Stem cells are a type of cells that develop in to different cells, and subsequently tissues and organs in the body. Mainly, two types of stem cells are present: embryonic and adult stem cells. Adult stem cells can be found in the bone marrow, adipose tissues, skin, peripheral blood and umblical cord, even in the uterus and ovaries. They have a potential of becoming different cells.
The idea of using stem cells in the regeneration of the tissues and creating organs has been of great interest in the recent years. Also, some studies demonstrated the differentiation of stem cells to spermatozoa and oocytes. These findings led scientists to obtain stem cells and inject them into the ovaries in hope of improving ovarian reserve. Injected stem cells are supposed to become follicles containing oocytes. Stem cells are easily obtained in the adipose tissue located in the belly.
Although further studies are needed to widespread use of this method, if established, it would be a novel approach to treat women with severely diminshed ovarian reserve.
