# Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in bovine reproduction: Mechanistic insights, clinical applications, and translational challenges

## TL;DR

Mesenchymal stem cells may improve cattle fertility by repairing reproductive tissues and reducing inflammation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional treatments.

## Contribution

This review provides mechanistic and clinical insights into using mesenchymal stem cells for bovine reproductive therapy and highlights translational challenges.

## Key findings

- MSC therapy improves pregnancy rates in cattle with endometritis and restores ovarian activity in animals with cystic ovaries.
- MSC-derived secretomes and exosomes show regenerative potential as cell-free therapies with reduced risks.
- Variability in outcomes and regulatory hurdles remain barriers to clinical translation of MSC therapy in cattle.

## Abstract

Reproductive problems such as infertility, endometritis, and ovarian cysts are major causes of economic loss in cattle. Traditional treatments, including antibiotics and hormonal therapies, often show limited effectiveness and raise concerns about resistance and animal health. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising alternative because of their ability to regenerate tissues, modulate immune responses, and improve reproductive function. This review summarizes recent studies and consolidates emerging preclinical and clinical insights into MSC-based reproductive therapy in cattle. MSCs help repair ovarian and uterine tissues by migrating to damaged areas, reducing inflammation, releasing growth factors, and protecting against oxidative stress. Different methods of therapy, such as intrauterine infusion, intravenous delivery, and intraovarian injection, have been tested with encouraging results. For example, MSC therapy has improved pregnancy rates in cattle with endometritis and restored ovarian activity in animals with cystic ovaries. In addition to cell-based therapies, MSC-derived secretomes and exosomes demonstrate strong potential as cell-free approaches, offering regenerative effects with reduced risks. Despite these advances, challenges remain in translating MSC therapy to clinical practice. Variability in outcomes, technical expertise required for administration, and regulatory approval are major barriers. More studies are needed to standardize treatment protocols, evaluate long-term safety, and develop cost-effective strategies. Overall, MSC therapy represents a novel and sustainable approach for improving cattle fertility and herd productivity, offering an important step forward in veterinary reproductive biotechnology.