The simple procedure of liposuction, purification of stem cells, and readministration has been showing success in an increasing number of patients with multiple sclerosis. This procedure has also been used in the veterinary world to treat over 3500 horses and 1,500 dogs.

A recently published paper that appeared in the Journal of Translational Medicine (Click here for article) describes the scientific rationale and experiences of 3 multiple sclerosis patients that received this therapy.

This website provides patient experiences, scientific rationale for the procedure, and contact info for those interested in exploring this possible treatment.

What are fat stem cells?

Recent findings have shown that fat tissue contains large amounts of stem cells. These stem cells are “stuck” and are not normally active. The simple process of extracting these cells using a standard liposuction procedure and administering them intravenously to the same patient is believed to accelerate the ability of the body to heal itself.

Do fat stem cells work?

The company Vet-Stem has treated more than 3000 race horse and numerous companion animals using their own fat stem cells with significant improvements in degenerative and inflammatory conditions. While human studies are only beginning, positive experiences have been reported by patients treated at numerous clinics.

What is the evidence that fat stem cells can help multiple sclerosis?

Studies have shown that the stem cells in the fat, called mesenchymal stem cells, can under appropriate conditions, become cells that make new myelin, such as oligodendrocytes[1] and Schwann cells[2]. Additionally, fat stem cells have ability to directly become new neurons[3].

If fat stem cells help repair damage, its great, but the immune system will cause the damage again, no?

Fat stem cells have the ability to suppress abnormal immune responses. Mesenchymal stem cells from the bone marrow, which are similar to those from the fat[4], have been shown to inhibit multiple sclerosis in mice[5].

How do you get these therapeutic cells into the brain/nervous system?

The idea is that after intravenous administration of the fat stem cells, the cells home to the area of tissue injury and cause repair, while suppressing the immune response against the myelin sheath.

How many MS patients have been treated with their own fat stem cells?

To date, 75 patients have been treated with their own fat stem cells and the majority claimed a beneficial response. The others did not report any change.

See the following scientific publication describing the rationale and three patients treated for more detailed information:

Non-Expanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

[1] Kang et al. Autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal cells for treatment of spinal cord injury. Stem Cells Dev. 2006 Aug;15(4):583-94.

[2] Xu et al. Myelin-forming ability of Schwann cell-like cells induced from rat adipose-derived stem cells in vitro. Brain Res. 2008 Sep 11

[3] Anghileri et al. Neuronal differentiation potential of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

[4] Puissant et al. Immunomodulatory effect of human adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells: comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Br J Haematol. 2005 Apr;129(1):118-29

[5] Bai et al. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells induce Th2-polarized immune response and promote endogenous repair in animal models of multiple sclerosis. Glia. 2009 Feb 3.