Cell therapy for chemically induced ovarian failure in mice

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Oncology

Background:

• Cell therapy has been observed to restore ovarian function and fertility in cancer survivors.
• Previous mouse studies indicated that cell transplantation can lead to donor-derived oocytes in chemotherapy-treated recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of cell transplantation from various sources on female reproductive function post-chemotherapy.
• To utilize a preclinical mouse model to clarify the efficacy of different cell types in mitigating chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage.

Main Methods:

• Female mice received cisplatin chemotherapy followed by transplantation of GFP-labeled adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), female germline stem cells (FGSCs), or ovary cell suspensions.
• Cell tracking was performed using GFP+ cells.
• Histological analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for GFP, and ELISA for estradiol were conducted on days 7 and 14 post-transplantation.

Main Results:

• Histological examination revealed an increased number of structurally normal follicles in recipients of ADSC, ovary cell suspension, and FGSC transplants by day 7.
• Cell tracking confirmed the presence of GFP+ cells 7 days after transplantation, indicating successful engraftment.

Conclusions:

• Intraovarian injection of ADSCs and FGSCs effectively diminished chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage in the mouse model.
• These findings support the potential of stem cell therapy for preserving fertility in cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy.