Meet the biotechnology of the future.
One of the new methods developed to increase success in IVF treatment and to offer hope, especially to challenging patient groups, is... exosomal therapy. Exosomes are natural signaling carriers that enable cells in the body to communicate with each other and manage the healing process. These specialized structures, secreted by cells, transmit healing messages to the tissue in which they are located thanks to the proteins, hormones, and microRNAs they carry.
What is an exosome?
Exosomes are microscopic vesicles naturally secreted by cells. Thanks to special structures on their surface, they recognize target tissues and act only on those tissues. Through the microRNAs they contain, they promote cell renewal, tissue repair, and suppress inflammation.
However, the exosomes that have a healing effect are only special exosomes obtained from stem cells. These stem cells are:
- Mesenchymal stem cells
- Bone marrow-derived stem cells
- Cord blood and placental stem cells
Ordinary exosomes obtained from sources such as blood or urine do not have a direct therapeutic effect because it is not known which tissue in the body they belong to.
What is the role of the exosome in female fertility?
According to scientific studies, stem cell-derived exosomes have shown many positive effects in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment:
- It supports egg maturation.
- It prolongs the lifespan of the granulosa cells surrounding the egg.
- It increases estrogen production.
- It prevents cell death by reducing free radicals within the ovaries.
- It can initiate the development of eggs that are dormant and invisible to ultrasound.
- It improves egg quality and fertilization potential.
- It facilitates the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
- It supports the regeneration of thin or damaged uterine lining tissue (endometrium).
Exosomal Therapy in Men
Exosomes are also showing promising effects in male reproductive health. They can support vascular health in erectile dysfunction and improve sperm quality by reducing the effects of harmful substances found in the fluid that carries sperm.
Application Method and Process
Exosome infusions are planned on an individual basis and should only be performed by specialist physicians. The exosome infusion methods used in IVF treatment are as follows:
- Intraovarian injection:
In patients with low ovarian reserve and poor egg quality, the procedure is performed under anesthesia with ultrasound guidance, and the egg is injected directly into the ovary. - Injection under the uterine lining (endometrium):
It is preferred in women with uterine damage and poor embryo implantation chances. - Laparoscopic procedure:
In patients with very small ovaries, the procedure can be performed using a minimally invasive surgical technique under direct observation.
In addition, different application methods such as subcutaneous injection, nasal spray, inhalation, and even eye drops may be used in some cases.
Safety of Exosome Therapy
Unlike stem cells, it does not require donor-recipient tissue compatibility. It does not cause allergic reactions, carries no risk of tumors (teratomas), and no known side effects have been reported to date. This new generation treatment, which supports natural healing processes, is a valuable alternative, especially for patients who have not benefited from classical methods.