Effects of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on ovarian function in rats with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Abstract

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious iatrogenic complication of assisted reproductive treatments, characterized by increased vascular permeability and fluid shifts leading to life-threatening conditions such as edema, hypovolemia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, the potential protective effects of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (HUC-MSCs) were investigated in Wistar albino rats, in which an OHSS model was established. Hoechst 3342 -labeled MSCs were administered intraperitoneally to rats prior to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation to evaluate their potential prophylactic effect in the OHSS model. Ovarian tissues were evaluated histopathologically by light and electron microscopy. Serum levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also analyzed. Oedema, vascular dilation and haemorrhagic areas were evident in the OHSS group but decreased after MSC administration. Compared with controls, OHSS rats showed decreased follicular development and increased atretic follicles and corpus luteum structures. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoreactivity differed significantly among the control, MSC treated and OHSS groups. In the OHSS group, E2 and IL-6 levels increased significantly but were significantly reduced following MSC administration. Our findings suggest that MSC administration may exert protective effects against ovarian damage associated with OHSS. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the potential role of MSCs in modulating OHSS pathophysiology.