Ovarian tissue transplantation ameliorates osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia in ovariectomised mice

Abstract

Abstract Background Ovarian insufficiency frequently renders postmenopausal women susceptible to osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia. Postmenopausal transplant women are at a higher risk developing osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia due to the concomitant application of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants after solid organ transplantation. Thus, this study aimed to explore the feasibility of ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) as an alternative to Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women with solid organ transplant needs. Results Sixty mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation, ovariectomised (OVX group), ovariectomy plus oestrogen (E2 group), and ovariectomy plus OTT (OTT group). The inhibin levels in the OTT group were increased and the follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were suppressed to normal levels, which could not be achieved in the E2 group. The femoral bone mineral density in the OTT group was significantly increased than the E2 group (P < 0.05), and the probability of fracture was reduced by 1.4–2.6 times. Additionally, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher in the OTT group than in the E2 group and the triglyceride levels were lower in the OTT group than in the E2 group (P < 0.05). Conclusion OTT not only achieves certain endocrine effects by participating in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian feedback control loop, but also ameliorates osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia, which may be an alternative to traditional HRT for postmenopausal women with solid organ transplant needs.

Keywords

• Ovarian tissue transplantation
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Osteoporosis
• Dyslipidaemia
• Endocrine function