Stem Cell Applications In Gynecology: Endometrial Regeneration And Ovarian Rejuvenation
Keywords:
Stem cell therapy, Endometrial regeneration, Ovarian rejuvenation, Regenerative gynecology, Reproductive medicineAbstract
Stem cell therapy has revolutionized the field of regenerative gynecology by offering new therapeutic possibilities for restoring fertility and repairing reproductive tissues that were once considered irreversibly damaged. The human endometrium and ovaries, being highly regenerative organs, are now recognized as potential targets for stem cell–based interventions aimed at treating disorders such as Asherman’s syndrome, thin endometrium, and premature ovarian insufficiency. Various types of stem cells, including bone marrow–derived, adipose-derived, umbilical cord–derived, and menstrual blood–derived stem cells, have demonstrated remarkable potential in promoting endometrial regeneration and ovarian rejuvenation. These cells exert their effects through mechanisms such as cellular differentiation, paracrine signaling, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and anti-fibrotic action. Advances in tissue engineering, gene editing, and exosome-based therapies are expanding the scope of clinical applications while minimizing ethical and immunological challenges. However, technical limitations, inconsistent methodologies, and insufficient long-term safety data continue to impede large-scale implementation. Ethical concerns and regulatory challenges further complicate clinical translation, necessitating standardized protocols and rigorous validation through multicentric randomized trials. Despite these challenges, the convergence of biotechnology, bioengineering, and molecular medicine holds the promise of making stem cell therapy an integral part of reproductive health management. Continued research into optimizing stem cell delivery, understanding molecular mechanisms, and integrating personalized medicine will determine the success of these innovative treatments in enhancing reproductive potential and quality of life for women worldwide...
Downloads
References
Nair S, Agarwal A. Stem cell treatments for female reproductive disorders: a comprehensive review. J Ovarian Res. 2025;18:1–10. doi:10.1186/s13048-025-01750-y.
2. Ivkošić I, Fureš R, Ćosić V, Mikelin N, Bulić L, Dobranić D, Brlek P, Primorac D. Unlocking the potential of mesenchymal stem cells in gynecology: where are we now? J Pers Med. 2023;13(8):1253. doi:10.3390/jpm13081253.
3. Lv Q, Wang L, Luo X, Chen X. Adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration: molecular insights and clinical applications. Mol Reprod Dev. 2021;88(5):379–394. doi:10.1002/mrd.23476.
4. Anagani M, Agrawal P, Reddy BV, Mishra P. Role of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells and platelet rich plasma for endometrial regeneration and repair and ovarian rejuvenation. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2021;10(2):597–602. doi:10.18203/2320-1770.IJRCOG20210311.
5. Li S, Ding L. Endometrial perivascular progenitor cells and uterus regeneration. J Pers Med. 2021;11(6):477. doi:10.3390/jpm11060477.
6. Strug M, Aghajanova L. Making more womb: clinical perspectives supporting the development and utilization of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for endometrial regeneration and infertility. J Pers Med. 2021;11(12):1364. doi:10.3390/jpm11121364.
7. Tinjić S, Abazović D, Ljubić D, Vujović S, Vojvodić D, Božanović T, Ljubić A. Ovarian rejuvenation. Donald Sch J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2019;13(3):152–160. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1587.
8. Lee YJ, Yi K. Bone marrow-derived stem cells contribute to regeneration of the endometrium. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2018;45(4):149–153. doi:10.5653/cerm.2018.45.4.149.
9. Ferrari AR, Cortrezzi S, Borges Júnior E, Braga D, de Souza MD, Antunes R. Evaluation of the effects of platelet-rich plasma on follicular and endometrial growth: a literature review. JBRA Assist Reprod. 2021;25(4):601–607. doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20210036.
10. Cai Y, Wang S, Qu J, Belmonte JCI, Liu GH. Rejuvenation of tissue stem cells by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2022;11(3):231–238. doi:10.1093/stcltm/szab012.
11. Park SR, Kim SK, Kim SR, Park JR, Lim S, Hong I. Novel roles of luteinizing hormone in tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells. Cell Death Dis. 2022;13(1):40–50. doi:10.1038/s41419-022-05054-7.
