E2-Loaded Microcapsules and Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Injectable Scaffolds for Endometrial Regeneration Application

Abstract

Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been recognized as new candidates for the treatment of serious endometrial injuries. However, owing to the local microenvironment of damaged endometrium, transplantation of BMSCs yielded disappointing results. In this study, Pectin-Pluronic^® F-127 hydrogel as scaffolds were fabricated to provide three-dimensional architecture for the attachment, growth, and migration of BMSCs. E2 was encapsulated into the W/O/W microspheres to construct pectin-based E2-loaded microcapsules (E2 MPs), which has the potential to serve as a long-term reliable source of E2 for endometrial regeneration. Then, the BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds system was injected into the uterine cavity of mouse endometrial injury model for treatment. At 4 weeks after transplantation, the system increased proliferative abilities of uterine endometrial cells, facilitated microvasculature regeneration, and restored the ability of endometrium to receive an embryo, suggesting that the BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds system is a promising treatment option for endometrial regeneration. Furthermore, the mechanism of E2 in promoting the repair of endometrial injury was also investigated. Exosomes are critical paracrine mediators that act as biochemical cues to direct stem cell differentiation. In this study, it was found that the expression of endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) markers was upregulated in BMSCs treated by exosomes secreted from endometrial stromal cells (ESCs-Exos). Exosomes derived from E2-stimulated ESCs further promoted the expression level of EECs markers in BMSCs, suggesting exosomes released from ESCs by E2 stimulation could enhance the differentiation efficiency of BMSCs. Therefore, exosomes derived from ESCs play paracrine roles in endometrial regeneration stimulated by E2 and provide optimal estrogenic response.

Impact statement

Endometrial injuries lead to infertility. Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been recognized as candidates for treatment. However, BMSC transplantation alone always yielded disappointing results. In this study, Pectin-Pluronic^® F-127 scaffolds were fabricated to provide three-dimensional architecture for BMSCs. E2 was encapsulated into the W/O/W microspheres (E2 MPs), as a long-term source of E2 for endometrial regeneration. The BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds was proved as a promising therapy for endometrial regeneration. Moreover, it was found that exosomes secreted from endometrial stromal cells play paracrine roles in endometrial regeneration stimulated by E2, which induces BMSCs differentiation into endometrial epithelial cells.