| خلاصه مقاله | Background and Aim : Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage can cause infertility through
oxidative stress and follicular depletion. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes show potential
for tissue repair. This study evaluated the effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on
ovarian function restoration in a chemotherapy-induced infertility model by assessing hormonal
levels, oxidative stress, histopathological changes, and apoptotic markers.
Methods : Adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control,
chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, 100 mg/kg, single dose), mesenchymal stem cell-derived
exosome treatment, and combination (exosomes + chemotherapy). Bone marrow-derived
mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated, cultured, and characterized by flow cytometry.
Exosomes were isolated from BMSCs using ultracentrifugation. Histopathological analysis was
performed to confirm cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage before initiating treatment. A
dose of 10 μg exosomes per rat was administered intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive days, starting
5 days post-chemotherapy. Hormonal levels, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histopathological
changes were assessed.
Results : Histopathological analysis confirmed ovarian damage in the chemotherapy group, with
follicular depletion and stromal degeneration. Exosome treatment improved ovarian structure,
increasing healthy follicles. Hormonal analysis showed decreased estrogen and progesterone and
increased FSH and LH in the chemotherapy group (p < 0.05). Exosome treatment partially restored
hormonal balance (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress markers revealed elevated MDA and reduced SOD,
GPx, and CAT in the chemotherapy group (p < 0.05). Exosome therapy decreased MDA and
enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.05). Apoptosis analysis showed increased BAX and
decreased BCL-2 in the chemotherapy group (p < 0.05), while exosome treatment reversed these
changes (p < 0.05).
Conclusion : Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes effectively mitigate chemotherapyinduced
ovarian damage by restoring hormonal balance, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing
apoptosis. This therapy shows promise as a non-invasive strategy for preserving ovarian function
and fertility during chemotherapy. |