Use Of Adipose Tissue Research Articles

Adipose tissue: A treasure trove of stem cells for regenerative medicine

Adipose tissue: A treasure trove of stem cells for regenerative medicine Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, has long been considered a mere energy reservoir. However, recent discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of this tissue, placing it at the heart of advances in stem cells and regenerative medicine. To shed light on these questions, we will rely on the expertise of Doctors Saja Scherer and Giorgio Pietramaggiori from the Global Medical Institute clinic in Lausanne. These two eminent specialists are at the forefront of research and clinical applications of adipose tissue in regenerative medicine. Dr. Saja Scherer, a renowned plastic surgeon, is recognized for her innovative work on the use of adipose tissue in facial reconstruction and rejuvenation. Her research has contributed to improving fat grafting techniques, thus optimizing results for patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review.

Neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke, are considered a big challenge for public health due to their high prevalence and lack of definitive and effective treatments. Addressing these issues requires innovative therapeutic approaches and among the limited methods available, stem cells have shown promise in improving central nervous system repair by enhancing myelin regeneration and neuronal recovery. To advance this field of research, this systematic review aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from both bone marrow and adipose tissue for the treatment of ischemic stroke. This study conducted a systematic review in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to assess the efficacy and safety of MSCs generated from bone marrow and adipose tissue for the treatment of ischemic stroke. It was extracted without a time limit until April 2023. The studies were then transferred to the information management program (EndNote) and duplicates were eliminated. The remaining studies were then examined using the entry and exit criteria and the 3 stages of primary, secondary, and qualitative evaluation, and finally, the results of the final studies were extracted. According to the initial search in the desired databases, 1028 possible related articles were identified and transferred to the information management software (EndNote). After removing 390 duplicate studies, 608 studies were excluded based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 37 final studies were included in the systematic review process. Based on the investigations, it was evident that the administration of MSCs derived from both bone marrow and adipose tissue holds significant promise as an effective and safe treatment approach for ischemic stroke. The results consistently showed acceptable outcomes in the studies and this evidence can be recommended for the clinical application of this treatment. Also, the findings of this study report that the use of adipose tissue and bone marrow MSCs in the treatment of ischemic stroke can be used as a practical method.

Manufacturing of a Human Adipose-Derived Hydrogel.

Hydrogels are considered a viable in vitro alternative to monolayer cultures. They provide quintessential characteristics for in vitro studies including biocompatibility, biodegradability, viscoelasticity, hydrophilicity, and low toxicity. Furthermore, many provide necessary extracellular matrix proteins and architecture to support cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Synthetic and natural polymer-derived hydrogels both demonstrate positive qualities; however, natural hydrogels have attracted great interest due to their clinical relevancy. In particular, decellularized tissue-derived hydrogels have been identified as a significant resource for tissue engineering applications by mimicking the composition and architecture of their tissue of origin.The use of adipose tissue as a hydrogel has become more prevalent because of limitless resources and accessibility of the tissue itself. Obatala Sciences has established a manufacturing protocol for human decellularized adipose tissue (hDAT) using a series of steps including mechanical disruption, chemical disruption with N-Lauroylsarcosine, and enzymatic digestion with pepsin and hydrochloric acid.

A Worldwide Analysis of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Stromal Vascular Fraction in Orthopedics: Current Evidence and Applications.

The biological enhancement of tissue regeneration and healing is an appealing perspective in orthopedics. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to describe the global distribution of studies investigating the use of adipose tissue derivates in orthopedics and to provide information on their quality and on the products available. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Eighty-two studies were included, with a total of 3594 patients treated. In total, 70% of the studies investigated the treatment of knee disorders, predominantly osteoarthritis; 26% of all studies dealt with expanded adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ADSCs), 72% of which had stromal vascular fraction (SVF); 70% described the injection of adipose tissue derivates into the affected site; and 24% described arthroscopies with the addition of adipose tissue derivates. The mean mCMS for all studies was 51.7 ± 21.4 points, with a significantly higher score for the studies dealing with expanded ADSCs compared to those dealing with SVF (p = 0.0027). Our analysis shows high heterogeneity in terms of the types of performed procedures as well as the choice and processing of adipose tissue derivates.

