Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: A novel approach to intervention of ovarian ageing

Abstract

Ovarian aging leads to endocrine disorders and systemic degeneration of tissue and organ structure and function, seriously affecting women's physical and mental health. Safe and effective treatments for this condition are lacking. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), which have multidirectional differentiation potential, show strong self-renewal, secrete bioactive factors and release exosomes, can undergo homing, colonization, integration and differentiation into supporting and functional cells in tissues and organs through direct manipulation and can also improve the tissue microenvironment through paracrine action, promoting cell division, proliferation and microangiogenesis, inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress, and mediating two-way immune regulation. These processes activate dormant cells, repaired damaged cells, replace necrotic cells, and regenerate fresh cells, restoring the structure and function of the ageing ovary. Furthermore, with the increasing development of UCMSC research and technology, the therapeutic use of UCMSCs is expected to become an effective means for the treatment of ovarian ageing caused by tissue cell ageing, degeneration, and necrosis.