Applications of Hydrogels in Premature Ovarian Failure and Intrauterine Adhesion

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) and intrauterine adhesion (IUA) that easily lead to reduced fertility in premenopausal women are two difficult diseases to treat in obstetrics and gynecology. Hormone therapy, in vitro fertilization and surgical treatments do not completely restore fertility. The advent of hydrogels offers new hope for the treatment of POF and IUA. Hydrogels are noncytotoxic and biodegradable, and do not cause immune rejection or inflammatory reactions. Drug delivery and stem cell delivery are the main application forms. Hydrogels are a local drug delivery reservoir, and the control of drug release is achieved by changing the physicochemical properties. The porous properties and stable three-dimensional structure of hydrogels support stem cell growth and functions. In addition, hydrogels are promising biomaterials for increasing the success rate of ovarian tissue transplantation. Hydrogel-based in vitro three-dimensional culture of follicles drives the development of artificial ovaries. Hydrogels form a barrier at the site of injury and have antibacterial, antiadhesive and antistenosis properties for IUA treatment. In this review, we evaluate the physicochemical properties of hydrogels, and focus on the latest applications of hydrogels in POF and IUA. We also found the limitations on clinical application of hydrogel and provide future prospects. Artificial ovary as the future of hydrogel in POF is worth studying, and 3D bioprinting may help the mass production of hydrogels.

The role of macrophages in reproductive-related diseases

“…Rodent models of PCOS have been widely used [ 81 ], but genomic differences between humans and animals are objective. The use of human-derived cells and biocompatible biomaterials to construct ovarian organoid may provide a new model for the study of the mechanisms of PCOS [ 82 , 83 ].…”

Dramatic improvement in the mechanical properties of polydopamine/polyacrylamide hydrogel mediated human amniotic membrane

“…The prevalence of intrauterine adhesions, a troublesome gynecological disease that poses a signicant risk to women's reproductive health, is one of the most pressing issues facing gynecologists today. [1][2][3][4][5] Human amniotic membrane (hAM) is an ideal material with great potential to prevent postoperative adhesion because of its natural biocompatibility and unique properties, such as self-contained stem cells, antibacterial properties, and exibility. Clinical studies have demonstrated that hAM can treat moderate and severe intrauterine adhesions with specic feasibility and safety benets, as the stem cells in hAM could effectively promote the repair of endometriosis.…”