Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition characterized by amenorrhea, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, estrogen deficiency, and reduced follicle counts leading to infertility under the age of 40. POI occurs in approximately 1-3% of women in the general population. Evaluation is warranted when the diagnosis of POI is made to rule out underlying etiologies, which could be multifactorial. This review serves to cover the novel treatment approaches reported in the literature.
Background Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to the loss of ovarian function under the age of 40 and results in amenorrhea and infertility. Our previous studies have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes in chemotherapy-induced POI mouse ovaries can reverse the POI and eventually achieve pregnancy. Based on our recent studies, MSC-derived exosomes have almost equal therapeutic potentials as transplanted MSCs. However, it is still unclear whether exosomes can completely replace MSCs in POI treatment. For the reliable application of cell-free treatment for POI patients using exosomes, there is a need to understand whether there is any outcome and effectiveness difference between MSC and MSC-derived exosome treatment. Methods Comparing the therapeutic effect of intravenous injection using MSCs and equal amounts of exosomes in a POI mouse model will reveal the difference between the two therapeutic resources. In this study, we induced POI in C57/BL6 mice by chemotherapy (CXT) using a standard protocol. We then injected four different doses of MSCs or equal amounts of commercialized MSC-derived exosomes by retro-orbital injection post-CXT. Result After MSC/exosome treatment, tissue and serum samples were harvested to analyze molecular changes after treatment, while other mice in parallel experiments underwent breeding experiments to compare the restoration of fertility. Both the MSC- and exosome-treated groups had a restored estrous cycle and serum hormone levels compared to untreated POI mice. The pregnancy rate in the MSC-treated group was 60–100% after treatment, while the pregnancy rate in the exosome-treated group was 30–50% after treatment. Interestingly, in terms of long-term effects, MSC-treated mice still showed a 60–80% pregnancy rate in the second round of breeding, while the exosome-treated group became infertile again in the second round of breeding. Conclusions Although there were some differences in the efficacy between MSC treatment and exosome treatment, both treatments were able to achieve pregnancy in the POI mouse model. In conclusion, we report that MSC-derived exosomes are a promising therapeutic option to restore ovarian function in POI conditions similar to treatment with MSCs.
Objective: To determine the development and the localization of the ovaries during the fetal period. Material and Methods: One hundred and fifty-four ovaries obtained from 77 human fetuses aged between 9 and 40 weeks of gestation were used in this study. Firstly, the shapes and the positions of the ovaries were established. Second, the localization of the ovaries with respect to linea terminalis, ureters, and the iliac arteries were determined. Finally, the dimensions and the weight of the ovaries were measured. Findings: In the fetal period, the ovaries were most commonly almond shaped and had an oblique orientation. In the 1st trimester the midpoint of the long axis of the fetal ovaries were at the level of linea terminalis. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester and full-term fetuses, it was observed that the ovaries were not in ovarian fossa, suggesting that descensus ovary was in progression during these times. During the intrauterine period, the ovaries were most commonly located anterior to the ureters and over the common iliac artery, only to migrate to its final location between the internal and external iliac arteries towards the end of the 40th week. Conclusion: We found that the ovaries did not assume the position of the adults at the end of the fetal period, rather continued its descent after the birth. We believe our findings about the fetal ovaries will be useful in obstetrics, fetal pathology, and forensic pathology.
The objective of this study was to explore the fetal development of the stomach, its morphology and relationship with neighboring structures. The study is carried out in 2003 using 160 human embryos and fetuses (81 males and 79 females) aged between 9 and 40 weeks of gestation. None of the cases had any external pathology or anomaly. Its topographical localization and relationship with surrounding structures were revealed with anatomical dissections. Width and height of the stomach, lengths of the greater and lesser curvatures, the angle between horizontal and vertical axes of the stomach and types of stomach were established. During the fetal life stomach was most commonly located above the transverse axis passing through the umbilicus, in left and right hypochondrium (81%). There were significant differences among trimester groups with respect to the localization of the stomach in the quadrants (P < 0.001). There were no significant sex differences in parameters. After the second trimester, the height of the stomach increased more than the width of the stomach and anterior abdominal height. The angle of stomach decreased from 100 degrees to 50 degrees throughout the fetal period. During the fetal period, wide angles stomach was more common in the first(f) and second trimesters while acute-angled stomach was more common in the third trimester and term fetuses. Diagnosis and treatment of fetal anomalies and pathologies of the stomach requires knowledge of fetal anatomy of the stomach. Data acquired in this study are believed to contribute to the studies of obstetrics, perinatology, forensic medicine and fetal pathology on fetal development of the stomach, and diagnosis and treatment of its anomalies, pathologies, and variations.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.