Therapeutic Potential of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in A Letrozole-Induced Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent metabolic and reproductive disorder and one of the leading causes of infertility. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) possess anti-inflammatory properties and have shown potential in alleviating PCOS manifestations in experimental models. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of transplanted BM-MSCs and BM-MSC-derived culture media in a letrozole (LTZ)- induced PCOS rat model. Materials and Methods: BM-MSC). Blood samples were collected to measure hormonal and metabolic parameters (insulin, androgen, progesterone, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) using [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique). Ovarian tissues were analyzed by for histopathological and immunohistochemical methods to assess [key markers, e.g., follicular development, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)]. Results: The PCOS group exhibited hormonal imbalance, metabolic disturbance, and ovarian dysfunction. BMMSC treatment significantly reduced insulin (P=0.003) and androgen levels (P=0.040), while restoring progesterone (P=0.003), estrogen (P=0.007), FSH (P=0.009), and LH (P=0.001) to near-normal levels. BM-MSCs markedly improved both metabolic and reproductive parameters, effectively restoring fertility in the PCOS model. Treatment with BM-MSC-derived culture media produced partial improvement but did not fully reverse PCOS manifestations. Conclusion: BM-MSCs improved ovarian structure and function, ameliorating both metabolic and reproductive dysfunction in the PCOS rat model. BM-MSC transplantation yielded the most favorable outcomes, whereas BM-MSCderived culture media alone provided incomplete therapeutic benefits.
Source: PubMed
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223357749