Human Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Ovarian Function During Physiological Aging by Resisting DNA...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Gerontology

Background:

• Ovarian physiologic aging (OPA) affects fertility, with limited therapeutic options.
• Mesenchymal stem cells show potential in treating ovarian insufficiency.
• The efficacy of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAFMSCs) in OPA is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of hAFMSCs in an ovarian physiologic aging (OPA) mouse model.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which hAFMSCs restore ovarian function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mouse model of OPA (12-14 months old) with young mice as controls.
• Assessed ovarian markers across four folliculogenesis stages and DNA damage genes via qPCR and Western blot.
• Co-cultured hAFMSCs with ovarian granular cells from OPA patients.

Main Results:

• hAFMSC treatment improved ovarian function, increased follicle count, and enhanced hormone levels in the OPA mouse model.
• hAFMSCs increased the expression of folliculogenesis markers and inhibited DNA damage genes.
• Co-culture with hAFMSCs improved proliferation and reduced apoptosis in OPA patient-derived granular cells.

Conclusions:

• hAFMSCs demonstrate significant therapeutic effects in restoring ovarian vitality in OPA.
• hAFMSCs counteract OPA by regulating folliculogenesis markers and DNA damage pathways.
• These findings highlight hAFMSCs as a potential regenerative therapy for ovarian aging.