Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) promotes the recovery of ovarian function in a rat model of premature ovarian failure (POF)

Abstract

Aims: Our study was to evaluate the benefits of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) for the prevention of premature ovarian failure (POF) in a rat model. Materials and methods: 80 female SD rats aged between 6 and 8 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups A, B, C and D. Rats in group A is normal control group; group B, C and D received zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3) administration to induce POF model. Among these, group B is model control group; group C received PBS injection in ovaries and group D received hUCMSCs injection in ovaries, all injections were performed after modeling on the same day. Estrus cycle; serum hormone level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and amount of ovarian follicles were detected 20 days after treatment. Results: We successfully injected hUCMSCs in the ovary tissue of a POF rat. The estrus cycle and hormone expression of the rats in group D tends to be normal. Histological studies indicated that hUCMSCs transplantation increased the amount of ovarian follicles. Conclusions: This study shows that hUCMSCs may have a preventive effect on POF rats.