A Comparative Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Various Sources in Endometrial Repair: the Significant Advantages of Decidual Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND

Endometrial injury, particularly intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome), significantly compromises female fertility. Current treatments, including hysteroscopic surgery, intrauterine barriers, and oral estrogen, have limited efficacy, with postoperative pregnancy rates of 22.2-33.3%. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising alternative due to their multilineage differentiation and tissue repair capabilities. This study compared the efficacy of MSCs derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord, adipose tissue, and decidua in repairing damaged endometrium.

METHODS

Proliferation of MSCs was assessed using the CCK8 assay. In vitro differentiation into endometrial epithelial cells was evaluated via immunofluorescence and Western blot. In vivo, a rat model of intrauterine adhesion was used to assess endometrial repair following MSC infusions.

RESULTS

Bone marrow MSCs had the highest proliferation rate, while adipose-derived MSCs had the lowest. Decidual MSCs exhibited superior differentiation into endometrial epithelial cells and the most effective in vivo repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Decidual MSCs show superior efficacy in endometrial repair, highlighting their potential for treating intrauterine adhesions. Future studies should focus on clinical validation and mechanistic exploration.