Redundant human omentum fat: A leap towards regenerative medicine

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells possess a ground-breaking potential and appear to offer a wonderful opportunity, indeed a responsibility to understand important aspects of human biology involving tissue repair and regeneration. The ubiquitous existences of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) annex to be a regenerative tool rendering the replacement of worn-out cells. Researchers have averted their attention towards identification of various sources of adult mesenchymal stem cells from our own body tissues and fluids. Despite the existence of several advantages and potentials of MSCs from several sources being investigated, bringing stem cells adaptable for regenerative medicine applications in adequate quantities at the right time is a challenge. This is with regard to the inevitable fact that the frequencies of mesenchymal stem cells and their proliferative capacities and differentiation potentials as well as phenotypical and immunomodulatory properties have been shown to vary among sources. Furthermore, cell-based therapies rely to a larger degree on the preparation of an effective dose of ex vivo expanded cells, capable of self-renewal and differentiation. The identification of physiologically relevant and ideal source of stem cells that might be more useful in clinical setting needs to be investigated to ascertain an assured quality in cellular therapy. Additionally, changing the perception, about the successful treatment of stem cells for various diseases, in the light of recent findings becomes mandatory to cure these diseases and further to broaden the potential applications of stem cells. Adult stem cell therapies are routinely used to treat diseases using umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants and peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow stem cell transplants which are probably the most well-known therapy.