Exosomes derived from different sources of mesenchymal stem cells attenuate cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity

Mengtian Wei1, Hao Peng1, Haojun Tian1

  • 1Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.

Insights

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived exosomes show promise for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) by improving hormone levels and cell function. However, structural ovarian regeneration remains a challenge, requiring further delivery system optimization.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Stem Cell Therapy
  • Exosome Biology

Background:

  • Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) presents reproductive health challenges due to follicular depletion and hormonal imbalance.
  • Current stem cell therapies for POI face limitations like donor variability and ethical concerns.
  • Exosomes are emerging as cell-free therapeutic agents for various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the therapeutic potential of exosomes from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPSCMSC-exo) and human umbilical cord-derived MSC exosomes (hUCMSC-exo) for treating POI.
  • To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of these exosomes on ovarian cells and a POI mouse model.
  • To assess the feasibility of iPSCMSC-derived exosomes as an alternative to hUCMSC-derived exosomes for POI.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays assessed exosome effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and granulosa cells.
  • A cisplatin-induced POI mouse model was used to evaluate in vivo therapeutic efficacy.
  • Hormonal levels (FSH, AMH), follicle counts, and ovarian structure (synchrotron radiation microtomography) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Both iPSCMSC-exo and hUCMSC-exo enhanced HUVEC migration and tube formation; iPSCMSC-exo also promoted proliferation.
  • iPSCMSC-exo reduced granulosa cell apoptosis, and both exosome types suppressed p21-mediated cell cycle arrest.
  • Exosome treatment restored Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the POI mouse model, but anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and follicle counts showed limited improvement, with persistent structural depletion observed.

Conclusions:

  • iPSCMSC-derived exosomes offer functional benefits comparable to hUCMSC-derived exosomes in a POI model.
  • The autologous nature and scalable production of iPSCMSCs address limitations of traditional MSC sources.
  • Targeted delivery system optimization is crucial to enhance exosome biodistribution and ovarian structural regeneration for effective POI treatment.