Novel therapeutic strategies for Asherman's syndrome: Endometrial regeneration using menstrual blood-derived stem cells
Sena Awano-Kim, Satoshi Hosoya, Ryo Yokomizo, Hiroshi Kishi, Aikou Okamoto
Abstract
Endometrium is vital to the establishment of pregnancy through its cyclical regeneration, which, when disrupted, can lead to endometrial thinning and Asherman's syndrome (AS). AS is characterized by infertility, pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and placental complications. Currently, treatments such as hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and hormone replacement therapy have demonstrated variable efficacy with limited clinical evidence. Recent developments in cell therapy have introduced menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy. Menstrual blood offers a noninvasive, periodically available source of mesenchymal stem cells, MenSCs for endometrial regeneration. This review comprehensively examines the endometrial regenerative process, pathophysiology of AS, and therapeutic prospects of MenSCs, underscoring the need for continued research to optimize treatment strategies. • Endometrium undergoes regeneration throughout the menstrual cycle. • Asherman's syndrome, characterized by endometrial thinning causes infertility. • The effectiveness of existing treatments for AS is limited. • Menstrual blood is an attractive source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). • Intrauterine transplantation of menstrual blood-derived MSCs (MenSCs) are a promising alternative treatment for AS.