Experimental study on clinical and morphological determination of the optimal cannula diameter for lipoaspirate harvest from rabbit inguinal fat pad.

Determining the most appropriate cannula diameter for lipoaspirate harvesting is important, both in terms of the quality and composition of the material obtained, and the ease of practical use of the cannula. The size of the cannula is one of the main factors affecting the qualitative characteristics of the obtained lipoaspirate sample for further use of adipose tissue. The purpose of the investigation was to clinically and histomorphometrically determine the optimal cannula diameter for lipoaspirate samples collection from rabbit inguinal fat pad in an experimental study. The methods of Animal models, Surgical procedures, Macroscopic examination, Histological examination, and Morphometric study were applied. There is a direct correlation between the percentage of connective tissue fibres in the lipoaspirate and the diameter of the cannula. The lack of clear criteria for selecting a lipoaspiration cannula is one of the limitations to obtaining generally accepted lipoaspiration protocols with subsequent use of adipose tissue. In this study, the animal experiment determined the most ideal cannula diameter suitable for collecting the largest amount of lipoaspirate for subsequent use.

Clinical evidence of bio-stimulators for cervicofacial liposculpture: a systematic review

Introduction: In the liposculpture scenario, and at the cellular and molecular level, tissue engineering has numerous advantages that meet the needs of the injured tissue or organ for the regeneration process or fillings and contours. Biological microenvironments enable cell recognition and signaling cascades for neovascularization and stabilization of fat grafting. Objective: A concise systematic review was carried out on the use of potential biostimulators (cells and molecules) and the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that can contribute to the successful process of cervicofacial liposculpture, to promote neovascularization and stabilization of fat grafting or fat reduction. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The research was carried out from February to April 2022 in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 96 articles were found. A total of 36 articles were fully evaluated and 34 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 11 studies at high risk of bias and 37 studies that did not meet the GRADE. The present study showed that the use of potential bio stimulators such as stromal vascular fraction cells and mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue, exosomes, microRNA, and PRP, as well as the molecules secreted by these cells, can contribute to the successful process of cervicofacial liposculpture, to promote neovascularization and stabilization of fat grafting or fat reduction. Furthermore, studies have shown that the use of adipose tissue plus PRP led to the presence of more pronounced inflammatory infiltrates and greater vascular reactivity, increased vascular permeability, and certain reactivity of the nervous component, noting that the addition of 20% PRP activated with calcium to adipose tissue grafts can enhance the results of regenerative and aesthetic facial surgeries.

Adipose Tissue-Derived Components: From Cells to Tissue Glue to Treat Dermal Damage.

In recent decades, adipose tissue transplantation has become an essential treatment modality for tissue (volume) restoration and regeneration. The regenerative application of adipose tissue has only recently proven its usefulness; for example, the method is useful in reducing dermal scarring and accelerating skin-wound healing. The therapeutic effect is ascribed to the tissue stromal vascular fraction (tSVF) in adipose tissue. This consists of stromal cells, the trophic factors they secrete and the extracellular matrix (ECM), which have immune-modulating, pro-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic properties. This concise review focused on dermal regeneration using the following adipose-tissue components: adipose-tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs), their secreted trophic factors (ASCs secretome), and the ECM. The opportunities of using a therapeutically functional scaffold, composed of a decellularized ECM hydrogel loaded with trophic factors of ASCs, to enhance wound healing are explored as well. An ECM-based hydrogel loaded with trophic factors combines all regenerative components of adipose tissue, while averting the possible disadvantages of the therapeutic use of adipose tissue, e.g., the necessity of liposuction procedures with a (small) risk of complications, the impossibility of interpatient use, and the limited storage options.

Adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: from extraction methods to the preparation of the transplant

Introduction: Recent studies have investigated the use of adipose tissue as source of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in humans. However, there are still several protocols being performed. Objective: Analyze the protocols published in the literature in the last ten years and to investigate how they are being carried out and if they are following the criteria adopted by the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) and the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT). Methodology: Articles from the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Lilacs database published in January / 2010 until the present time, which were evaluated in order to investigate the use of adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Results: Thirty four articles were evaluated in its entiraty. The abdominal area was the most choosen to do the liposuction, however the quantities of adipose tissue removed and the number of cells transplanted was variable. It is hightlited the enzimatic digestion of adipose tissue with collagenase as extraction method. Only 14 articles complied all the 3 criteria required to prove the real presence of mesenchymal stem cells in the samples that was transplanted. However, all the articles showed improvement of function and pain. Final considerations: Thus, even the results found are promising, the evidence is still limited in humans and the variability of the methodology makes it difficult to standardize the technique, also its implementation as a reference in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods to isolate adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

The use of adipose tissue has seen increasing interest in recent years for treating plastic surgery defects and for regenerative medicine applications. Adipose tissue is considered an optimal source of stem cells, as it contains more multipotent cells than bone marrow for the same volume. The adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), isolated from the heterogeneous stromal vascular fraction (SVF), possess self-renewal properties and multilineage differentiation potential. In addition, adipose tissue can be obtained with less invasive procedures and patient morbidity than other tissue. For these reasons, numerous enzymatic, and non-enzymatic isolation methods have been developed over the years. The traditional method for isolation and culture of primary ADSCs from adipose tissue relies on enzymatic digestion with collagenase, followed by multiple steps of centrifugation. Alternative non-enzymatic isolation methods are based closed, sterile, and safe isolation processes that differ from each other for parameters such as the centrifugation force, pressure, filtration, and washing. Despite the existence of this multitude of systems, the best isolation method has not been identified to date. Therefore, the great challenge remains the achievement of the standardization of cellular products to allow the comparability between clinical studies and trials.

Stem cell therapy in the treatment of organic and dysfunctional endometrial pathology.

Intrauterine adhesions caused by postpartum curettage, spontaneous abortions, interrupted pregnancies, endometrial ablations, infections and inflammations, can lead to a loss of endometrial function, with consequent hypomenorrhea and infertility in women of reproductive age. In a non-negligible percentage of cases, the available surgical methods and hormone therapy, with sequential administration of estrogen and progesterone, are ineffective. In fact, severe damage to the basal layer of the endometrium causes the loss of endometrial cell precursors and leads to the failure of regeneration of the functional layer to which the endometrium is cyclically exposed. Today, many researchers are evaluating the use of stem cells of different origins as a potential therapy to restore endometrial function. Our interest has been focused on adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ADSCs) obtained by collecting subcutaneous adipose tissue and subsequently treating it with the MilliGraft® method. This procedure produces a cell suspension, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which includes ADSCs and soluble factors such as proteins and extracellular vesicles (exosomes). The SVF thus obtained was characterized in its cellular composition and its functional factors. Our clinical protocol for the future use of adipose tissue in endometrial regeneration in its different phases is presented. The data obtained, even though they still require further support and implementation, show the regenerative properties of SVF obtained from adipose tissue using a mechanical method. These findings can contribute to the development of cell therapies using stem cells of different derivations which are increasingly being utilized in the treatment of endometrial lesions from adherent or dysfunctional pathologies.

Adipose tissue and adipose secretome in systemic sclerosis.

Adipose tissue is closely associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-pathology, both anatomically and functionally. This review focuses on local effects of adipocytes in the context of adipose to mesenchymal transdifferentiation (AMT), effects of the adipose stromal vascular fraction on SSc pathogenesis and systemic effects of adipose tissue secretome. Novel populations of fibroblasts evolving from adipose tissue were identified- for example COL11+ cancer-associated fibroblasts differentiated from adipose-derived stromal cells. Lipofibroblasts in human lungs were described using nonconventional markers that allow more effective population identification. These findings could make an important contribution to further clarification of adipocyte involvement in SSc.Recent studies confirmed that lipolysis contributes to fibrogenesis through AMT differentiation and release of fatty acids (FA). Unbalanced metabolism of FA has been reported in several studies in SSc. Other adipose tissue secretome molecules (e.g. lysophosphatidic acid), novel adipokines and extracellular vesicles from adipose mesenchymal stem cells make important contributions to the pro-/antifibrotic balance. There is a growing evidence of important contribution of adipose tissue and its secretome to SSc pathogenesis. Novel techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and metabolomics, albeit challenging to use in adipose tissue, will provide further evidence.

