Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Female Infertility Treatment: Protocols and Preliminary Results

Abstract

Infertility is a global phenomenon that impacts people of both the male and the female sex; it is related to multiple factors affecting an individual's overall systemic health. Recently, investigators have been using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for female-fertility-related disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, preeclampsia, and Asherman syndrome (AS). Studies have shown promising results, indicating that MSCs can enhance ovarian function and restore fertility for affected individuals. Due to their regenerative effects and their participation in several paracrine pathways, MSCs can improve the fertility outcome. However, their beneficial effects are dependent on the methodologies and materials used from isolation to reimplantation. In this review, we provide an overview of the protocols and methods used in applications of MSCs. Moreover, we summarize the findings of published preclinical studies on infertility treatments and discuss the multiple properties of these studies, depending on the isolation source of the MSCs used.

Keywords: infertility treatment; mesenchymal stem cells; molecular techniques; reproductive system; signaling pathways; stem cell therapy.

Figure 1

Simplified overview of female reproductive disorders (Asherman syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and endometriosis) in the internal reproductive female organs, as well as the healing effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).