Effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on intrauterine adhesions in a rat model

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) transplantation on a rat model with intrauterine adhesions (IUA). Methods: 30 healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operated group, a PBS group and a hUCMSCs group. The hUCMSCs were injected into uterines of the rat models in hUCMSCs group, and the glandular count, the endometrial fibrosis ratio, proliferation of endometrial cells and the location of hUCMSCs were observed. Moreover the gene expressions of cytokines relating to fibrosis and regeneration were tested after transplantation. Results: hUCMSCs transplantation can effectively reduce endometrial fibrosis area, increase glandular count and promote proliferation of endometrial cells. The transplanted hUCMSCs were also observed in uterines one week after surgery. In addition, there were significant differences in the expressions of cytokines among three groups. Conclusions: hUCMSCs transplantation is able to reduce fibrosis and improve the endometrail regeneration in IUA rats. It may become a promising strategy for the therapy of IUA in the future.