Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) produces immediate changes in blood markers and muscle strength

A 2025 prospective observational study tested whether a single administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) produces immediate changes in blood markers and muscle strength in people with neurodegenerative and respiratory conditions. The study measured serum cholinesterase and hand grip strength immediately before and after ADSC administration and found a rapid change in a blood enzyme linked to nerve signaling and a trend toward stronger grip.

Authors & source: Kazuo Shigematsu, Naoyuki Komori, Hisakazu Yamagishi. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Dec;21 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):e102343. doi: 10.1002/alz70859_102343. Full text: PMC12740627.

• The study included 21 patients (mean age 67.5 years) with Parkinson's disease (n=9), ALS (n=4), Alzheimer's disease (n=2), COPD (n=4), and progressive supranuclear palsy (n=1).

• After ADSC administration there was a statistically significant decrease in serum cholinesterase (mean difference: -21.905 U/L, p < 0.001).

• There was a non-significant trend toward improved grip strength immediately after treatment (mean difference: +1.0619 kg, p = 0.119).

• Measurements were done immediately before and immediately after infusion; this was a prospective observational (non-randomized) study.

• In plain terms, giving ADSCs appeared to change a blood enzyme linked to nerve signaling right away, and patients showed a small, short-term improvement in hand strength. That suggests ADSCs might have fast-acting effects on the nervous system in addition to longer-term regenerative benefits.

• For people considering stem cell banking: preserving your own adipose tissue or mesenchymal cells could make future autologous (self) treatments possible. If ADSCs can modulate nerve signaling rapidly, having a ready source of your own cells could be useful for therapies aimed at neuromuscular symptoms or age-related decline.

• This is early evidence. The study is small and observational, so it points to interesting possibilities but does not prove a treatment benefit or long-term effect.

• ADSCs are stem cells taken from fat tissue. They can become different cell types and release chemical signals (growth factors and cytokines) that influence nearby cells.

• Cholinesterase is an enzyme in the blood that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Lower cholinesterase levels can mean more available acetylcholine, which helps nerve cells communicate with muscles.

• The observed drop in cholinesterase might indicate increased acetylcholine activity right after ADSC infusion, which could explain the short-term improvement in grip strength.

• Regenerative effects (cell replacement and tissue repair) usually take days to weeks. Rapid changes — measured immediately after infusion — suggest ADSCs may also act by releasing neuromodulatory substances that quickly alter nerve signaling and inflammation.

• If confirmed, these fast effects could be useful for symptomatic management while longer-term regenerative processes develop.

• Methods

• Design: Prospective observational study.

• Participants: 21 patients (14 males, 7 females), aged 53–81 (mean 67.5).

• Measurements: Serum cholinesterase and hand grip strength on the non-infusion side, measured immediately before and immediately after ADSC administration.

• Results

• Cholinesterase: Mean change -21.905 U/L (paired t-test), p < 0.001 — statistically significant decrease.

• Grip strength: Mean change +1.0619 kg, p = 0.119 — trend toward improvement but not statistically significant.

• Conditions included: Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer disease, COPD, progressive supranuclear palsy.

• Small sample size and mixed diagnoses limit how broadly we can apply the results.

• Observational design: no control or placebo group, so we can't be sure changes were caused by ADSCs rather than other factors (measurement variability, placebo effect, short-term physiologic shifts).

• Measurements were immediate only; we need data on how long the enzyme change and any strength benefits last.

• Future research should include randomized controlled trials, standardized dosing/routes, safety monitoring, and longer follow-up to separate short-term neuromodulation from long-term regeneration.

• This study suggests ADSCs can have rapid biological effects in adults, supporting two points relevant to stem cell banking:

• Banking adipose tissue or isolated ADSCs could preserve a personalized source of cells for future autologous treatments that may offer both quick symptom relief and longer-term repair.

• For aging and longevity strategies, therapies that combine immediate neuromodulatory benefits with regenerative potential could help maintain function while more durable tissue repair occurs.

• Decisions about banking should consider intended future uses (autologous vs allogeneic), regulatory environment, and the evolving clinical evidence for different cell types and indications.

This small observational study found a rapid, statistically significant drop in serum cholinesterase after ADSC administration and a non-significant trend toward better grip strength. The findings are preliminary but suggest ADSCs might produce quick neuromodulatory effects in addition to their regenerative potential. Larger controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy, durability, and safety. For people interested in future stem cell therapies, banking adipose-derived cells may provide a personalized option if these approaches prove effective.

• Shigematsu K, Komori N, Yamagishi H. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Dec;21 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):e102343. doi: 10.1002/alz70859_102343. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12740627/

• Note: Study type — prospective observational; sample size n=21.