12. Mutlu L, Hufnagel D, Taylor HS. The endometrium as a source of mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine. Biol Reprod. 2015;92(6):134–142. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.114.126771.
13. Ljubić A, Dinić M, Švraka D, Vujović S. Dual-double stem cell ovarian therapy: a comprehensive approach in regenerative medicine. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;26(1):69. doi:10.3390/ijms26010069.
14. Du H, Taylor HS. Stem cells and reproduction. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2010;22(4):235–241. doi:10.1097/GCO.0b013e328338c152.
15. Gargett CE, Masuda H. Adult stem cells in the endometrium. Molecular human reproduction. 2010 Nov 1;16(11):818-34.
16. Duke CM, Taylor HS. Stem cells and the reproductive system: historical perspective and future directions. Maturitas. 2013 Nov 1;76(3):284-9.
17. Bongso A, Richards M. History and perspective of stem cell research. Best practice & research Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology. 2004 Dec 1;18(6):827-42.
18. Lane FL, Jacobs S. Stem cells in gynecology. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2012 Sep 1;207(3):149-56.
19. Gargett CE. Stem cells in gynaecology. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2004 Oct;44(5):380-6.
20. Gao Y, Wu G, Xu Y, Zhao D, Zheng L. Stem cell-based therapy for asherman syndrome: promises and challenges. Cell Transplantation. 2021 Jun 8;30:09636897211020734.
21. Du H, Taylor HS. Reviews: stem cells and female reproduction. Reproductive Sciences. 2009 Feb;16(2):126-39.
22. Ratajczak MZ, Jadczyk T, Pedziwiatr D, Wojakowski W. New advances in stem cell research: practical implications for regenerative medicine. Pol Arch Med Wewn. 2014 Jan 1;124(7-8):417-26.
23. Zakrzewski W, Dobrzyński M, Szymonowicz M, Rybak Z. Stem cells: past, present, and future. Stem cell research & therapy. 2019 Feb 26;10(1):68.
24. Khanlarkhani N, Baazm M, Mohammadzadeh F, Najafi A, Mehdinejadiani S, Sobhani A. Multipotent Stem Cell and Reproduction. Journal of stem cells. 2016 Oct 1;11(4).
25. Boppart, Marni & De Lisio, Michael & Witkowski, Sarah. (2015). Exercise and Stem Cells. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. 135. 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.07.005.
26. Hipp J, Atala A. Sources of stem cells for regenerative medicine. Stem cell reviews. 2008 Mar;4(1):3-11.
27. Zhao YX, Chen SR, Su PP, Huang FH, Shi YC, Shi QY, Lin S. Using mesenchymal stem cells to treat female infertility: an update on female reproductive diseases. Stem cells international. 2019;2019(1):9071720.
28. Ono M, Maruyama T, Yoshimura Y. Regeneration and adult stem cells in the human female reproductive tract. Stem Cells and Cloning: Advances and Applications. 2008 Dec 2:23-9.
29. Fazeli Z, Abedindo A, Omrani MD, Ghaderian SM. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy for recovery of fertility: a systematic review. Stem cell reviews and reports. 2018 Feb;14(1):1-2.
30. Naeem A, Gupta N, Naeem U, Elrayess MA, Albanese C. Amniotic stem cells as a source of regenerative medicine to treat female infertility. Human Cell. 2023 Jan;36(1):15-25.
31. Xu Y, Zhu H, Zhao D, Tan J. Endometrial stem cells: clinical application and pathological roles. International journal of clinical and experimental medicine. 2015 Dec 15;8(12):22039.
32. Sadiasa A, Werkmeister JA, Gurung S, Gargett CE. Steps towards the clinical application of endometrial and menstrual fluid mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of gynecological disorders. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2025 Mar 4;25(3):285-307.
33. Erceg Ivkošić I, Fureš R, Ćosić V, Mikelin N, Bulić L, Dobranić D, Brlek P, Primorac D. Unlocking the potential of mesenchymal stem cells in gynecology: where are we now?. Journal of personalized medicine. 2023 Aug 13;13(8):1253.
