Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Systemic Sclerosis Digital Ulcers

Digital ulcers are a frequent and invalidating complication in systemic sclerosis, often showing a very slow or null tendency to heal, in spite of intensive topical and systemic treatments. Based on their recognized multiple regenerative and angiogenetic properties, therapy with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) has been tested in some human pathological conditions characterized by peripheral ischemic lesions and wound formation, including systemic sclerosis-related DUs. At present, these cells are one of the most attractive and promising sources of adult stem cells for cell therapy for DUs, finding a field of application in the treatment of scleroderma skin lesions.