Progress on the Clinical Applications of Stem Cells for Premature Ovarian Failure

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by amenorrhea, infertility, lack of estrogen, and elevated gonadotropin levels before the age of 40. Most POF females have fertility problems due to defects of germ cell development or complete ovarian failure. Though hormonal therapy could partially restore ovarian function, effects of these treatments are transient, much less for regeneration and repair of the ovaries. With the rise of regenerative medicine, stem cells transplantation gives new hope for repairing POF related ovaries damage. Studies from animal models indicate that stem cell transplantation can, at least in part, repair ovarian structure, improve ovarian function and fertility in POF, i.e., the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) can differentiate to ovaries and facilitate fertility recovery. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, which limits their clinical applications. Here, we discuss the recent progress on the clinical applications of stem cells for POF treatment, which would become promising therapies for POF patients.