Human Ovarian Follicles Xenografted in Immunoisolating Capsules Survive Long Term Implantation in Mice
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Female pediatric cancer survivors often develop Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) owing to gonadotoxic effects of anticancer treatments. Here we investigate the use of a cell-based therapy consisting of human ovarian cortex encapsulated in a poly-ethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel that replicates the physiological cyclic and pulsatile hormonal patterns of healthy reproductive-aged women. Human ovarian tissue from four donors was analyzed for follicle density, with averages ranging between 360 and 4414 follicles/mm3. Follicles in the encapsulated and implanted cryopreserved human ovarian tissues survived up to three months, with average follicle densities ranging between 2 and 89 follicles/mm3 at retrieval. We conclude that encapsulation of human ovarian cortex in PEG-based hydrogels did not decrease follicle survival after implantation in mice and was similar to non-encapsulated grafts. Furthermore, this approach offers the means to replace the endocrine function of the ovary tissue in patients with POI.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Institution: University of Michigan
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
Funders: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Awards: G1152364103, G1287925916, G141600148, G1625374363, G1677277824, G2365736034, Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program, G2950137651, G3461780423, G357950980, G4376152923, Cellular and Molecular Biology at Michigan, G6518120410, G710946428, G827738197, Reversibility of Testosterone-Induced Reproductive Changes in Adult Female Mice, Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, Engineering an immuno-isolating hydrogel for restoring ovarian endocrine function
OpenAlex ID: W4281680559