Autologous Stem Cells Transplantation in Patients With Idiopathic and Drug Induced Premature Ovarian Failure

Overview

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency (this is the most accurate term as some women may still conceive), premature menopause, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism is defined as failure of the ovary to function adequately in a woman younger than 40 years, in its role either as an endocrine organ or as a reproductive organ, a condition characterized by amenorrhea, hypoestrogenism, and elevated serum gonadotropin levels (which demonstrate that the ovaries are no longer responding to circulating FSH by producing estrogen and developing fertile eggs) in women younger than 40 years. This condition occurs in approximately 1% of women and it has important physical and psychological consequences/impact in those patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the transplantation of bone marrow derived stem cells into ovarian tissue for treatment of premature ovarian failure and to assess their ability to differentiate into germ cells.

This study is an open-label investigation of the efficacy of injection of autologous adult bone marrow derived stem cells into the ovarian stroma of patients with premature ovarian failure. Sixty women with premature ovarian failure will be recruited in this study after a written informed consent. Diagnosis will be based mainly on history taking, physical examination and investigations. Laboratory investigations will include Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), serum estrogen measurement and serum AMH. The anterior pituitary secretes FSH and LH at high levels due to the dysfunction of the ovaries and consequent low estrogen levels. Typical FSH in POF patients is over 40 mlU/ml (post-menopausal range). Subjects will be enrolled based on specific inclusion/exclusion criteria and evaluated at regular post transplant intervals. Human adult bone marrow derived stem cells will be transplanted by a gynecological surgeon through a standard surgical approach (transvaginal U/S guided approach). Subjects will be monitored frequently for a total of one year after adult bone marrow stem cells cell injection. For safety of participants, Bone Marrow Stem cells will be injected in one ovary only and the other ovary will be spared.