Adipose stem cells from obese patients show specific differences in the metabolic regulators vitamin D and Gas5.

Adipose tissue is a significant source of mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative therapies; however, caution should be taken as their environmental niche can affect their functional properties. We have previously demonstrated the negative impact of obesity on the function of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Here we have evaluated other possible properties and targets that are altered by obesity such as the recently described long non-coding molecule Gas5, which is involved in glucocorticoid resistance. Using ASCs isolated from obese (oASCs) and control subjects (cASCs), we have analyzed additional metabolic and inflammatory conditions that could be related with their impaired therapeutic potential and consequently their possible usefulness in the clinic.