In early 2000, Zhu et al. found that Mesenchymal cells and other regenerative cells in adipose tissue are effective in curing various ailments such as tendon injuries, muscle, acute myocardial infarctions, chronic heart Ischemia, fistula, breast reconstruction, treatment of symptoms of Parry Romberg syndrome and others.
Therefore, in 2012, Dr. Cugat’s team began to study the use of stem cells derived from adipose tissue. Focusing on its application to improve the healing of anterior cruciate ligament surgeries and in meniscal injury surgeries, with the intention of not only shortening recovery times, but also with the purpose of obtaining better healing. This way, we can reduce the possible degeneration associated with both meniscus and cartilage, and thus prevent the onset of osteoarthritis and the need to use prostheses in the future.
As for the mechanisms of action of the stem cells derived from adipose tissue, we know from the experiments that the cells remain in the place of the lesion and do not migrate to other organs, a mechanism known as “Home to Injury”. Studies have also shown their ability to reduce apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cells in adjacent tissues. They modulate the inflammation and increase the vascularization through the segregation of growth factors responding in each moment to the context in which they are. All this means that the healing of the lesion improves, and the damaged and treated tissue can regenerate.