Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a term used in regenerative medicine to refer to a heterogeneous mixture of cells derived from adipose tissue. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [ˈstroʊməl ˈvæskjələr ˈfrækʃən]. The word "stromal" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and the "o" sound pronounced as in "toe." "Vascular" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable and the "a" sound pronounced as in "cat." "Fraction" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and the "a" sound pronounced as in "fact."
Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) refers to a complex mixture of cells obtained from adipose tissue, commonly known as fat. It is derived through a process called adipose tissue processing, where adipose tissue is harvested from a patient's body using minimally invasive methods such as liposuction. The harvested tissue is then subjected to enzymatic digestion or mechanical disruption to separate the various components.
SVF primarily consists of three main cell types: adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), endothelial cells, and immune cells. ASCs are the most abundant cell type in SVF and possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various specialized cell types, including fat cells, bone cells, cartilage cells, and muscle cells. Endothelial cells play a crucial role in forming new blood vessels, while immune cells contribute to the body's defense against infections and diseases.
The SVF is often sought after in regenerative medicine due to its therapeutic potential. It has been widely studied for its ability to promote tissue repair, modulate the immune system, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. SVF has shown promising results in several medical applications, such as tissue engineering, wound healing, orthopedics, and rejuvenation therapies.
In summary, stromal vascular fraction refers to a heterogeneous mixture of cells derived from adipose tissue, containing adipose-derived stem cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Its regenerative properties make it a valuable resource in various fields of medicine, holding great potential for future therapeutic applications.