Japanese Team Regrows Bone Using Fat Stem Cells
New Delhi: Japanese researchers have made a significant progress in regenerative medicine by successfully healing spinal fractures in animal models using stem cells derived from body fat.
The study, conducted by a team from Osaka Metropolitan University, explored the use of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), which are easily obtained from the body’s fatty tissue.
These cells are known for their ability to transform into different cell types and can be collected even from elderly individuals with minimal discomfort. Their findings offer a potential new, non invasive way to repair bone damage caused by conditions such as osteoporosis.
In their experiment, the team transplanted ADSCs into rats suffering from spinal fractures similar to those seen in humans with osteoporosis. The results were promising, as the rats showed significant improvement in bone strength, and the genes responsible for bone growth and repair were strongly activated.
The regenerated bone tissue demonstrated increased density and stability compared to untreated cases.
According to Yuta Sawada from Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine, this study highlights the potential of ADSCs for developing new and effective treatments for spinal fractures and bone diseases.
He emphasized that using fat derived cells places minimal burden on the body, making it a safe and practical solution for patients who cannot undergo invasive surgeries.
Dr Shinji Takahashi , who co-authored the study, stated that the team created bone differentiated spheroids, three dimensional clusters of ADSCs, and combined them with beta tricalcium phosphate, a material widely used in bone reconstruction.
This combination successfully restored the damaged spinal structure in rats, accelerating recovery and improving overall bone health.
The researchers believe this innovative method could become a treatment for osteoporosis and other bone disorders. By utilizing the body’s own fat tissue, the technique may help extend healthy life expectancy through safer and faster bone healing.
Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. With a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends, Kanchan manages social media, news coverage, and public relations activities. She coordinates media outreach, creates press releases, promotes healthcare professionals and institutions, and supports health awareness campaigns to ensure accurate, engaging, and timely communication for the medical community and the public.