Effect of stem cell application on Asherman syndrome, an experimental rat model.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the effect of stem cells to induce endometrial proliferation and angiogenesis on Asherman Syndrome (AS).

METHODS: The experimental study was performed in stemcell research laboratory. Forty Wistar-Albino rats were divided according to groups. In group1 (n = 10) to establish the model; trichloroacetic acid was injected to right uterine horn. Two weeks later, intrauterine synechia was confirmed. In group2 (n = 10), 2 weeks later, 2 × 106 mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were injected into right uterine horn followed by three intraperitoneal injections of MSCs. In group3 (n = 10), daily oral estrogen was initiated on the second week. In group4 (n = 10), MSC injections and oral estrogen was given together. The amount of fibrosis, vascularisation, inflammation and immunohistochemical staining with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 were evaluated in the uterine tissues.

RESULTS: In all treatment groups; fibrosis decreased but vascularisation and immunhistohemical stainings increased in the experimental side. The amount of fibrosis, vascularisation, Ki-67 and PCNA scores were similar between group2 and 3. In group4, comparing to group2, less fibrosis but more Ki-67, PCNA and VEGF staining was observed.

CONCLUSION: Stem cells, when added to estrogen, are a highly effective alternative to induce regeneration of endometrium in Asherman Syndrome therapy.