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 Ovaries grown on 3-D printed structures were successfully implanted
into sterilized mice that were then able to go on and have pups,
researchers report.
"We’re learning more about the fundamental biology of the ovary
through these 3-D printed structures and this new knowledge is
aiding in the next generation of options that we’re working toward
for young cancer patients," said co-senior author Teresa Woodruff,
of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in
Chicago.
Properly functioning ovaries produce eggs as well as hormones like
estrogen. Certain therapies, like those that kill cancer cells, can
harm the ovaries, leading to problems with puberty, reproduction and
menopause.
Existing treatments for ovarian dysfunction, like in vitro
fertilization and ovarian transplants, don't provide patients with
long-term solutions, Woodruff and colleagues write in Nature
Communications.
To restore ovarian function in sterilized female mice, the
researchers printed a 3-D structure out of biologic inks to support
ovarian follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs that contain immature
eggs. Woodruff describes the follicles as fundamental elements of
the ovary.
"From that we were able to put in place the ovarian follicles and
the follicles then function," she told Reuters Health.
The lab-grown ovaries were implanted in mice that mated. The mice
gave birth naturally and were able to feed their pups by producing
milk.
Despite the success with lab-grown ovaries in mice, the possibility
of their use in humans is a long way off.
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"There is obviously a lot of work that’s going to be needed, but
being able to show the function of these 3-D ovaries is a big
breakthrough," said Nina Desai, director of the Cleveland Clinic In
Vitro Fertilization Lab, who was not involved with the new study,
told Reuters Health. "It’s really important to be able to show . . .
that it’s a feasible thing."
Woodruff said researchers still need to figure out how to arrange
for some follicles in the ovary to start maturing while others
remain unchanged.
Ultimately, she said, they hope lab-grown ovaries will benefit
cancer patients of all ages. Younger girls may be able to use the
technology go through normal puberty and be fertile, while older
women may gain the benefits of hormone production that protects
their heart and bones.
"We’re hoping these advances are going to lead to more options for
pediatric and adult cancer patients in the future," she said.
SOURCE: http://go.nature.com/2qSgaS5 Nature Communications, online
May 16, 2017.
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