P-793 New approaches for treating diminished ovarian reserve: MSC-derived extracellular vesicles and autologous platelet rich plasma
Authors: Martirosyan Y , Nazarenko T , Silachev D , Kadaeva A , Biryukova A , Sukhikh G 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Does intraovarian injection of MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) improves the outcome of IVF in women with Diminished Ovarian reserve?

Summary answer

EVs and PRP therapies increse Antral follicle count (AFC), lower FSH level and result in higher amount of mature oocytes and blastocysts

What is known already

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are significant impediments to the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Current strategies for ovarian stimulation primarily affects only the growth of antral follicles. Even in scenarios where ovarian ovulatory function is compromised, a reservoir of dormant follicles persists, which could potentially be activated by stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), owing to their multipotent differentiation capabilities and paracrine signaling properties, have emerged as leading candidates for innovative therapeutic approaches. Recent scientific inquiries have highlighted the paracrine impact of EVs secreted by stem cells, underscoring their prospective therapeutic relevance.

Study design, size, duration

This prospective interventional study was conducted at the V.I. Kulakov Scientific Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology in Russia. It involved 60 infertile female participants aged 20 to 38 years, each with DOR and a history of at least two unsuccessful IVF cycles. These participants were enrolled in the study during their subsequent IVF cycle. Prior to inclusion, all patients provided written informed consent.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Patients in group 1 (n = 30) received treatment with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs-Exos) prior to initiating their in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. In contrast, participants in group 2 (n = 30) underwent intraovarian therapy with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in preparation for their IVF cycle. The comparative analysis encompassed antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, ovarian stimulation outcomes, and the primary characteristics of oogenesis and embryogenesis.

Main results and the role of chance

After transplantation of EVs and PRP the ovarian function-related hormone levels and the AFC returned to nearly normal parameteres.Meanwhile, after exosomal treatment the improvement in reproductive outcomes was more significant. FSH concentration was significantly different before and 30 days after the procedure in both groups. In group 1 FSH values were less than the initial data In 95% of cases, in group 2 – in 72% of cases. AMH levels did not change significantly in both groups. The AFC increased in group 1 compared to group 2. All Patients underwent an IVF antagonist cycle after 3 months from the treatment. The number of obtained oocytes in group 1 ranged from 2 to 8, MII from 1 to 6; in group 2: from 0-5, MII – 0-5. The number of blastocysts in group 1 ranged from 1 to 5, in group 2 – from 0 to 3. In group 1, pregnancy occurred in 9 patients (30%): 1 women ( 3,3%) conceived spontaneously in the cycle of procedures, 8 (26,7%) attempted IVF, in group 2 pregnancy occurred in 4 patients (13,3%): 4 attempted IVF. EVs and PRP injections improve outcomes of IVF results in women with low ovarian reserve.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Limitations may include the fact that the study is single-center and has a rather small amount of patients enrolled in the study. Fundamental approaches to further research in this area are also required to better understand the obtained results.

Wider implications of the findings

EVs and PRP therapies appear to enhance ovarian reserve metrics and the success rates of IVF programs in patients with DOR. The clinical implementation of these interventions may offer improved reproductive prospects for patients whose sole option was previously oocyte donation.

Trial registration number

121040600410-7