What can we do with MenSCs?

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In the first article of this series, we introduced menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs), outlining their characteristics and potential advantages. In this second part, we focus on an important question: can MenSCs be used in clinical applications?

To date, MenSCs have been studied across various therapeutic areas, including diabetes, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Asherman’s syndrome, and COVID-19. While the number of clinical trials involving MenSCs remains limited compared to those utilizing bone marrow-derived MSCs (bMSCs) or adipose-derived MSCs (adMSCs), published results to date highlight encouraging safety profiles and potential regenerative effects. Most studies remain early-phase and are limited in size and duration. Nevertheless, several have provided foundational insights into MenSCs’ clinical potential:

🔬 Multiple Sclerosis (Clinical; 2009)

Zhong et al. conducted one of the earliest clinical investigations of allogeneic MenSCs for multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. The clinical study found no adverse immunological responses or ectopic tissue formation in the follow-up period (2–12 months). While sample size and outcome tracking were limited, this study demonstrated initial safety of MenSC use in a clinical context. (Zhong et al., 2009)

🩺 Intrauterine Adhesions / Asherman’s Syndrome (Pre-Clinical; 2018)

Zheng et al. evaluated the feasibility of using MenSCs to treat severe intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). IUAs are associated with stem cell depletion in the endometrium and may lead to menstrual irregularities. This study supports the theoretical basis for MenSC-based treatment of IUAs, though further clinical validation is needed. (Zheng et al., 2018)

🦠 COVID-19 (Clinical; 2022)

In a Phase I/II trial, Mina et al. explored the use of MenSC-derived secretomes in patients with severe COVID-19. Patients treated with the secretome showed improved oxygenation and a higher survival rate compared to controls. No treatment-attributable adverse effects were reported. However, the trial had a limited sample size and the findings require replication. (Mina et al., 2022)

🧬Menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cell, a unique and promising alternative in the stem cell-based therapy for chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (Pre-Clinical; 2023)

This paper summarizes the efficacy of MenSC transplantation in improving chemotherapy-induced POI, analyzes the underlying mechanisms, and discusses the benefits and current challenges in advancing MenSCs toward clinical application.(Badrul et al., 2023) 

In 2025, the same team of researchers also wrote a follow up paper on the use of MSC-EV-transmitted HSPA8 to alleviate cisplatin-induced ovotoxicity. (Badrul et al., 2025)

🫁 Acute Lung Injury (ALI) & Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (Pre-Clinical; 2025)

Tao et al. demonstrated that MenSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) improved alveolar integrity and mitigated lung injury in animal models by inhibiting MAPK-mediated necroptosis. This study suggests a potential role for MenSCs or their derivatives in managing ALI and ARDS, although clinical trials are still needed. (Tao et al., 2025)

While MenSC research remains at an early stage, the cumulative literature supports their safety and functional versatility in regenerative medicine. However, significant work is required to establish long-term efficacy, standardized protocols, and scalable production systems for clinical use.

In the next article, we will explore the key bottlenecks to clinical translation—including donor variability, biomanufacturing challenges, and ethical sourcing—and offer a perspective on what is needed to bring MenSC-based therapies closer to the clinic.

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This article was reviewed by Dr Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Professor at the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Deputy Director (Research and Networks) at the Advanced Medical & Dental Institute and Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (JBCS).

Access his biography here: https://www.amdi.usm.my/badrulyahayagroup.