Chemotherapy-related fertility loss reversal using cell-based therapy

The preclinical study showed that injecting ovarian tissue-derived differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells can restore hormone production and fertility in mice with premature ovarian failure related to genetic diseases and cancer treatment

A new study by investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in a preclinical model demonstrates the potential for restoring fertility when the ovaries have stopped working. Researchers found that adult stem cells could restore healthy hormone levels after chemotherapy and lead to natural conception resulting in the birth of live mice. Techniques based on the study could revolutionize fertility options for women with premature ovarian failure.

Previous studies have shown that cells from the mouse ovary, called granulosa cells, can be used to create induced pluripotent stem cells. These stem cells can become any kind of cell in the body. The researchers turned them into ovarian cells and showed in the lab that the cells make reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone and can become cells that turn into eggs.

The researchers saw that the injected stem cells restored the mouse hormone levels and fertility, including the ability to conceive and give birth to live mouse pups naturally. Interestingly, they also saw that the injection of stem cells into one ovary appeared to heal the other ovary, restarting its egg production.

Reference: Elias, K., Ng, N et al. "Fertility restoration in mice with chemotherapy induced ovarian failure using differentiated iPSCs." Lancet eBiomedicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104715.