34. de Miguel‐Gomez L, Ferrero H, Lopez‐Martinez S, Campo H, Lopez‐Perez N, Faus A, Hervás D, Santamaría X, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. Stem cell paracrine actions in tissue regeneration and potential therapeutic effect in human endometrium: a retrospective study. BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2020 Apr;127(5):551-60.
35. Coulson-Thomas VJ, Coulson-Thomas YM, Gesteira TF, Kao WW. Extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells suppress the immune system. The ocular surface. 2016 Apr 1;14(2):121-34.
36. Gargett CE, Chan RW, Schwab KE. Hormone and growth factor signaling in endometrial renewal: role of stem/progenitor cells. Molecular and cellular endocrinology. 2008 Jun 25;288(1-2):22-9.
37. Taherian M, Bayati P, Mojtabavi N. Stem cell-based therapy for fibrotic diseases: mechanisms and pathways. Stem cell research & therapy. 2024 Jun 18;15(1):170.
38. Zhu X, Péault B, Yan G, Sun H, Hu Y, Ding L. Stem cells and endometrial regeneration: from basic research to clinical trial. Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2019 May 1;14(4):293-304.
39. Chen, Hsuan-Ju & Chang, Hsun-Ming. (2025). Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Refractory Thin Endometrium in In vitro Fertilization: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects. 10.5772/intechopen.1011925.
40. Santamaria X, Mas A, Cervelló I, Taylor H, Simon C. Uterine stem cells: from basic research to advanced cell therapies. Human Reproduction Update. 2018 Nov 1;24(6):673-93.
41. Verdi J, Tan A, Shoae-Hassani A, Seifalian AM. Endometrial stem cells in regenerative medicine. Journal of Biological Engineering. 2014 Aug 1;8(1):20.
42. Gargett CE, Ye L. Endometrial reconstruction from stem cells. Fertility and sterility. 2012 Jul 1;98(1):11-20.
43. Azizi R, Aghebati-Maleki L, Nouri M, Marofi F, Negargar S, Yousefi M. Stem cell therapy in Asherman syndrome and thin endometrium: Stem cell-based therapy. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018 Jun 1;102:333-43.
44. Zuo W, Xie B, Li C, Yan Y, Zhang Y, Liu W, Huang J, Chen D. The clinical applications of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells. Biopreservation and Biobanking. 2018 Apr 1;16(2):158-64.
45. Zolbin MM, Aliakbari F, Mehdinejadiani S, Dayabari SS, Shojaie L, Haider KH, Johnson J. Ovarian stem cells and progenitors and their regenerative capabilities. InStem cells: from potential to promise 2021 Sep 25 (pp. 83-106). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
46. Cui X, Jing X. Stem cell-based therapeutic potential in female ovarian aging and infertility. Journal of Ovarian Research. 2024 Aug 24;17(1):171.
47. Tandulwadkar S, Karthick MS. Combined use of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells and platelet-rich plasma for ovarian rejuvenation in poor responders. Journal of human reproductive sciences. 2020 Jul 1;13(3):184-90.
48. Museridze N, Chokhonelidze A. Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Reproductive Medicine: Applications, Techniques, and Potential Outcomes. Medical Times. 2024 Oct 14;2(1):42-9.
49. Lorzadeh N, Kazemirad N. Application of stem cells to infertility treatment with emphasis on mesenchymal stem cells and ovarian stem cells. American journal of perinatology. 2018 Oct;35(12):1142-7.
50. Akahori T, Woods DC, Tilly JL. Female fertility preservation through stem cell-based ovarian tissue reconstitution in vitro and ovarian regeneration in vivo. Clinical Medicine Insights: Reproductive Health. 2019 May;13:1179558119848007.
51. Yuan Z, Zhang Y, He X, Wang X, Wang X, Ren S, Su J, Shen J, Li X, Xiao Z. Engineering mesenchymal stem cells for premature ovarian failure: Overcoming challenges and innovating therapeutic strategies. Theranostics. 2024 Oct 7;14(17):6487.
52. Gupta S, Lodha P, Karthick MS, Tandulwadkar SR. Role of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy for follicular recruitment in premature ovarian insufficiency: review of literature and a case report of world's first baby with ovarian autologous stem cell therapy in a perimenopausal woman of age 45 year. Journal of human reproductive sciences. 2018 Apr 1;11(2):125-30.
