Orthopaedic Research Laboratories
Duke University Medical Center
Farshid Guilak, Ph.D., Director of Research
Frequently asked questions on adult cells derived from fat becoming cartilage,
bone, or fat cells:
Q: When will this be available for patients? How can I volunteer
for medical studies on this technique?
A: We are many years away from testing this in patients. We
still have significantly laboratory work remaining to show the efficacy
and the safety of this procedure. We will not be seeking volunteers
for studies for several years.
Q: Where did you get the fat cells?
A: They were isolated from fat taken from liposuction procedures
for cosmetic surgery. The liposuction material was digested and the
fat cells were separated from the stromal cells that also reside in fat
tissue. We discard the fat cells and use the stromal cells for our
experiments.
In another experiment, we used a small piece of fat
that is found behind the kneecap.
Q: How did you convert fat cells to cartilage cells?
A: The cells were placed in a gelatinous material (alginate)
that caused them take a rounded shape. Then they were treated with
a mixture of chemicals that cause them to increase their production of
cartilage-specific molecules. These chemicals included transformation
growth factor beta, dexamethasone, and vitamin C.
Q: Where can I find more information on this procedure?
A: There is some more information in the Duke
University News Office. You may also request reprints
of our scientific publications by sending email to farshid.guilak at duke.edu.
Q: Has this work been published in the scientific literature?
A: Yes, we have published a paper on the conversion of fat stem cells
to cartilage in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
Also, abstracts of this work were published at the annual meeting of the
Orthopaedic Research Society
Please send an email to farshid.guilak@duke.edu to request
reprints.
Q: I have arthritis or other joint disease - will this be a possible
treatment for me?
A: We don't foresee using this technique in the near future to treat
arthritis. In many cases, joint replacement may be an option.
This type of surgery is performed in the Division
of Orthopaedic Surgery by highly experienced orthopaedic surgeons.
You can read more about total
joint replacement surgery.
Visit the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories