Mesenchymal stem cells therapy improves ovarian function in premature ovarian failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on preclinical studies.

Background: Studies have revealed that the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be a potential star candidate for premature ovarian failure (POF) in animal experiments. However, individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the potential of using MSCs in the treatment of POF in animals. Methods: Seven databases were searched for studies exploring the effect of the transplantation of MSCs on POF in animal models. The PRISMA guideline was followed, and the methodological quality was ensured using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.4 and STATA 12.0 software was performed to meta-analysis. Results: In total, 37 studies involving 1,079 animals were included. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of E2 (SMD 2.69 [95% CI 1.97, 3.41]), FSH (-2.02, [-2.74, -1.30]), primary follicles (2.04, [1.17, 2.92]), secondary follicles (1.93, [1.05, 2.81]), and primordial follicles (2.38, [1.19, 3.57]. Other outcomes, such as AMH, LH, INHB, antral follicles, growing follicles, mature follicles, and early antral were also found to be significant. There was no difference in FSH/LH, corpus leteum, follicles, and estruc cycle. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis result indicated that the transplantation of MSCs might exert therapeutic effects on animal models of POF, and these effects might be associated with improving the disorder of the sexual cycle, modulating serum hormone expressions to a better state, and restoring ovarian function.

[The effect of warm needling pretreatment for endometrial receptivity of frozen embryo transfer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of warming needling pretreatment for endometrial receptivity before frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). METHODS: Fifty-six repeatedly embryo transfer (ET) failure patients with ultrasound showing follicular phase endometrium of C type, hysteroscopy examination presenting endometritis were randomly assigned into an observation group (25 cases) and a control group (31 cases). The patients in the observation group three months before ET were treated with antibiotics in the menstrual period, warming needle (once a day) at Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Liangqiu (ST 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39) after menstruation until the ovulation stopped, and oral administration of progesterone was applied after ovulation. The patients in the control group three months before ET were treated with antibiotics in the menstrual period, and oral administration of progesterone was applied after ovulation. Continuous three menstrual periods were carried out for the both groups. The changes of endometrial thickness, type and endometrial blood flow and the outcome of FET were observed. RESULTS: Endometrial morphology and blood flow were improved after treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01), with better results in the observation group (both P<0.01). The embryo transplantation rate and pregnancy rate in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (both P<0.01), and the early abortion rate decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Warm needling may improve endometrial receptivity, embryo transplantation rate and pregnancy rate and decrease early abortion rate by regulating endometrial morphology and blood flow.