Bone marrow-derived stem/stromal cells and adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells: Their comparative efficacies and synergistic effects.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous cell populations that serve as reserves for tissue regeneration in the presence of disease or injury. Although MSCs are found in various tissues, bone marrow-derived stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) and adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells (ADSCs) have been most thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, ADSCs have recently emerged as an attractive source of MSCs due to their abundance and availability. BMSCs and ADSCs demonstrate similar morphological characteristics, but their in vitro characteristics and differentiation abilities appear to differ. In this review, the author summarizes and compares current knowledge on BMSCs and ADSCs with particular emphasis on in vitro expansion and osteogenic/angiogenic potential, and reviews knowledge of their synergistic effects when co-applied.