Japanese Scientists Transform Adipose Stem Cells Into Bone to Heal Spinal Fractures: A Breakthrough Study

The research was recently published in Bone and Joint Research.

Washington:

Scientists at Osaka have discovered that stem cells harvested from adipose tissue can effectively repair spinal fractures similar to those resulting from osteoporosis.

The researchers transformed these cells into bone-forming clusters and combined them with bone-regenerating material, resulting in rats developing stronger and healthier spines.

This innovative approach could offer a safe and minimally invasive treatment alternative for human bone diseases.

A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has pioneered a promising technique for mending spinal fractures using stem cells extracted from body fat.

The animal trials demonstrated successful healing of spinal injuries in rats that simulate osteoporosis-related fractures commonly seen in human patients. Since these cells are readily available even from elderly individuals and cause minimal physical stress, this method could represent a gentle, non-surgical option for treating bone conditions.

Osteoporosis causes bone weakness, increasing fragility and fracture risk. As Japan experiences population aging, projections indicate that over 15 million people will suffer from this condition.

Among osteoporosis-related injuries, compression fractures of the spine (osteoporotic vertebral fractures) are most prevalent.

These spinal injuries can lead to permanent disability and significantly diminish quality of life, emphasizing the urgent need for safer and more effective treatment options.

The Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have developed a groundbreaking method for repairing spinal fractures using stem cells harvested from adipose tissue.

Animal testing showed the treatment successfully healed spinal injuries in rats that resemble human osteoporosis-related fractures.

As these cells are easily obtainable even from older adults and minimize physical strain, this approach could provide a gentle, non-invasive alternative for bone disease treatment.

How Fat-Derived Stem Cells Help Rebuild Bone

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) demonstrate remarkable potential for bone damage repair. These multipotent cells can develop into various tissue types, including bone.

When cultivated into three-dimensional spherical clusters called spheroids, these cells show enhanced tissue repair capabilities.

Pre-differentiating these spheroids toward bone-forming cells further boosts their effectiveness in stimulating bone regeneration.

The Osaka research team, led by Graduate School of Medicine student Yuta Sawada and Dr. Shinji Takahashi, created bone-differentiated spheroids from ADSCs and combined them with b-tricalcium phosphate, a material commonly used in bone reconstruction. When applied to rats with spinal fractures, this combination produced significant improvements in bone healing and strength.

The researchers also noted increased activity in genes responsible for bone formation and regeneration after treatment, indicating that the approach activates the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Promising Outlook For Future Treatments

"This study has demonstrated the potential of bone differentiation spheroids using ADSCs for developing new spinal fracture treatments," said Sawada. "Since the cells are obtained from fat, there is minimal burden on the body, ensuring patient safety."

Dr. Takahashi added, "This simple and effective method can treat even complicated fractures and may accelerate the healing process. We expect this technique to become a new treatment that helps extend patients' healthy lifespan."

The research findings were published in Bone and Joint Research.