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Fat-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids Boost Bone Repair in Rat Vertebral Fractures

Researchers report vertebral repair in a rat model using bone‑primed adipose stem cell spheroids combined with a β‑tricalcium phosphate scaffold.

Overview

  • Osaka Metropolitan University scientists published the results in Bone & Joint Research, with contributions from Yuta Sawada and Dr. Shinji Takahashi.
  • In 33 rats with osteoporosis-mimicking vertebral defects at L4–L5, groups received osteogenic ADSC spheroids, undifferentiated spheroids, or β‑tricalcium phosphate alone.
  • The osteogenic spheroid–β‑tricalcium phosphate complex yielded superior bone regeneration on micro‑CT, stronger vertebrae on biomechanical tests, and upregulation of bone‑formation genes.
  • Adipose‑derived stem cells are relatively easy to obtain, including from older donors, with minimal procedural burden.
  • The work remains at the preclinical stage in animals and will need further validation and safety assessment before any human studies.