A recent study published in Aging (Aging-US) on February 18, 2025, has provided new insights into how platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment might aid women with poor ovarian response (POR), a condition that can complicate fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). The research suggests that PRP could potentially rejuvenate ovarian function and enhance egg quality, which may improve the chances of pregnancy for women undergoing IVF.
PRP, a concentration of growth factors derived from a patient’s own blood, has shown promise in various medical applications, including wound healing and tissue repair. In the context of fertility, PRP has been explored as a potential solution for ovarian rejuvenation, especially in women with diminished ovarian reserve—a common challenge in IVF. Women with a low ovarian reserve often produce fewer eggs, leading to lower success rates in IVF.
In this study, a team of researchers from IVIRMA New Jersey, Yale School of Medicine, and Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University sought to understand how PRP influences ovarian function at the molecular level. Led by first author Leah M. Roberts and corresponding author Emre Seli, the team analyzed cumulus cells—specialized cells surrounding the egg—using RNA sequencing technology. They compared samples from women aged 18 to 37 with a history of poor ovarian response, who either received PRP therapy or standard IVF treatment.
The results revealed significant differences in gene expression between the two groups. PRP-treated women showed increased activity in genes involved in metabolism, cell survival, and cell communication, all of which play key roles in egg development and fertility. Notably, PRP treatment appeared to enhance carbohydrate metabolism in cumulus cells, which is crucial for supplying energy to the developing egg. This aligns with previous research linking metabolic health to better embryo quality.
Additionally, PRP treatment seemed to influence cellular processes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), suggesting that PRP could support egg survival and maturation. As Dr. Seli and Roberts noted, “Our findings indicate that PRP treatment regulates specific pathways that may contribute to follicular activation and oocyte maturation, key factors for successful fertility outcomes.”
Although PRP has been used in other medical fields for tissue repair, its role in fertility treatments remains under investigation. Some clinical trials have reported improvements in ovarian reserve markers following PRP therapy, while others have shown mixed results regarding its direct impact on pregnancy rates. This study, however, provides valuable molecular insights into how PRP affects ovarian cells, which could help refine its use in fertility treatments.
The researchers hope that further studies will refine PRP protocols, identify the most suitable candidates for treatment, and determine the best strategies for integrating PRP into fertility regimens. By understanding the molecular effects of PRP on ovarian cells, scientists aim to develop more targeted therapies that could support women struggling with infertility due to diminished ovarian reserve.
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