Mesenchymal-like cells isolated from menstrual blood. Comparing sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups for accessible donation

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Manley, H. ORCID: 0000-0003-3021-220X, Hunt, J.A. ORCID: 0000-0002-5168-4778, Santos, L. ORCID: 0000-0002-1915-6780 and Breedon, P. ORCID: 0000-0002-1006-0942, 2023. Mesenchymal-like cells isolated from menstrual blood. Comparing sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups for accessible donation. In: European Chapter of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society 2023, Manchester, UK, 28-31 March 2023.

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Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual blood (MB) contains mesenchymal-like cells (MenSC) which are highly proliferative, capable of multilineage differentiation, with strong migratory capacity and immunomodulatory abilities. The cyclicity and non-invasive nature of MB donation makes MenSC a promising candidate for regenerative medicine. A common donation method is via a menstrual cup (MC). However, only 4% of the UK currently use one, with most preferring tampons and sanitary pads (SP). Therefore, this study aimed to identify MenSC isolation methods from SP and tampons to extend the accessibility of MenSC research and future clinical applications.

Methods: In this ongoing study, healthy women aged between 21-41 (n = 19) donated MB samples (n = 31) on their heaviest flow day, using a SP (n = 14), tampon (n = 10), or MC (n = 7). Isolation success rate and metabolic activity is assessed via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, an indicator of cell metabolism and therefore viability. Stemness is confirmed using antibodies and their detection by flow cytometry; trilineage differentiation potential is confirmed using fat, bone and cartilage differentiation. Cell viability, immediate versus delayed (48 h) processing, and direct versus fractionating prior to culture is evaluated using MTT.

Results: MenSC were isolated and cultured from all three products; SP, tampon, and MC for the first time, including immediate and delayed processing. Tampons and MC had a greater MenSC isolation success rate (immediate processing: SP = 38%, tampon = 83%, MC = 35% success rate; delayed processing: SP = 33%, tampon = 75%, MC = 75% success rate), but SP are the most popular MB donation method (S P= 75%, tampon = 60%, and MC = 35% willingness rate). MenSC displayed high proliferative capacity, a doubling time between 21-89 h. Confirmation of stemness and trilineage potential are currently ongoing. Participants described the donation as easy and empowering.

Discussion and conclusions: This research is the first comparison of MB donation techniques, comparing SP, tampons, and MC. Although tampons and MC had a greater MenSC isolation success rate, SP are the more popular method among participants and the population, therefore there is value in using all three methods. The ability to temporarily store MB samples at 4°C makes MB donation practical. MenSC offer unique advantages including non-invasive, cyclical collection, and are a promising source of cells for regenerative therapies in the future. The ability to donate MB with SP and tampons in addition to MC makes this approach to cell donation even more accessible.

Item Type:

Conference contribution

Creators:

Manley, H., Hunt, J.A., Santos, L. and Breedon, P.

Date:

28 March 2023

Identifiers: