Skin amyloidosis status 5 years after adipose tissue-derived stem cell transplantation

Abstract

We previously reported a case of skin amyloidosis showing improvement after adipose tissue-derived stem cell (ADSC) therapy. This report provides a five-year follow-up on the status of the same site of skin amyloid deposition, demonstrating continued improvement since the initial report. The patient, a dermatology professor, expressed profound satisfaction with the unexpected disappearance of amyloid deposits that had been progressing gradually over several decades. While the cause of this sudden regression remains unclear, attributing it definitively to the effects of ADSCs is challenging.

However, given the absence of interventions, the consistent improvement over the two months following ADSC administration, and the reported abnormal protein-degrading enzyme activity associated with ADSCs, a natural interpretation suggests a potential correlation between ADSC administration and skin amyloidosis improvement. Although caution is warranted in attributing the effects solely to ADSCs, the absence of other specific treatments and the documented enzymatic activities of ADSCs support this hypothesis.

While acknowledging the speculative nature of associating the observed effects with ADSCs, the enduring positive response raises intriguing questions about the duration of ADSC efficacy. This is particularly relevant as ADSCs, beyond their potential impact on skin amyloidosis, hold promise as a novel therapeutic approach for progressive neurodegenerative disorders lacking definitive treatment methods.

Understanding the duration and sustainability of ADSC effects is crucial for evaluating their broader applications, not only in skin amyloidosis but also in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. This case underscores the need for further investigation into the potential of ADSCs as a novel therapeutic avenue in the context of challenging and progressive medical conditions.