Matrigel/Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Ovarian Vascularization in a Mouse Model of Premature Ovarian Failure

In women of reproductive age, severe injuries to the ovary are often accompanied by premature ovarian failure (POF), which can result in amenorrhea or infertility. Hormone replacement therapy has been used to treat POF; however, it has limited therapeutic efficiency and may cause several side effects. In this study, we aimed to fabricate a Matrigel scaffold loaded with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and explore its potential to restore ovarian function and repair ovarian structures in vitro and in vivo. POF mouse models were established by injecting mice with cyclophosphamide for 15 consecutive days. Then, MSC/Matrigel was transplanted into the ovaries of the mice. Five weeks later, the morphology of the ovaries and follicles was observed by hematoxylin/eosin staining, and the tissue fibrosis ratio was measured using Masson's trichrome staining. The number of blood vessels was evaluated by α-smooth muscle actin and CD31 immunofluorescence, and Ki67 expression was used to determine the proliferation of granulosa cells. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A was assessed by western blotting. The Matrigel scaffold regulated the expression of VEGF-A in vitro. Moreover, it promoted MSC survival and proliferation and prevented MSC apoptosis in vivo. After the transplantation of the MSC/Matrigel, the number of follicles was significantly increased in the mice with POF, and the tissue fibrosis ratio was reduced. Furthermore, the MSC/Matrigel significantly improved the proliferation rate of granulosa cells, increased the number of blood vessels, and upregulated the expression of VEGF-A. These findings demonstrate that MSC/Matrigel may support follicular development and help restore ovarian structures in vivo.