53. Herraiz S, Buigues A, Díaz-García C, Romeu M, Martínez S, Gómez-Seguí I, Simón C, Hsueh AJ, Pellicer A. Fertility rescue and ovarian follicle growth promotion by bone marrow stem cell infusion. Fertility and sterility. 2018 May 1;109(5):908-18.
54. Vassena R, Eguizabal C, Heindryckx B, Sermon K, Simon C, van Pelt AM, Veiga A, Zambelli F. Stem cells in reproductive medicine: ready for the patient?. Human Reproduction. 2015 Sep 1;30(9):2014-21.
55. Benor A, Gay S, DeCherney A. An update on stem cell therapy for Asherman syndrome. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2020 Jul;37(7):1511-29.
56. Mazini L, Rochette L, Amine M, Malka G. Regenerative capacity of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), comparison with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). International journal of molecular sciences. 2019 May 22;20(10):2523.
57. Qin Y, Ge G, Yang P, Wang L, Qiao Y, Pan G, Yang H, Bai J, Cui W, Geng D. An update on adipose‐derived stem cells for regenerative medicine: where challenge meets opportunity. Advanced Science. 2023 Jul;10(20):2207334.
58. Chen L, Qu J, Cheng T, Chen X, Xiang C. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells: toward therapeutic mechanisms, novel strategies, and future perspectives in the treatment of diseases. Stem cell research & therapy. 2019 Dec 21;10(1):406.
59. Cousins FL, Filby CE, Gargett CE. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells–their role in endometrial repair and regeneration. Frontiers in reproductive health. 2022 Jan 20;3:811537.
60. Volarevic V, Markovic BS, Gazdic M, Volarevic A, Jovicic N, Arsenijevic N, Armstrong L, Djonov V, Lako M, Stojkovic M. Ethical and safety issues of stem cell-based therapy. International journal of medical sciences. 2018 Jan 1;15(1):36.
61. King NM, Perrin J. Ethical issues in stem cell research and therapy. Stem cell research & therapy. 2014 Jul 7;5(4):85.
62. Park SJ, Kim YY, Han JY, Kim SW, Kim H, Ku SY. Advancements in human embryonic stem cell research: clinical applications and ethical issues. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2024 Apr;21(3):379-94.
63. Lukomska B, Stanaszek L, Zuba-Surma E, Legosz P, Sarzynska S, Drela K. Challenges and controversies in human mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Stem cells international. 2019;2019(1):9628536.
64. Khandia R, Gurjar P, Romashchenko V, Al-Hussain SA, Zaki ME. Recent advances in stem cell therapy: efficacy, ethics, safety concerns, and future directions focusing on neurodegenerative disorders–a review. International Journal of Surgery. 2024 Oct 1;110(10):6367-81.
65. Spits C. Stem cell therapy: facts and fiction. Facts, views & vision in ObGyn. 2012;4(3):195.
66. O’Connell AE, Guseh S, Lapteva L, Cummings CL, Wilkins-Haug L, Chan J, Peranteau WH, Almeida-Porada G, Kourembanas S. Gene and stem cell therapies for fetal care: a review. JAMA pediatrics. 2020 Oct 1;174(10):985-91.
67. Ezzati M, Izadpanah M, Hawkins SM, Yalameha B. Advancements in Ovarian Tissue Engineering: Strategies for Fertility Preservation and Restoration: Ovarian Tissue Engineering. Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine. 2025 Sep 2:1-20.
68. Hussen BM, Taheri M, Yashooa RK, Abdullah GH, Abdullah SR, Kheder RK, Mustafa SA. Revolutionizing medicine: recent developments and future prospects in stem-cell therapy. International Journal of Surgery. 2024 Dec 1;110(12):8002-24.
69. Sylvester KG, Longaker MT. Stem cells: review and update. Archives of surgery. 2004 Jan 1;139(1):93-9.
70. Nelson TJ, Behfar A, Yamada S, Martinez‐Fernandez A, Terzic A. Stem cell platforms for regenerative medicine. Clinical and translational science. 2009 Jun;2(3):222-7
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.