Adipose-derived stem cells for wound healing and fibrosis

Abstract Wound healing is a complex and dynamic biological process by which the body regenerates and repairs injuries, with the ultimate objective of restoring damaged tissue to its original form and function. This complex regeneration process comprises distinct phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling that are regulated by cytokines and growth factors released by various cell types. The new millennium has brought forth a newly discovered type of adult stem cell, known as the adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) that has shown enormous potential for treatment of complicated and chronic wounds. ASCs possess significant potential in the promotion of wound healing and mitigation of fibrosis, as demonstrated not only through in vitro and in vivo animal studies but also through recent clinical trials. ASCs perform the mitigation role by secreting a plethora of cytokines and growth factors that play a crucial role in wound healing.