Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

A review on artificial ovary fabrication using bioengineering and factors affecting the improvement of its outcomes

Document Type : Review article

Authors
Zahra Rezasoltani 1, 2
Farideh Eivazkhani 1
Somayeh Tavana 1
Ashraf Moieni 3, 4, 5
Firoozeh Ghaffari 3
Rouhollah Fathi 1
1 Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Stem Cells Technology and Tissue Regeneration, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Hospital, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/mjms.2025.75612.4542
Abstract
Efforts to preserve fertility and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), individuals with autoimmune diseases (1), and those with genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome have gained increasing attention. Due to the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatments, preserving fertility prior to remedy has become a clinical and ethical imperative in cancer care (2). Egg and embryo freezing are standard methods of fertility preservation and aren’t used to prevent premature ovarian failure, particularly in young girls. Additionally, there is a risk of malignant cell recurrence with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. In this context, artificial ovary that mimics ovarian natural condition holds great importance. Ovarian tissue engineering provides a three-dimensional system to support follicular growth and oocyte meiosis resumption, and a new strategy for treating the ovarian failure (3). To realize the idea of artificial ovary, a suitable scaffold is necessary to support somatic cells and follicular complex for production of competence oocyte, and identification and use of factors can improve the performance of artificial ovaries and bring them closer to natural samples. Various studies have found the use of follicular fluid and cumulus cells conditioned medium to be useful in achieving this goal.
Keywords
Artificial Ovary
Follicular Fluid
Cumulus Cells Conditioned Medium
Tissue Engineering
Subjects
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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 68, Issue 5
November and December 2025
Pages 1457-1482