Antiobesity Effects of Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells in a Naturally Aged Mouse Model

Objective Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) have multilineage differentiation potential and functional properties, as well as applications for cell-based therapies in tissue repair and regeneration. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of ASCs as an antiobesity agent in aged organisms. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of ASCs at treating obesity using a naturally aged mouse model. Methods Old (22 months) C57BL/6J mice with transplanted young-mice (2 months) donor ASCs were measured for weight change, biochemistry, cytokines, hormone secretion, cell senescence, lipid metabolism, and functional changes of ASCs. Results The results indicated that old mice treated with ASCs showed antiaging and antiobesity effects such as significant loss of body and organ weight, improved stem cell plasticity, increased antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase and catalase), improved liver and kidney function, improved lipid metabolism, and increased hormone secretion (sex hormone-binding globulin, thyrotropin, and leptin). Treatment with ASCs decreased cell senescence and suppressed secretion of inflammatory agents (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Conclusions Traditional drugs used in the treatment of obesity have limitations and are unsuitable for the elderly. Based on the results, the future use of ASCs as primary antiaging and antiobesity agents is suggested because of their positive effects on aged animals.