Stem-Cell–Based Approaches to Improve Oocyte Quality and Embryo Development

Document Type : Mini-Review

Authors

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

2 Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

3 Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

10.22034/jrb.2026.07.V2I1A4

Abstract

Declining oocyte quality is a major contributor to infertility, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and suboptimal invitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Recent advances in stem-cell biology and regenerative medicine have introduced novel therapeutic strategies to restore ovarian microenvironmental function, attenuate oxidative stress, and enhance oocyte and embryo competence. Advanced therapeutic modalities, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), perinatal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and their secretome, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs), exhibit profound regenerative potential. These therapeutic effects are mediated through paracrine signaling, anti-apoptotic pathways, mitochondrial restoration, and modulation of granulosa–oocyte communication. This review This review summarizes recent mechanistic insights, highlights emerging translational evidence, and proposes future directions for integrating stem cell–based regenerative strategies into reproductive medicinequality. Moreover, we highlight existing challenges, clinical observations, and future directions for integrating regenerative biomedicine into reproductive medicine.

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