Therapeutic effect of stem cells on reducing intrauterine adhesions

Asherman's syndrome (AS) is an acquired and refractory disorder in women whose treatments are currently limited and ineffective. Stem cell-based therapies have recently become a new way to treat tissue damage and fibrosis. Cell therapy is now proposed as a new strategy for the reconstruction and management of endometrial disorders such as Asherman syndrome. The present study was performed aimed to review a summary of research showing the key role of cell therapy in the treatment of intrauterine disorders and adhesions.

In this review article, the articles related to the role of stem cells in the prevention and treatment of intrauterine adhesions were searched in databases of ISI, Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus and SID using the keywords of Asherman's syndrome, Intrauterine adhesions, and Stem cell therapy without time limitation. At the end, the input data were qualitatively analyzed.

Studies show that stem cell transplants come from a variety of sources, including bone marrow (BMCS), adipose tissue (ASC), amniotic fluid (AFSC), placenta (PSC), and menstrual blood (MenSC) that regenerates the uterine endometrium and restores fertility in Asherman syndrome. Studies have shown that transplantation of BMSCs and MenSCs, not only in animal studies but also in clinical studies, has led to the regeneration and formation of damaged endometrial tissue structure. In preclinical models, Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs), amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) and placenta-derived stem cells (PSCs) have been able to play an effective role in regenerating and strengthening the uterine endometrium by increasing epithelial thickness and reducing collagen secretion and deposition.

Use of stem cells can play an important role in the regeneration and formation of endometrial tissue of the uterus and thus has beneficial effects in prevention and treatment of intrauterine adhesions.