Viral and Nonviral Transfer of Genetic Materials to Adipose Tissues: Toward a Gold Standard Approach.

Gene transfer using viral or nonviral vectors enables the ability to manipulate specific cells and tissues for gene silencing, protein overexpression, or genome modification. Despite the widespread application of viral- and non-viral-mediated gene transfer to liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and the central nervous system, its use in adipose tissue has been limited. This is largely because adipose tissue is distributed throughout the body in distinct depots and adipocytes make up a minority of the cells within the tissue, making transduction difficult. Currently, there is no consensus methodology for efficient gene transfer to adipose tissue and many studies report conflicting information with regard to transduction efficiency and vector biodistribution. In this review, we summarize the challenges associated with gene transfer to adipose tissue and report on innovations that improve efficacy. We describe how vector and route of administration are the two key factors that influence transduction efficiency and outline a "gold standard" approach and experimental workflow for validating gene transfer to adipose tissue. Lastly, we speculate on how CRISPR/Cas9 can be integrated to improve adipose tissue research.

Integrated transcriptomic, phenotypic, and functional study reveals tissue-specific immune properties of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Clinical-grade mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be expanded from bone marrow and adipose tissue to treat inflammatory diseases and degenerative disorders. However, the influence of their tissue of origin on their functional properties, including their immunosuppressive activity, remains unsolved. In this study, we produced paired bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (BM-MSC) and adipose-derived stromal cell (ASC) batches from 14 healthy donors. We then compared them using transcriptomic, phenotypic, and functional analyses and validated our results on purified native MSCs to infer which differences were really endowed by tissue of origin. Cultured MSCs segregated together owing to their tissue of origin based on their gene expression profile analyzed using differential expression and weighted gene coexpression network analysis. This translated into distinct immune-related gene signatures, phenotypes, and functional cell interactions. Importantly, sorted native BM-MSCs and ASCs essentially displayed the same distinctive patterns than their in vitro-expanded counterparts. As a whole, ASCs exhibited an immune profile consistent with a stronger inhibition of immune response and a lower immunogenicity, supporting the use of adipose tissue as a valuable source for clinical applications.

From liposuction to adipose-derived stem cells: indications and technique.

Background and aim of the work:Adipose tissue is an organ of energy storage, an endocrine organ, a soft tissue filler and a cosmetically unnecessary tissue discarded by liposuction. Liposuction was designed to correct unaesthetic deposits of subcutaneous fat; it produces satisfactory silhouette contouring when performed by appropriately trained operators using properly selected technologies. However, from lipoaspirate it is possible to obtain autologous fat graft and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for reconstructive surgery and regenerative medicine. Autologous fat transplantation uses include the correction of body contour, malformations and post-surgical outcomes. The regenerative properties of ASCs allow treating damaged tissues such as wounds, burns, scars and radiodermatitis. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review highlighting the crucial role of adipose tissue in plastic and reconstructive surgery, from liposuction to lipofilling and ASCs, exposing the indications, procedures and complications of these surgical techniques.Methods:Literature review of publications concerning liposuction, lipofilling and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCS).Results:The introduction of liposuction allowed the use of adipose tissue for many clinical uses. The adipose tissue filling properties have been highlighted by the advent of lipofilling. The regenerative properties evidence of autologous fat transplantation encouraged the research on the clinical use of ASCs.Conclusions:Adipose tissue is not only the main energy storage of our body but also an important source of stem cells that can be used in various fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering with encouraging results for the future. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as part of therapy for chronic graft-versus-host disease: A phase I/II study

