Application of Stem Cell Therapy for Infertility.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Infertility affects 15% of couples globally, impacting psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life.
• Causes are male (30%), female (30%), or both (30%), with assisted reproduction technology (ART) succeeding in 80% of cases.
• A significant number of couples remain infertile despite ART, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of stem cells, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as alternative treatments for infertility.
• To review current research on stem cell applications in reproductive medicine, particularly for azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency.
• To highlight the need for caution when translating findings from animal models to human clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current research on stem cell biology and function in reproductive medicine.
• Focus on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to ethical considerations and resource availability.
• Analysis of studies predominantly conducted in animal models.

Main Results:

• Stem cells, particularly iPSCs and MSCs, are being investigated for infertility treatment, especially for azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency.
• Research has advanced understanding of stem cell biology and function.
• Most current investigations are limited to animal models.

Conclusions:

• Stem cell therapy holds promise for treating infertility, particularly in cases unresponsive to ART.
• Translating findings from animal models to human applications requires caution due to evolutionary divergence in pluripotency.
• Further clinical trials with larger human populations are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in translational infertility medicine.