Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Talk Between Ovary and Liver Publisher Pubmed



Abdi A ; Ranjbaran M ; Seifi B
Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Published:2026

Abstract

Aim: About 51% of women who have patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are impacted by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Research in the underlying diseased mechanisms of this link could offer valuable insights for preventing and treating this complication. Methods: Three experimental groups were formed by randomly dividing 24 female Wistar rats: Vehicle, PCOS, and PCOS + MSCs. In the PCOS group, letrozole (1 mg/kg, daily) was administered in 0.5% CMC for 21 days. Meanwhile, the PCOS + MSCs group was treated with 1 × 106 MSCs/rat intraperitoneally (IP) on the 22nd day. Ovarian mitochondrial dynamic gene expression, liver and ovarian oxidative stress, liver and ovarian inflammation, liver and ovarian histology, serum testosterone and estradiol levels, glucose homeostatic indexes, liver function enzymes, insulin and glucose concentrations, and lipid profile were evaluated. Results: PCOS groups revealed a notable disturbance of ovarian changes in histology and mitochondrial dynamics, lower liver and SOD of ovary, HDL, estradiol and ovarian MFN2. Furthermore, notable increases were observed in glucose and insulin level, HOMA-IR, and androgen levels, ovarian DRP1 gene expression, liver and ovarian levels of inflammatory factors, MDA, ALT, LDL, TC, TG, AST, and CRP levels in comparison with the Vehicle group. In the PCOS + MSCs group, transplantation of MSCs could lead to improvements in the parameters mentioned above. Conclusion: The prescription of MSCs improved ovarian and liver injury in PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics in addition to modulation of mitochondria function in the ovary. This study showed that notice to the liver beside ovarian organs in PCOS is principal. © 2026 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.