Ovarian Stem Cells: Will the Dream of Neo-Folliculogenesis After Birth Become Real?

Abstract

Importance: Ovarian stem cells (OSCs) represent a promising tool in reproductive medicine, particularly for the treatment of premature ovarian failure and fertility preservation.

Objectives: Herein, we summarize the main characteristics of adult stem cells, their status, needs, and new challenges in the application in reproductive medicine.

Evidence acquisition: Clinical studies have shown that OSCs transplantation can restore ovarian function and stimulate neo-folliculogenesis in patients with premature ovarian failure, enabling them to conceive naturally or through in vitro fertilization techniques. Moreover, OSCs gained increasing interest as a chance to preserve fertility in cancer patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments affecting their fertility, as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Results: The recruitment of OSCs from fresh or thawed ovarian fragments coupled with their capability to differentiate in vitro to mature oocytes could provide a novel opportunity to verify their suitability to be expanded in vitro as oocyte like cells.

Conclusions and relevance: Research into OSCs and their applications in reproductive medicine is still in its infancy, but the results so far are promising and offer new possibilities for patients suffering from premature ovarian failure or cancer.