Co-administration of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Royal Jelly Improved Ovarian Tissue Function in PCOS Rats via the Regulation of Inflammation and Angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the possible restorative effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) along with royal jelly (RJ) on a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this experimental study, 50 female Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly assigned to five groups: control, PCOS, PCOS+BM-MSCs, PCOS+RJ, and PCOS+BM-MSCs+RJ. PCOS was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone enanthate (100 mg/kg). BM-MSCs were administered via tail vein every two weeks. RJ was given orally (500 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Two weeks post-treatment, blood samples were analyzed for interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), using ELISA. Ovarian tissues were examined histologically, and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) levels were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

RJ and BM-MSCs improved abnormal follicle structure in PCOS rats. The mean serum levels of IL-6 (P=0.016) and TNF-α (P<0.0001) were significantly reduced in the PCOS+RJ+BM-MSCs group compared to the PCOS rats. However, there was no statistically significant reduction in expression of VEGF (P=0.090) and COX-2 (P=0.104). The expression levels of BMP15 and GDF9 proteins were significantly reduced in PCOS rats compared to the control group (P<0.0001), while in the PCOS+RJ+BM-MSCs group, the expression of BMP15 (P<0.001) and GDF9 (P<0.0001) proteins increased compared to the PCOS group.

CONCLUSION

RJ and BM-MSCs may restore ovarian function by regulating inflammation, angiogenesis, and oocyte quality.