RAPID FIRE: Fat: Friend or Foe: Adipocytes in Wound Healing

Adipocytes through their release of bioactive products, lipids, hormones and adipokines, are viewed as a critical regulator of wound healing. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays an important role in the wound healing process. Additionally, human adipocyte-derived stem cells reduce inflammation, induce angiogenesis, and promote fibroblast and keratinocyte growth. The clinical use of fat grafting to restore volume loss due to trauma, ablative surgery, aging or congenital defects has been expanded to more regenerative-based approaches such as improving wound healing or aged skin as well as treating scars.