News | A new approach to ovarian rejuvenation: PRP may improve egg quality and IVF outcomes
For women undergoing IVF who have a poor ovarian response, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a technique widely used in regenerative medicine, may offer a new possibility.
A study by IVIRMA New Jersey, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, and Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University in Türkiye was recently published in Aging-US. Titled “Transcriptomic landscape of cumulus cells from patients <38 years old with a history of poor ovarian response (POR) treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP),” it used RNA sequencing to investigate at the molecular level how PRP might improve ovarian function and egg quality.
PRP: from wound repair to ovarian rejuvenation?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated mixture of growth factors derived from a patient’s own blood. Initially used in regenerative medicine for sports injuries and wound healing, it has more recently been introduced in reproductive medicine for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
DOR means that the number and quality of available eggs are reduced, contributing to IVF failure. Although small studies have explored PRP as a way to stimulate ovarian activity, its precise mechanism remains unclear.
Study design: examining cumulus cells to identify PRP pathways
The study enrolled women aged 18–37 with clinically diagnosed poor ovarian response (POR), dividing them into a PRP-treatment group and a conventional IVF control group. Researchers focused on gene-expression patterns in cumulus cells, which surround the egg and provide energy and signaling support. Their condition is closely associated with egg health.
RNA sequencing showed significantly higher gene expression in pathways involving metabolic activity, cell survival, and signaling in the PRP group. PRP particularly affected carbohydrate metabolism in cumulus cells, a process that directly supplies energy to the egg and is important for embryo development.
PRP also regulated signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and programmed cell death, or apoptosis, suggesting a possible role in egg maturation and survival.
First author Dr. Leah M. Roberts and corresponding author Professor Emre Seli said: “Our study found that PRP can regulate certain signaling pathways and may thereby promote follicle activation and egg maturation.”
Clinical significance: toward more precise fertility treatment
Some clinical studies suggest that PRP may improve markers of ovarian reserve, but its direct effect on pregnancy rates remains disputed. This study provides molecular evidence supporting its potential biological effects.
“Understanding how PRP regulates genes in ovarian cells will help optimize treatment and identify which patients are most likely to benefit,” the team said. Future clinical trials are planned to establish optimal timing and dosage and advance individualized fertility treatment.
Expert note:
PRP remains experimental, but it may be an option for further study in some women with infertility who have not responded to standard treatment. Any decision should be based on the individual condition, specialist evaluation, and medical guidance.
News | A new approach to ovarian rejuvenation: PRP may improve egg quality and IVF outcomes
News | A new approach to ovarian rejuvenation: PRP may improve egg quality and IVF outcomes
For women undergoing IVF who have a poor ovarian response, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a technique widely used in regenerative medicine, may offer a new possibility.
A study by IVIRMA New Jersey, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, and Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University in Türkiye was recently published in Aging-US. Titled “Transcriptomic landscape of cumulus cells from patients <38 years old with a history of poor ovarian response (POR) treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP),” it used RNA sequencing to investigate at the molecular level how PRP might improve ovarian function and egg quality.
PRP: from wound repair to ovarian rejuvenation?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated mixture of growth factors derived from a patient’s own blood. Initially used in regenerative medicine for sports injuries and wound healing, it has more recently been introduced in reproductive medicine for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
DOR means that the number and quality of available eggs are reduced, contributing to IVF failure. Although small studies have explored PRP as a way to stimulate ovarian activity, its precise mechanism remains unclear.
Study design: examining cumulus cells to identify PRP pathways
The study enrolled women aged 18–37 with clinically diagnosed poor ovarian response (POR), dividing them into a PRP-treatment group and a conventional IVF control group. Researchers focused on gene-expression patterns in cumulus cells, which surround the egg and provide energy and signaling support. Their condition is closely associated with egg health.
RNA sequencing showed significantly higher gene expression in pathways involving metabolic activity, cell survival, and signaling in the PRP group. PRP particularly affected carbohydrate metabolism in cumulus cells, a process that directly supplies energy to the egg and is important for embryo development.
PRP also regulated signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and programmed cell death, or apoptosis, suggesting a possible role in egg maturation and survival.
First author Dr. Leah M. Roberts and corresponding author Professor Emre Seli said: “Our study found that PRP can regulate certain signaling pathways and may thereby promote follicle activation and egg maturation.”
Clinical significance: toward more precise fertility treatment
Some clinical studies suggest that PRP may improve markers of ovarian reserve, but its direct effect on pregnancy rates remains disputed. This study provides molecular evidence supporting its potential biological effects.
“Understanding how PRP regulates genes in ovarian cells will help optimize treatment and identify which patients are most likely to benefit,” the team said. Future clinical trials are planned to establish optimal timing and dosage and advance individualized fertility treatment.
Expert note:
PRP remains experimental, but it may be an option for further study in some women with infertility who have not responded to standard treatment. Any decision should be based on the individual condition, specialist evaluation, and medical guidance.
Source:
Collected online