Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have found that stem cells derived from adipose tissue can repair damage like fractures that often occur in people with osteoporosis, a disease that reduces bone strength. So far, the method has only been tested on mice, and results in humans may be different. However, researchers believe that this approach could become a minimally invasive treatment option for bone diseases. The results of the study were recently published in the journal.
Scientists emphasize that such cells can be easily obtained even from elderly patients, and the procedure practically does not burden the body, which makes it more gentle compared to existing methods. In the experiment, experts used rats with spinal injuries that resemble osteoporotic fractures in humans.
Stem cells have the ability to transform into different types of tissue, including bone. Researchers stimulated adipose tissue stem cells to form spheroids, three-dimensional cellular structures that mimic various tissues, including bone. These spheroids were then combined with a bone regenerating material, beta-tricalcium phosphate. The result of the experiment showed that laboratory mice regained a strong and healthy back.
In addition, genes that regulate the process of formation and restoration of bone tissue were activated. After treatment, their activity increased significantly, which suggests that this method stimulates natural healing mechanisms.