Tissue Engineering Approaches for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Document Type : Mini-Review

Author

Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

10.22034/jrb.2025.414

Abstract

Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering have opened new possibilities for repairing damaged tissues and organs. Key components of tissue engineering include cells, scaffolds, and biochemical markers, which play essential roles in regeneration. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent metabolic and endocrine disorder affecting 4–18% of reproductive-age women worldwide. It manifests through symptoms such as hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and anovulation. Despite its prevalence, the exact causes of PCOS remain unclear, complicating the understanding of its long-term consequences.
Current treatments, including ovulation stimulants, insulin sensitizers, and nonsteroidal antiandrogens, help manage symptoms but often lead to adverse effects such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal issues. Given the increasing impact of PCOS on women's fertility, alternative therapies are necessary.
Tissue engineering has been explored in addressing various women's health issues, including urethral defects, sex reassignment surgery, and hormonal disorders. Engineered ovarian tissue structures have shown promise in enhancing follicle survival and growth. Regenerative approaches leveraging tissue engineering may provide a novel, side-effect-free treatment for PCOS by promoting tissue repair and hormonal balance. However, the application of tissue engineering in PCOS remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the potential of tissue-engineered constructs as an innovative therapeutic strategy for PCOS treatment.

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