Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (15): 2427-2434.doi: 10.12307/2023.607

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Application status and prospect of menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes

Ma Yujiu1, 2, Zhang Xudong1, 2, Tan Jichun1, 2   

  1. 1Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China; 2Key Laboratory for Reproductive Disorder and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
  • Received:2022-06-15 Accepted:2022-07-21 Online:2023-05-28 Published:2022-10-18
  • Contact: Tan Jichun, MD, Doctoral supervisor, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory for Reproductive Disorder and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
  • About author:Ma Yujiu, Master candidate, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory for Reproductive Disorder and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82071601 (to TJC); the Liaoning Province Central Leading Local Science and Technology Development Special Project, No. 2020JH6/10500006 (to TJC); the Liaoning Province Key Research and Development Program Project, No. 2018225093 (to TJC); Subject Enhancement Program of China Medical University (to TJC); the Shengjing Free Investigator Fund (to TJC)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Menstrual blood-derived stem cells are derived from female menstrual blood. Mesenchymal stem cells with multidirectional differentiation potential are easily accessible, weakly immunogenic, highly proliferative, stable passage, and free from ethical controversy. Exosomes derived from menstrual blood-derived stem cells have the same efficacy as menstrual blood-derived stem cells in tissue regeneration and injury recovery. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes have yielded exciting results in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of various diseases.  
OBJECTIVE: To review the progress of basic research and clinical applications related to menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes, as well as the potential future applications and issues to be considered.
METHODS: A computerized search of PubMed and the CNKI database from 2000 to 2022 for literature related to menstrual blood-derived stem cells and menstrual blood-derived stem cell exosomes was conducted. Finally, 75 articles were selected for review analysis.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Menstrual blood-derived stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells with multidirectional differentiation function, characterized by abundant source, weak immunogenicity and high proliferative capacity. (2) The exosomes are the main mediators of the paracrine function of menstrual blood-derived stem cells and have the same efficacy as the source cells in promoting tissue regeneration and injury repair. Both have the ability to be anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and promote tissue and organ function recovery, and have demonstrated more excellent therapeutic levels in animal test models of various systemic diseases, where menstrual blood-derived stem cells have been used in clinical patients in diseases such as uterine adhesions, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis and viral pneumonia, and have greatly delayed the disease progression without producing side effects such as tumor or allergic reactions. (3) However, only 15 years have passed since the discovery of menstrual blood-derived stem cells in 2007. Therefore, menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes have the shortcomings of insufficient samples and short years of application. Long-term preclinical trials are still needed to verify their safety and efficacy. In addition, to be truly applied in clinical practice, it is also necessary to find a more standardized way of administration, so it is necessary to issue relevant application guidelines in the future. (4) The combination of menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes with 3D scaffold technology has been used in animal trials for pelvic organ prolapse, skin damage due to diabetes, osteochondral defects, and bladder wall reconstruction. More clinical applications can be developed in the future by combining various advantages of menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes with tissue engineering and material science to gradually carry out clinical research.

Key words: menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell, stem cell, exosome, paracrine, stem cell therapy, immunomodulation, tissue repair, apoptosis

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