Background aimsDespite the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), the procedure is still associated with high toxicity in patients with refractory graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a new mode of therapy in the context of allo-HSCT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the use of adipose tissue–derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) in patients with chronic GvHD. MethodsFourteen patients with moderate (n = 7) or severe (n = 7) chronic GvHD received 1 × 106/kg (group A, n = 9) or 3 × 106/kg (group B, n = 5) AT-MSCs with cyclosporine and prednisone as first-line therapy. ResultsTen of the 14 patients were able to continue under the protocol: 80% were in complete remission, and 100% were off of steroids at week 56. The remaining 4 patients either worsened from chronic GvHD (n = 3) or abandoned the study (n = 1). At the end of the study, 11 of 14 patients are alive (overall survival 71.4%, median survival of 45.3 weeks). No suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions occurred during the trial. Neither relapse of underlying disease nor mortality due to infection was observed in this cohort. Biological studies showed increased CD19, CD4 and tumor necrosis factor-α with a temporary decrease in natural killer cells. DiscussionAT-MSCs, in combination with immunosuppressive therapy, may be considered feasible and safe and likely would have an impact on the course of chronic GvHD. More studies are warranted to understand the potential benefits of AT-MSCs in these patients.

Osteogenic Potential of Adipose-Derived Macrospheroids Cocultured with CD11b+ Monocytes.

Among potential cell-based therapies, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been proposed as a promising source of stem cells for tissue regeneration. Although many recent clinical trials have investigated the use of adipose tissue or ASCs in transplantation, analysis of the microstructures of outgrowing macrosized spheroids (macrospheroids) or three-dimensional coculture of ASC spheroids and monocyte/macrophage lineages has not been performed. The aim of this study was to analyze the microstructures of murine-derived ASC macrospheroids and the growth and osteogenic potential of these macrospheroids in a three-dimensional environment and after calcification induction by coculture with monocytes. The histologic structures of murine-derived ASC macrospheroids and the expression of marker genes for multipotency within these macrospheroids were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and in situ hybridization. ASC macrospheroid microstructures were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and cell proliferation in the spheroids was analyzed. Additionally, the growth and osteogenic potential of these macrospheroids were assessed in two-dimensional and three-dimensional environments and after calcification induction by coculture with monocytes. The expression of Oct3/4, Nanog, and Sox2 was detected even in the deep zone of spheroids, although higher expression was observed at the surface. Cell proliferation was detected within the spheroid centers. Observation of spheroid microstructure revealed extracellular matrix production within the spheroid architecture. Transplantation of a spheroid on the hydroxyapatite disc resulted in three-dimensional cell growth, filling the disc. Coculture of the spheroids with monocytes led to the formation of many osteoclast-like, multinucleated cells, and calcification was observed after 3 weeks of coculture. ASC spheroids exhibited high capacity for dynamic three-dimensional growth and osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, ASC spheroids promoted monocyte differentiation into osteoclast-like cells, which may enhance the osteogenic potential of ASC spheroids.

Perspectives on the FDA Draft Guidances for Use of Adipose Tissue.

Perspectives on the FDA Draft Guidances for Use of Adipose Tissue.

Induction of neurite outgrowth in 3D hydrogel-based environments

The ability of peripheral nervous system (PNS) axons to regenerate and re-innervate their targets after an injury has been widely recognized. However, despite the considerable advances made in microsurgical techniques, complete functional recovery is rarely achieved, especially for severe peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). Therefore, alternative therapies that can successfully repair peripheral nerves are still essential. In recent years the use of biodegradable hydrogels enriched with growth-supporting and guidance cues, cell transplantation, and biomolecular therapies have been explored for the treatment of PNIs. Bearing this in mind, the aim of this study was to assess whether Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser synthetic peptide (GRGDS)-modified gellan gum (GG) based hydrogels could foster an amenable environment for neurite/axonal growth. Additionally, strategies to further improve the rate of neurite outgrowth were also tested, namely the use of adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASCs), as well as the glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In order to increase its stability and enhance its bioactivity, the GDNF was conjugated covalently to iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The impact of hydrogel modification as well as the effect of the GDNF-IONPs on ASC behavior was also screened. The results revealed that the GRGDS-GG hydrogel was able to support dorsal root ganglia (DRG)-based neurite outgrowth, which was not observed for non-modified hydrogels. Moreover, the modified hydrogels were also able to support ASCs attachment. In contrast, the presence of the GDNF-IONPs had no positive or negative impact on ASC behavior. Further experiments revealed that the presence of ASCs in the hydrogel improved axonal growth. On the other hand, GDNF-IONPs alone or combined with ASCs significantly increased neurite outgrowth from DRGs, suggesting a beneficial role of the proposed strategy for future applications in PNI regenerative medicine.

