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Review
. 2025 Jun;21(5):1141-1159.
doi: 10.1007/s12015-025-10869-w. Epub 2025 Mar 24.

The Role of Exosomal miRNAs in Female Infertility: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action

Waleed Al Abdulmonem  1 , Marya Ahsan  2 , Ayaz Khurram Mallick  3 , Asma'a H Mohamed  4 , Hisham Ali Waggiallah  5 , Alaa Shafie  6 , Hassan Swed Alzahrani  7 , Amal Adnan Ashour  8 , Safia Obaidur Rab  9 , Mohammed Tarek Mirdad  10 , Hatim T O Ali  11
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Exosomal miRNAs in Female Infertility: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action

Waleed Al Abdulmonem et al. Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

Reproductive disorders, including preeclampsia (PE), endometriosis, premature ovarian failure (POF), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), present substantial challenges to women's reproductive health. Exosomes (EXOs) are cell-derived vesicles containing molecules that influence target cells' gene expression and cellular behavior. Among their cargo, microRNAs (miRNAs)-short, non-coding RNAs typically 19-25 nucleotides in length-play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential. miRNAs are considered therapeutic targets because they regulate key cellular pathways such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. This review examines the role of exosomal miRNAs from sources such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), plasma, and amniotic fluid in female reproductive disorders, including PE, POF, PCOS, and endometriosis. We discuss their biological origins, mechanisms of miRNA sorting and packaging, and their therapeutic applications in modulating disease progression. By categorizing miRNAs according to their beneficial or detrimental effects in specific conditions, we aim to simplify the understanding of their roles in female infertility.

Keywords: Exosome; Female Infertility; Mesenchymal Stem Cell; MiRNA; MicroRNA; Reproductive Diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: Not applicable. Consent for Publication: Not applicable. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

References

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