The therapeutic effects of ovarian stromal stem cells in the natural ovarian aging process in rats

Document Type : Full paper (Original article)

Authors

1 Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey

2 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey

3 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey

4 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey

Abstract

Background: Natural ovarian aging (NOA) is characterized by the age-dependent, gradual depletion of the primordial follicle reserve in the ovarian cortex, a decline in oocyte quality, and the potential to lead to infertility. Aims: This study investigated the effects of stromal stem cells (OSCs) isolated from the ovary on ovarian tissue and folliculogenesis by transplanting these cells into the ovaries of rats undergoing ovarian aging. Methods: Twelve 12–14-month-old Sprague Dawley rats with regular oestrous cycles and reduced oocyte counts were divided into control (n=6) and OSC transplantation (n=6) groups. Stromal stem cells isolated from 23–25-day-old female rat ovaries were injected into the OSC group. Follicle counts and ovarian morphology were assessed via hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR), and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) expression in ovarian tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, while serum AMH, FSH, and estradiol (E2) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: After 30 days, ovarian function improved with increased ovarian reserve and tissue architecture showed marked improvement. IGF-1 and AMH expression were significantly higher in the OSC group than in controls (P=0.02), there was no statistically significant difference in FSHR expression between groups (P=0.09). Unlike AMH levels (P=0.5129), Serum E2 levels rose significantly in the OSC group (P=0.0001). Serum FSH levels were similar between the groups (P=0.444). Conclusion: These findings suggest that OSC transplantation may improve ovarian function and reserve in aged rats, presenting a potential regenerative treatment for natural ovarian aging.

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References

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