Isolation of Viable Ovarian Cells From Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissues of Women Undergoing Chemotherapy Induced Premature Ovarian Failure (Chemo-Pof) and Their Qualification by Flow Cytometry Publisher



Khaleghi S ; Eivazkhani F ; Moini A ; Novin M G ; Nazarian H ; Fathi R
Source: International Journal of Women's Health and Reproduction Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Objectives: Female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have an elevated risk of developing premature ovarian failure (POF) and infertility. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate the ovarian cortex cells from the cryo-banked ovarian tissues undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for in vitro culture or seeding into the artificial ovary. Materials and Methods: Ovarian tissues were obtained from five chemotherapy induced premature ovarian failure (Chemo-POF) women. The ovarian medullas were carefully removed. The cortex was finely minced and enzymatically digested, and the isolated cells were fixed. As for cell characterization, flow cytometry for vimentin (stromal cells), FSH-R (granulosa cells), and OCT-4 (oogonial stem cells) were performed. The evaluation was carried out in order to isolate the ovarian cortex cells from Chemo-POF women and qualify them by flow cytometry. Results: Flow cytometry showed that 90% of isolated cells were vimentin-positive. Out of this pool, 4%-5% were granulosa cells and 2%-3% were oogonial stem cells. Consequently, the population of ovarian stromal cells was 90%. Moreover, the stromal cells represented the larger population of cells in the human ovarian cortex. Conclusions: It was concluded that alive cells, including stromal cells, granulosa and oogonial stem cells (OSCs), may have been isolated from the ovaries of Chemo-POF patients undergoing chemotherapy. © 2026 The Author(s).