Postmortem distribution of AB-CHMINACA, 5-fluoro-AMB, and diphenidine in body fluids and solid tissues in a fatal poisoning case: usefulness of adipose tissue for detection of the drugs in unchanged forms

We encountered an autopsy case in which the cause of death was judged as poisoning by multiple drugs, including AB-CHMINACA, 5-fluoro-AMB, and diphenidine. The deceased was a 30-year-old man. The postmortem interval to autopsy was estimated to be 3.5 days. Femoral vein blood, right heart blood, left heart blood, urine, and eight solid tissues including adipose tissue were collected and frozen until analysis. Extraction of the three drugs, and internal standards phencyclidine and 5-fluoro-AB-PINACA was performed by a modified QuEChERS method, followed by analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Because this study dealt with various kinds of human matrices, we used the standard addition method to overcome the matrix effects. Quantitation of all three compounds was only achieved for the adipose tissue, whereas the levels of 5-fluoro-AMB were below the lower limit of quantitation (about 1 ng/g or ml) in all other samples. AB-CHMINACA was quantitated for all solid tissues, but not for all body fluid specimens. Diphenidine showed high concentrations in all specimens; it was highest in the adipose tissue (11,100 ± 1,120 ng/g), an order of magnitude lower in other solid tissue specimens, and two orders of magnitude lower in body fluid samples. The results suggest that adipose tissue is the best specimen for detection of lipophilic drugs, such as AB-CHMINACA, 5-fluoro-AMB, and diphenidine, in their unchanged forms. In this poisoning case, diphenidine appeared to have played the major role in the cause of death, because the concentrations of diphenidine were much higher than those of the synthetic cannabinoids in all specimens tested. To our knowledge, this is the first report to document the presence of AB-CHMINACA, 5-fluoro-AMB, and diphenidine in actual postmortem specimens in a fatal poisoning case.

Preface

It is my great pleasure and honor to participate in the launching of the Volume 3, issue 01 of our journal “Current Tissue Engineering”. I would like to thank and pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of the editorial board members and staff. Without them this would not be possible. Tissue engineering is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field involving the biological, chemical, physical, and engineering sciences. It uses a combination of cells and biomaterials to generate new functional tissues for implantation to repair or replace damaged tissues due to trauma, disease, or aging. In this issue, we have 3 review articles on the updated information of use of adipose tissue for tissue engineering: “ Recent advances and challenges in adipose tissue engineering: Adipose derived stem cell-based approaches: (Author: A. Cimpean): Autologous Fat Transfer and Cell-Based Strategies for Soft Tissue Reconstruction (Authors: Senarath-Yapa et al.) and “The future of neuroregenerative therapy for Parkinson’s disease” (Authors: Sugaya & Hendrix). We also have 1 review article on Biomaterial: “Potential of tissue engineered blood vessel as model to study effect of flow and wall thickness on cellular communication” (Authors: Ragaseema et al.). We have the first time 3 research articles: “Tubulin, F-box/leucine-rich repeat protein 14, and type 1 procollagen C-peptide in bovine periosteal cells β Association” (Author: M. Akiyama); Islet purification for clinical islet transplantation. (Author: H. Noguchi): “NMR-Relaxation and PFG NMR Studies of Water Dynamics in Oriented Collagen Fibres with different degree of cross-linking”. (Authors: Rodin and Nikerov). In future issues, it is my hope that we will expand our scope to include both review and full-length articles on biomechanics, mechano-biology and cellular therapies in both animal models and clinical trials.