2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (1): 1-7

Electroacupuncture combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in rats

Ma Munan1, Xie Jun1, Sang Yuchao1, Huang Lei1, Zhang Guodong2, Yang Xiaoli3, Fu Songtao1, 2, 4   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have good effects on treating premature ovarian insufficiency. However, there are still problems such as low homing efficiency and poor effects.  
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency.
METHODS: Eight SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group from 32 SD rats, and others were randomly divided into ovarian insufficiency group, stem cell group, and combined treatment group, with 8 rats in each group. Cyclophosphamide solution was intraperitoneally injected to create premature ovarian insufficiency model. After modeling, the normal group was left untreated, and the ovarian insufficiency group was injected with 1 mL normal saline via tail vein. The stem cell group and the combined treatment group were injected with 2×106 bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell suspension 1 mL through the tail vein. Rats in the combined treatment group were treated with electroacupuncture for 30 minutes per day for 7 day. After the treatment, heart blood and ovarian tissue were taken to observe the curative effects.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with the ovarian insufficiency group, the levels of serum estradiol in the stem cell group and the combined treatment group were significantly increased, and the levels of follicle stimulating hormone were significantly reduced. (2) Compared with the ovarian insufficiency group, the number of ovarian oocytes in the stem cell group and the combined treatment group increased significantly. (3) Compared with the stem cell group, the homing level of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the combined treatment group increased significantly (P=0.004 3), and the expression level of CXCR4 protein also increased (P=0.036). (4) Compared with the ovarian insufficiency group, the two groups receiving treatment had fewer apoptotic cells, lower Bax protein expression levels, and higher Bcl-2 protein expression levels in ovary. Compared with the stem cell group, the Bax expression level was significantly reduced (P=0.028 4), and the Bcl-2 expression level was significantly increased (P=0.036 4) in the combined treatment group. (5) The results showed electroacupuncture promoted the homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and enhanced anti-apoptosis effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
Key words: electroacupuncture, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, rats, chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency, oocyte, homing, apoptosis, chemokine receptor