Objective To investigate the effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on the expression of sex hormones, CYR61 and CTGF in premature ovarian failure rabbits, and to reveal their therapeutic effects and their underlying mechanisms.
Methods Ten rabbits were randomly divided into a model group and a treatment group with 5 rabbits each. The POF model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of CTX (50 mg/(kg.d) for 2 days). The treatment group was injected with UCMSCs (5 ×106/mL, 2mL each time, continuous 3d) treatment, the model group was injected with the same amount of sterile water, and venous blood was drawn at 0d, 7, 14d, and 28d after UCMSCs treatment, and the changes in serum hormone levels were analyzed. After UCMSCs treatment for 28 days Afterwards, samples of ovarian tissue were taken to detect the expression of CYR61 and CTGF protein and mRNA in ovarian tissue.
Results 1. There was no difference in serum E2 and FSH levels between the model group and the treatment group before treatment, and they were comparable (P>0.05). After treatment, the rabbit serum E2 level increased and the FSH level decreased. Compared with the model group, The difference is statistically significant (P<0.05), and there are periodic fluctuations over time, while the model group rabbits have been at low E2 and high FSH levels, and there is no periodic fluctuation over time. 2. Compared with the model group, the expression of CYR61 and CTGF protein in the treatment group was significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant (tCYR61=8.688, P<0.05, tCTGF=10.142, P<0.05). 3. Compared with the model group, the expression levels of CYR61 and CTGFmRNA in the treatment group were significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (tCYR61=38.156, P<0.05, tCTGF=14.646, P<0.05) . 4. CYR61 and CTGF are mainly expressed in granulosa cells and follicular cell membranes. Compared with the model group, the expression in the treatment group was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (tCYR61=3.981, P<0.05, tCTGF=4.111 , P<0.05).
Conclusion Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy can improve the level of sex hormones in POF rabbits, up-regulate the expression of CYR61 and CTGF, thereby activating the formation of dormant follicles, restoring ovarian function, and having a therapeutic effect on POF.