Low intensity laser irradiation ameliorates stem cell based therapy for use in autologous grafts

Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), isolated from adult human adipose tissue and aspirates, hold tremendous potential for cellular therapy applications since they can be harvested and multiplied efficiently and non-invasively and have pluripotential and proliferative capacity while minimising immune-incompatibility when used in autologous grafts. In addition, ADSCs have differentiation potential along the mesenchymal lineages of adipogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and myogenesis further expanding its therapeutic potential. However, the clinical use of adult stem cells presents problems such as limited cell number, pain and morbidity upon isolation. Low intensity laser irradiation (LILI) has been shown to have a biostimulatory effect in a variety of different cell types affecting cellular characteristics including viability, proliferation, migration, protein expression and genetic integrity, while clinical effects include pain alleviation, reduction of inflammation and wound healing. Combining stem cell based therapy and LILI thus further potentiates two individually promising therapeutic treatment modalities. This paper explores recent advances in the effect of LILI on ADSCs and possible therapeutic implications.