ASCs have shown potential in diabetic wound healing, the effectiveness of autologous administration in diabetic patients seems to be impacted and should be carefully evaluated.

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Research cited in this study

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AIRMESS – Academy of International Regenerative Medicine & Surgery Societies: Recommendations in the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Autologous Stem Cell-Based Therapy (ASC-BT) in Androgenetic Alopecia and Wound Healing

research AIRMESS – Academy of International Regenerative Medicine & Surgery Societies: Recommendations in the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Autologous Stem Cell-Based Therapy (ASC-BT) in Androgenetic Alopecia and Wound Healing

17 citations , March 2021 in “Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy”

This review analyzes the impact of different preparation methods for platelet-rich plasma, human follicles stem cells, and adipose-derived stem cells on hair regrowth and wound healing, but reports no new results; the authors emphasize convincing evidence of positive outcomes despite protocol variability.

Systematic Review: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Biomaterials as New Regenerative Strategies in Chronic Skin Wounds and Soft Tissue Defects

research Systematic Review: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Biomaterials as New Regenerative Strategies in Chronic Skin Wounds and Soft Tissue Defects

70 citations , February 2021 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review provides an overview of current research on AD-MSCs, PRP, and biomaterials, highlighting their safety and efficacy in treating soft tissue defects and chronic wounds without major side effects.

research Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Prevention of Alopecia and Other Skin Complications of Radiotherapy

6 citations , November 2020 in “Annals of Plastic Surgery”

In this study, co-administering adipose-derived stem cells with platelet-rich plasma reduced radiation therapy-induced skin and hair follicle damage in mice, suggesting potential for clinical application.

research The Effect of Conditioned Media From Human Adipocyte-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Androgenetic Alopecia After Nonablative Fractional Laser Treatment

10 citations , August 2020 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study, human ADSC-CM treatment following nonablative fractional laser significantly increased hair density and volume in patients with androgenetic alopecia without any reported adverse effects.

research Systematic Review: Allogenic Use of Stromal Vascular Fraction and Decellularized Extracellular Matrices as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in Tissue Regeneration

113 citations , July 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review suggests that allogenic adipose stem cell and extracellular matrix transplants may be safe and effective for various medical conditions, based on available studies.

research Promotion of Hair Growth by Conditioned Medium from Extracellular Matrix/Stromal Vascular Fraction Gel in C57BL/6 Mice

13 citations , June 2020 in “Stem Cells International”

In this study using a mouse model, ECM/SVF-CM, derived from adipose-derived stem cells, was observed to stimulate hair growth more effectively than SVF-CM by promoting cell proliferation, neovascularization, and anagen induction, which may support its potential as an improved treatment for hair loss.

research A Review of the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations , February 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This review discusses pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for androgenetic alopecia, noting that current medications like finasteride and minoxidil can slow hair loss but only partially restore hair growth, with early treatment offering better outcomes.

Impact of Different Preparation Methods to Obtain Autologous Non-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma and Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery: Wound Healing and Hair Regrowth Evaluation

research Impact of Different Preparation Methods to Obtain Autologous Non-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma and Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery: Wound Healing and Hair Regrowth Evaluation

58 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review evaluates various kits for isolating platelet-rich plasma using established processing standards and finds they enable compliance with consensus quality criteria; ongoing research is needed to refine these procedures for improved consistency and safety.

research Autologous Micrografts from Scalp Tissue: Trichoscopic and Long-Term Clinical Evaluation in Male and Female Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations , January 2020 in “BioMed Research International”

This study found that micrografts containing human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells significantly increased hair count and density compared to placebo over 58 weeks in patients experiencing hair loss.

research Sequential Scalp Assessment in Hair Regeneration Therapy Using an Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium

33 citations , September 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that intradermal administration of adipose-derived stem cell–conditioned medium significantly increased hair density and dermal thickness, suggesting potential regenerative effects on both hair follicles and the interfollicular scalp in patients with alopecia.

research Autologous Cellular Method Using Micrografts of Human Adipose Tissue Derived Follicle Stem Cells in Androgenic Alopecia

88 citations , July 2019 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

In this study of patients with Androgenic Alopecia, micro-grafts containing HD-AFSCs resulted in significantly improved hair density and follicle count over 11 months compared to a saline solution, suggesting a potential alternative therapy for hair regrowth.

Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

research Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

136 citations , May 2019 in “Cells”

This review discusses the advancements in intraoperative stem cell therapies and highlights their potential to improve hair regrowth, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Stromal Vascular Fraction for Hair Loss

13 citations , August 2018 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

This review discusses the potential effectiveness of cell therapy for hair loss, highlighting promising early findings but emphasizing that more research is needed to explore specific therapies like autologous fat grafting and mesenchymal stem cells.

research Cellular Therapy with Human Autologous Adipose-Derived Adult Cells of Stromal Vascular Fraction for Alopecia Areata

45 citations , May 2018 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy”

In this study, patients receiving adipose-derived stromal vascular cell transplantation for alopecia areata experienced significant hair regeneration, increased growth, and improved hair quality after 3 and 6 months, indicating potential efficacy of this stem cell-based therapy for hair loss.

Introducing Platelet-Rich Stroma: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stromal Vascular Fraction Combined for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Introducing Platelet-Rich Stroma: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stromal Vascular Fraction Combined for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , March 2018 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

This study found that a single injection of platelet-rich stroma significantly increased hair density in men with androgenetic alopecia within 6 to 12 weeks, with no reported side effects.

Up-To-Date Clinical Trials of Hair Regeneration Using Conditioned Media of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

research Up-To-Date Clinical Trials of Hair Regeneration Using Conditioned Media of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

30 citations , June 2017 in “Current stem cell research & therapy”

This review discusses the potential of adipose-derived stem cells for hair regeneration and suggests that these cells and their conditioned media may offer a promising strategy for treating hair loss.

Stem Cells from Human Hair Follicles: First Mechanical Isolation for Immediate Autologous Clinical Use in Androgenetic Alopecia and Hair Loss

research Stem Cells from Human Hair Follicles: First Mechanical Isolation for Immediate Autologous Clinical Use in Androgenetic Alopecia and Hair Loss

86 citations , June 2017 in “Stem cell investigation”

This study reported that using human follicle stem cells isolated from hair bulge areas increased hair density by about 29% over baseline in patients with androgenetic alopecia, with significant improvements observed 23 weeks after the last treatment.

research Hair Regeneration Therapy: Application of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

55 citations , May 2017 in “Current stem cell research & therapy”

In this study, Japanese patients treated with adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium for hair regeneration showed positive outcomes, suggesting it may be an effective new therapy for alopecia.

research Clinical Use of Conditioned Media of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Case Series Study

83 citations , March 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This retrospective study found that adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned media increased hair density and thickness in women with female pattern hair loss over 12 weeks, with no severe adverse effects reported.

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20 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications”

This study suggests that applying a suspension of adipose-derived cells during hair transplantation may enhance wound healing and promote continued hair growth shortly after the procedure.

Ultraviolet B Preconditioning Enhances the Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

research Ultraviolet B Preconditioning Enhances the Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

41 citations , July 2012 in “Stem Cells and Development”

This study found that low-dose UVB radiation enhances the survival, migration, and hair growth-promoting capacity of adipose-derived stem cells in mice through the generation of reactive oxygen species.

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198 citations , October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This article discusses the development of an evidence-based guideline for treating androgenetic alopecia and reports no new research results.

research Adipocyte Lineage Cells Contribute to the Skin Stem Cell Niche to Drive Hair Cycling

499 citations , September 2011 in “Cell”

This study found that intradermal adipocyte lineage cells in mice are necessary and sufficient to activate follicular stem cells, highlighting their role in regulating skin stem cell activity.

Hair Growth Stimulated by Conditioned Medium of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Is Enhanced by Hypoxia: Evidence of Increased Growth Factor Secretion

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134 citations , January 2010 in “Biomedical research”

This study found that subcutaneous administration of conditioned medium from adipose-derived stem cells promoted hair growth in mice, and hypoxia enhanced this effect by altering growth factor secretion.

research Hair Growth Promoting Effects of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells

81 citations , December 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This review discusses the paracrine effects of adipose tissue-derived stem cells on surrounding cells and tissues, noting their potential therapeutic benefits, but reports no new clinical results.

research Prevalence of Male Pattern Hair Loss in 18–49 Year Old Men

50 citations , December 1998 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study, 42% of healthy men aged 18-49 showed moderate to extensive male pattern hair loss, with prevalence increasing significantly with age.

research Soluble Factors From Human Hair Papilla Cells And Dermal Fibroblasts Dramatically Increase The Clonal Growth Of Outer Root Sheath Cells

62 citations , June 1993 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”