Influence of Donor Obesity on Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Function and Therapeutic Efficacy

Journal article : Review

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine and are considered key effectors underlying the therapeutic efficacy of autologous fat grafting for scarring and skin fibrosis, yet clinical outcomes remain variable. This review examines how obesity alters the adipose microenvironment through chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, resulting in epigenetic changes, mitochondrial impairment, oxidative stress, and premature cellular senescence in ADSCs. ADSCs from obese individuals exhibit reduced stemness, impaired differentiation, and a pro-inflammatory secretome with diminished regenerative capacity. While weight loss may partially reverse these effects, persistent epigenetic and functional memory limits full recovery. This review argues that donor metabolic status is a determinant of ADSC therapeutic potency and discusses key challenges and opportunities for improving regenerative outcomes.

Authors: Khalid, M; Frommer, ML; Abu-Hanna, J; Langridge, BJ; Calero Pages, C

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: MDPI
• Journal: Cells
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 946
• Publication date: 2026-05-21
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-14
• DOI: 10.3390/cells15100946
• EISSN: 2073-4409
• ISSN: 2073-4409
• Pmid: 42193955
• Language: English
• Keywords: Stem Cells; Cellular senescence; Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue; Cellular Senescence; Epigenetic Memory; Adipogenesis; Adipose-derived Stem Cells; Obesity; Secretome; Animals; Adipose Tissue; Cell Differentiation; Mitochondrial Dysfunction; Humans
• Subtype: Review