A groundbreaking study published in the journal Aging (Aging-US) on February 18, 2025, explores the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in improving ovarian function and enhancing egg quality in women with diminished ovarian reserve. The study, conducted by researchers from IVIRMA New Jersey, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, and Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, offers hope to women struggling with infertility and poor ovarian response (POR) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Understanding Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition where a woman’s ovaries produce fewer eggs, often leading to lower success rates in assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. It is a major challenge for women undergoing fertility treatments, especially those under the age of 38. Women with DOR typically have a reduced number of antral follicles, lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and decreased responsiveness to ovarian stimulation.
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For years, fertility specialists have sought innovative treatments to enhance ovarian function, improve egg quality, and increase pregnancy rates in women with DOR. While hormone therapies and ovarian stimulation protocols have been used with varying degrees of success, the search for a more effective solution continues. The new research on PRP therapy suggests that regenerative medicine could be a promising approach to ovarian rejuvenation.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from a patient’s own blood. It has been widely used in regenerative medicine to promote tissue healing, stimulate cell growth, and improve overall function in various medical fields, including orthopedics, dermatology, and dentistry. Recently, PRP has gained attention in reproductive medicine for its potential to enhance ovarian function and improve fertility outcomes.
The idea behind PRP therapy is that the growth factors and bioactive molecules present in PRP may help rejuvenate ovarian tissue, promote follicular activation, and enhance egg quality. However, the biological mechanisms through which PRP affects ovarian function have remained largely unclear—until now.
The Study: Investigating PRP’s Impact on Ovarian Cells
The research team, led by first author Leah M. Roberts and corresponding author Emre Seli, conducted an in-depth analysis of cumulus cells—specialized cells that surround and support the egg during its development. The study focused on women aged 18 to 37 with a history of poor ovarian response who either received PRP therapy or standard fertility treatment before undergoing IVF.
To understand the molecular effects of PRP treatment, the researchers utilized RNA sequencing technology to analyze gene expression patterns in cumulus cells. This advanced technique allowed them to identify significant differences in cellular activity between the PRP-treated group and the control group.
Key Findings: PRP’s Influence on Ovarian Function
The results of the study revealed that PRP-treated cumulus cells exhibited increased activity in genes related to metabolism, cell survival, and communication between cells—all essential factors for healthy egg development and fertility. Several key findings emerged:
- Enhanced Carbohydrate Metabolism: PRP appeared to influence metabolic pathways in cumulus cells, particularly those involved in carbohydrate metabolism. This is crucial because cumulus cells provide energy to the developing egg, and improved metabolic function is linked to better embryo quality and higher pregnancy success rates.
- Improved Cell Survival and Proliferation: The study found that PRP regulated genes associated with cell survival and proliferation, suggesting that the treatment may support follicular activation and oocyte maturation.
- Regulation of Programmed Cell Death (Apoptosis): One of the major barriers to successful fertility treatments is the premature death of ovarian cells. PRP treatment appeared to modulate pathways related to apoptosis, potentially helping to preserve egg viability and increase the chances of successful fertilization.
Potential Implications for Fertility Treatments
These findings suggest that PRP could be a game-changing therapy for women with poor ovarian response, offering a regenerative approach to improving egg quality and ovarian function. If further studies confirm the effectiveness of PRP, it could be integrated into standard fertility treatments, providing a valuable option for patients who have not responded well to traditional ovarian stimulation protocols.
Some fertility clinics have already started offering PRP therapy as an experimental treatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve, but its use remains controversial due to the limited clinical data available. While some studies have reported improvements in ovarian reserve markers such as AMH and antral follicle count, others have found no significant impact on pregnancy rates. The current study provides valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms of PRP therapy, paving the way for more targeted and effective fertility treatments.
The Road Ahead: Future Research and Clinical Trials
Despite the promising results, PRP therapy for ovarian rejuvenation is still in its early stages of research. More extensive clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal protocols for PRP treatment, including the best method of administration, the ideal concentration of growth factors, and the specific patient population that would benefit most.
Future studies should also investigate the long-term effects of PRP on ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, researchers are exploring the possibility of combining PRP with other regenerative therapies, such as stem cell treatments, to enhance its efficacy.
Expert Opinions and Cautionary Notes
While PRP therapy holds great potential, reproductive endocrinologists caution that it should not be viewed as a guaranteed solution for all women with diminished ovarian reserve. Dr. Emre Seli, one of the corresponding authors of the study, emphasized the need for further research, stating, “Our findings indicate that PRP treatment regulates certain pathways that could contribute to follicular activation and oocyte maturation. However, more studies are needed to determine its full clinical impact.”
Other fertility specialists echo this sentiment, advising patients to approach PRP treatment with cautious optimism. Dr. Leah M. Roberts, the study’s first author, noted that while PRP may improve certain ovarian functions at the molecular level, its direct impact on pregnancy rates is still uncertain.
Patient Perspectives and Hope for the Future
For many women facing infertility due to diminished ovarian reserve, PRP therapy represents a beacon of hope. Patients who have undergone PRP treatment report mixed results—some have experienced improved ovarian function and successful pregnancies, while others have not seen significant benefits. The variability in outcomes underscores the importance of personalized treatment approaches and further research.
As fertility specialists continue to explore innovative solutions, the growing body of evidence on PRP therapy may lead to more effective and accessible fertility treatments. By understanding the molecular effects of PRP on ovarian cells, scientists may develop targeted therapies to help women overcome infertility and achieve their dream of parenthood.
Conclusion
The recent study published in Aging (Aging-US) provides compelling evidence that platelet-rich plasma may enhance ovarian rejuvenation and improve egg quality in women with poor ovarian response. By influencing key cellular pathways related to metabolism, survival, and follicular activation, PRP therapy shows great promise as a regenerative approach to fertility treatment.
While PRP is not yet a standard treatment in reproductive medicine, ongoing research and clinical trials will determine its place in the future of fertility care. For now, PRP offers a potential new avenue for women seeking solutions to overcome diminished ovarian reserve and improve their chances of conception. As science advances, the hope for improved fertility treatments continues to grow, bringing new possibilities to those on their journey to parenthood.
