Enhancement of Vascularization and Ovarian Follicle Survival Using Stem Cells in Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue Transplantation—A Systematic Review

Scientific paper - Review paper

• Author: Luca Zaninović
• Author: Marko Bašković
• Author: Davor Ježek
• Author: Dubravko Habek
• Author: Zenon Pogorelić
• Author: Ana Katušić Bojanac
• Author: Vesna Elveđi Gašparović
• Author: Lana Škrgatić
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Croatian Institiute for Brain Research)
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics)
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Histology and Embryology)
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Medical Biology)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Basic Medical Sciences; Cytology, Histology and Embryology
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Clinical Medical Sciences; Gynecology and Obstetrics

Abstract (english)

The increase in cancer survival rates has put a focus on ensuring fertility preservation procedures for cancer patients. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation presents the only option for prepubertal girls and patients who require immediate start of treatment and, therefore, cannot undergo controlled ovarian stimulation. We aimed to provide an assessment of stem cells’ impact on cryopreserved ovarian tissue grafts in regard to the expression of growth factors, angiogenesis promotion, tissue oxygenation, ovarian follicle survival and restoration of endocrine function. For this systematic review, we searched the Scopus and PubMed databases and included reports of trials using murine and/or human cryopreserved ovarian tissue for transplantation or in vitro culture in combination with mesenchymal stem cell administration to the grafting site. Of the 1201 articles identified, 10 met the criteria. The application of stem cells to the grafting site has been proven to support vascular promotion and thereby shorten the period of tissue hypoxia, which is reflected in the increased number of remaining viable follicles and faster recovery of ovarian endocrine function. Further research is needed before implementing the use of stem cells in OT cryopreservation and transplantation procedures in clinical practice. Complex ethical dilemmas make this process more difficult.

• Keywords (english): angiogenesis; cryopreservation; follicle survival; ovarian tissue; ovary; oxygenation; stem cell; transplantation
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Review paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Biology
• Numbering: vol. 13, no. 5, 342
• e-ISSN: 2079-7737
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050342
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:228583
• Publication: 2024-05-14
• Project: Number: KK.01.1.1.01.0008; Title (english): Reproduktivna i regenerativna medicina - istraživanje novih platformi i potencijala; Leader: Ana Katušić Bojanac; Jurisdiction: Croatia
• Document URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/13/5/342
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2025-02-05 15:03:30