Efficacy and Safety of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Improving Fertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mice

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent reproductive endocrine illness in women of reproductive age and is one of the most important causes of female infertility. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex. Although mesenchymal stem cell therapy is anticipated to be a successful treatment for PCOS, its long-term safety, including tumorigenesis in patients, remains unknown. Objective: This study aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in improving fertility in PCOS mice. Methods: In this study, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was used to construct a C56BL/6 mouse PCOS model, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were used as a treatment, and the reproductive phenotype was observed in parallel breeding experiments to confirm the efficacy of the treatment. A 4-month follow-up period, final blood tests, and organ histology were carried out to confirm the long-term safety of the treatment. Results: After hUC-MSCs treatment, the sex hormone disorder of mice was corrected, the morphology and function of the ovary were improved, the number of offspring was significantly increased compared to the control group, and no adverse reactions related to stem cell transplantation such as tumor formation were found within 4 months. Conclusion: The treatment of hUC-MSCs is safe and effective in treating PCOS over the long term.