Adipose Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Adipose tissue represents an abundant and accessible source of adult stem cells with the ability to differentiate along multiple lineage pathways, including cardiac, neural, cartilage, muscle, and bone tissue. The therapeutic potential of the use of adipose stem cells in regenerative medicine has been increasingly recognized, and in recent years concrete clinical benefits have accrued as these cells have been explored for a variety of applications. Without doubt, adipose tissue engineering is now at the inflection point of a sharp upward slope on its developmental curve.

This readable, informative, and well-illustrated textbook tracks the progress that has been made in this fascinating new area of biomedicine. All aspects of the subject are considered, with particular attention to adipose cell biology, adipose tissue engineering strategies, and the diverse clinical applications of adipose stem cells. Funding issues, industrial approaches, and regulatory challenges are also examined, and the book closes by discussing future directions. The two editors have vast experience in the field and have chosen leading experts from different countries to write on each topic. This book will excite the interest of all researchers, clinicians, and students wishing to gain an in-depth understanding of adipose stem cells and their flourishing role in regenerative medicine.