Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combining with platelet-rich plasma infusion in endometrium repair.

OBJECTIVE

Thin endometrium caused by various factors affects the conception rate of females worldwide; however, current medications are still insufficient. Therefore, a novel approach is needed. We previously reported the effect of menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) in ameliorating ethanol-induced endometrial injuries. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the effect of MenSCs is enhanced by a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion.

METHODS

An endometrial injury mouse model was established by infiltrating 95% ethanol for 15 s into the uterus, followed by MenSCs, PRP, or MenSCs + PRP treatment. Pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The expression of CK18, vimentin, ItgαVβ3, and VEGF was determined using IHC staining and WB blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with the model, MenSCs, PRP, and MenSCs + PRP treatments significantly improved endometrial damage and thickness, with the combined therapy displaying the most pronounced efficacy. The density of CK18-, vimentin-, and ItgαVβ3 positive cells increased most significantly in the MenSCs + PRP group of mice. In addition, the protein expression of CK18, vimentin, and VEGF was significantly upregulated after MenSCs + PRP, MenSCs, and PRP treatment, with MenSCs + PRP therapy showing the best efficacy.

CONCLUSION

MenSCs + PRP therapy is more beneficial for ameliorating ethanol-induced endometrial damage than MenSCs or PRP alone, providing a basis for the investigation of novel approaches for treating thin endometria.