Endometrial stem cells （EnSCs）originate from the female uterus. The female uterus is a cystic structure, divided into three layers from the inside out, namely the endometrium, myometrium, and serosa. The endometrium is further divided into the basal layer and the functional layer. Female endometrium is the fusion of Mesoderm tissues during embryonic development, and is one of the most active tissues for human self renewal. During menstruation, only the functional layer of the endometrium falls off. The term menstrual stem cells refers to endometrial stem cells that detach from the functional layer of the female endometrium into the menstrual blood.
Endometrial stem cells can be produced monthly by normal women of appropriate age, which are easy to collect and can be obtained in large quantities. Although highly susceptible to pollution, it is also a good source of stem cells. The so-called "menstrual stem cells" in the current cell storage market are actually a mixture of endometrial exfoliated cells and a portion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in menstrual blood.
1) Multidirectional differentiation potential: It has been proved that endometrial stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell lines of three embryonic layers, namely, Ectoderm, Mesoderm and Endoderm, and express the embryonic stem cell marker Oct-4 under induction conditions in vitro.
2) Ability to expand in vitro: Like mesenchymal stem cells from other sources, it has the ability to expand in vitro. Some studies have found that among female donors aged 30-60, the younger the age, the stronger the proliferative and clonal ability of endometrial stem cells.
3) Immune regulatory function. Currently, some studies have shown that endometrial stem cells have low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive effects. From an application perspective, the role of immune regulation will also be one of the focuses of clinical research.
4) Menstrual blood belongs to human waste and can avoid medical ethical issues.
There are two options:
The first method is to collect menstrual blood (using a tool called a mooncup) for cultivation.
The second option is to collect samples after female ovulation and vaginal dilation.
The first method is convenient and painless, but the sample is prone to contamination. The second method is more uncomfortable, but it will reduce sample contamination. As for the others, they are collected under special circumstances.
The source of endometrial stem cells is abundant, and a healthy woman during her reproductive period can contribute about 12 menstrual blood samples per year, providing sufficient cell sources for scientific research and clinical use. Compared with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and fat, the acquisition process is non-invasive, easier for donors to accept, and there are no ethical and moral limitations.
At present, some scholars believe that endometrial stem cells can serve as the preferred seed cells for the treatment of certain refractory gynecological diseases due to their differentiation potential and tissue specificity.
Therefore, the clinical research direction of endometrial stem cells is more in the Female reproductive system, such as premature ovarian failure, uterine cavity adhesion, endometrial damage, etc. Research has shown that endometrial stem cells can be used to treat various difficult diseases. For example, lung injury, cirrhosis, diabetes, etc., it is also the best cell source for beauty and anti-aging.
What to do if premature ovarian failure occurs? Is it reversible?
Premature ovarian failure is irreversible!
Although we cannot reverse premature ovarian failure, treatment can delay the process and improve symptoms.
At present, the main treatment of premature ovarian failure is to supplement the lack of female hormones, as well as traditional Chinese medicine or acupuncture and other Chinese medicine treatments. Unfortunately, these methods can only alleviate the clinical symptoms of premature ovarian failure, and can not fundamentally repair damaged ovarian cells, nor can they restore the fertility of patients. Some even increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
