Research on Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue for Wound Healing and Scar Formation
Dr. Lisa Ramaut from the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Brussels University Hospital (UZ Brussel) conducted research on the use of stem cells derived from adipose tissue for wound healing and scar formation. Her study sheds new light on the potential of these cells to improve surgical scars and prevent pathological scar formation.
"Traditionally, stem cells were primarily harvested from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, both relatively difficult-to-access sources. In 2001, it was discovered that adipose tissue not only contains fat cells but also mesenchymal stem cells—supporting cells that function as stem cells in cases of tissue damage. This provided a much more accessible alternative for stem cell therapies. Since then, these stem cells have been studied and used for various applications, including neurological disorders, osteoarthritis, pain therapy, and wound healing," says Dr. Ramaut. "For my research, I specifically focused on the impact of these stem cells on wound healing and scar formation. We conducted clinical experiments in which surgical wounds were treated with adipose-derived stem cells, known as Nanofat."
The study showed that Nanofat had a positive effect on the early phase of scar maturation. In the treated group, inflammation and redness of the scar subsided more quickly than in the control group, which is a promising finding. Long-term benefits on scar formation have not yet been established, but the faster reduction of inflammation suggests that this therapy may help prevent problematic scars.
"This calls for further research in larger clinical studies," continues Dr. Ramaut. "Although the research focused on surgical scars, it also holds potential for the medical and cosmetic sectors. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are already being used for wound healing and skin improvement, but the scientific foundation has so far been limited. My research helps explain why certain positive effects occur and paves the way for more targeted treatments."
The importance of further studies to fully map the potential of these stem cells must be emphasized. "Many people already undergo stem cell treatments for scars and skin improvement, but solid scientific evidence on the exact mechanisms was lacking. Our research contributes to unraveling these mechanisms," concludes Dr. Ramaut.
Reference:
Lisa Ramaut, Linde Moonen, Maxim Geeroms, Gaelle Leemans, Ellen Peters, Ramses Forsyth, Jan Gutermuth, Moustapha Hamdi, (2024) Improvement in Early Scar Maturation by Nanofat Infiltration: Histological and Spectrophotometric Preliminary Results From a Split Scar–Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, Volume 6, ojae072, https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojae072
Contact:
Dr. Lisa Ramaut: lisa.ramaut@vub.be
About the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at VUB
The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is located on the Brussels Health Campus in Jette, where education, research, and patient care come together. With over 1,300 employees and nearly 5,000 staff members from the University Hospital Brussels (UZ Brussel), the campus is one of the largest employers in Brussels and a hub for innovation and high-quality research.
The Faculty offers programs in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Healthcare Management and Policy, and Gerontology Management, Care, and Policy. Thanks to close collaboration with UZ Brussel, students have a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practice-oriented environment.
