Home/Blog / Liposuction May Be Used to Help Regenerate Liver Tissue

Liposuction May Be Used to Help Regenerate Liver Tissue

Posted on Nov 25, 2013 Liposuction

A research team at Stanford University led by Gary Peltz, MD, PhD, has recently discovered a new way to regenerate liver tissue from fat cells. While this technique is still in its infancy, it can potentially prove invaluable for people in need of a liver transplant. The liver performs the important function of filtering and breaking down waste products and toxic substances that are body must eliminate. However, liver poisoning or years of damage from excessive alcohol consumption can cause the liver to fail. This has created a shortage of healthy livers, leaving many patients in dire straits. If this procedure proves safe and effective during clinical trials, it can provide many liver transplant candidates with a new lease on life. Peltz’s team ran their testing with mice. They used adipose stem cells obtained from fat-filled fluid removed during liposuctionprocedures (performed on humans). These cells were treated in order to convert them from fat cells into liver cells. Previous attempts at this conversion had taken too long for a patient with acute liver failure to be able to survive through the completion of the procedure. However, Peltz’s team was able to convert fat cells into liver cells within roughly a week. These cells were then injected into the mice’s liver cavities. One month after the procedure, the mice displayed healthy human liver formation and activity. Peltz is seeking to start clinical trials on his new technology within the next few years. If all goes well, it can be a major breakthrough for the medical field. When used in its traditional manner as a body contouring procedure, liposuction can have life-changing benefits, helping you achieve the toned, chiseled physique you have worked hard to obtain through diet and exercise. Dr. David Bottger can determine if you are a good liposuction candidate during an initial evaluation. Please contact Philadelphia liposuction surgeon Dr. David Bottger today to schedule your initial consultation.