Menstrual blood derived stem cells: elements to consider in a project to take advantage of their biological properties and therapeutic potential
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Abstract
The menstrual blood derived stem cells have demonstrated a high capacity for self-renewal, a high proliferation rate, and versatility to differentiate into multiple cell lineages, including osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, neurons, and cardiac cells. These cells share many markers with classical mesenchymal stem cells but exhibit greater proliferative capacity and a more pronounced immunomodulatory profile, positioning them as optimal candidates for advanced cell therapies. The aim of this research is to analyze the morphological and therapeutic properties of menstrual blood derived stem cells to facilitate the management of projects that leverage these characteristics. A qualitative retrospective study was conducted, based on a systematic review of the scientific literature published on menstrual blood-derived stem cells, with no language restriction. A total of 35 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were compiled, showing an increase in research on menstrual blood derived stem cells starting from 2021. As a result, therapeutic applications of menstrual blood derived stem cells at the laboratory level were verified in multiple pathologies, including uterine diseases, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, ischemic heart disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, chronic wounds, and burns. In these cases, a combination of beneficial mechanisms was observed, including the secretion of trophic factors and exosomes, immune modulation, and stimulation of tissue regeneration.
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