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Autologous Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy in Infertility: New Strategies and Future Perspectives – A Summary of Findings

Autologous stem cell therapy offers new hope for those facing infertility by advancing safer, more effective treatments. Discover the potential of MSC-based approaches in addressing complex reproductive health issues and the exciting future of cell-free options.

Summary

This review explores the potential of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating infertility, examining limitations of traditional assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the promise of MSC-based therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells are derived from an individual’s own tissues, which makes them immunologically safer than donor-derived options. Research highlights MSCs’ potential roles in improving fertility, alleviating inflammation, repairing tissue, and balancing immune responses. Emerging MSC-based methods could address infertility caused by genetic factors, aging, and other currently untreatable reproductive conditions.

Key Points

  • Traditional ART methods can involve significant risks, such as multiple pregnancies, birth defects, and ectopic pregnancies.
  • Autologous MSC therapy offers an immunologically safer option that may repair damaged reproductive tissues and modulate immune response.
  • MSC-derived secretomes and exosomes are showing promising results in preclinical trials for repairing ovarian and endometrial function.
  • Mitochondrial transfer and anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs could improve both male and female fertility.
  • Future cell-free approaches, such as MSC-derived exosomes, and advanced organoid models may redefine infertility treatment.

Results

This review outlines promising experimental results using autologous MSC therapy. In preclinical animal models, MSCs enhanced ovarian function and supported endometrial repair, improving pregnancy outcomes. Clinical applications in humans are still limited but show potential, particularly in addressing infertility in women with primary ovarian insufficiency and men with impaired spermatogenesis. Additional benefits include an increase in ovarian tissue viability, hormone balance, and reduction in immune-related infertility factors.

Conclusion

Autologous MSC therapy provides a hopeful pathway for treating infertility by targeting issues currently unaddressed by ART. As research progresses, MSC-based therapies may offer safer, more effective alternatives, especially for patients with complex infertility causes. Cell-free exosome therapy and very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are potential future breakthroughs that could revolutionize reproductive treatments.

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