Adipose-derived stem cells: A novel source of parathyroid cells for treatment of hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by decreased function of the parathyroid glands with underproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which can lead to low levels of calcium in the blood, often causing cramping and twitching of muscles or tetany, and several other symptoms. Severe hypocalcemia is a life-threatening condition. At present, both medical and surgical treatments are offered to improve the blood calcium, but they are not a cure. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), derived from the adipose tissue, are confirmed to be multipotent with adipogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic, myogenic and osteogenic capabilities. Our hypothesis is that human ADSCs in culture can be differentiated into parathyroid cells, and used to reconstitute function.