Shape-memory scaffold targets inflammation and fibrosis to restore endometrium and fertility in intrauterine adhesions

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a major cause of infertility, yet current treatments remain limited in preventing fibrosis and restoring functional endometrium. We report a bi-drug, bifunctional, biodegradable shape-memory regenerative (BiSMR) scaffold enabling minimally invasive implantation, sequential drug release, and barrier protection. Proteomic profiling of chemical, mechanical, and combined injury models revealed inflammatory activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and impaired regenerative programs, providing a molecular rationale for combining epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with 17β-estradiol (E 2 ). BiSMR couples an E 2 -loaded PLTG [poly( l -lactide)- co -trimethylene carbonate- co -glycolic acid] backbone with a PDA-EGCG@HAMA coating, enabling rapid EGCG release followed by sustained E 2 delivery. In vitro, BiSMR promoted cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and M2 polarization while suppressing myofibroblast transition. In rat IUA models, BiSMR restored endometrial structure and vascularization, reduced fibrosis, and improved implantation and live birth rates. Proteomics revealed down-regulation of fibrosis- and inflammation-related effectors and restoration of protein biosynthesis and regenerative pathways. BiSMR offers a promising strategy for IUA therapy and fertility restoration.

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Publication Details

Journal
Science Advances
Published
2026-11-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aee4682
Primary Topic
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Shape-memory scaffold targets inflammation and fibrosis to restore endometrium and fertility in intrauterine adhesions

Shuhao Yang, Xulin Hu, 刘美, Yao Zhang et al.
1 links
Science Advances
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
article

Shape-memory scaffold targets inflammation and fibrosis to restore endometrium and fertility in intrauterine adhesions

Shuhao Yang, Xulin Hu, 刘美, Yao Zhang, Huili Zhu, Wanyue Feng, Teng Ma, Jiayu Liu, Yingying Chen, Xin Yong, Huili Zhu, Yao Wang, Qiong Wu, Haoming Wu
article en

Abstract

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a major cause of infertility, yet current treatments remain limited in preventing fibrosis and restoring functional endometrium. We report a bi-drug, bifunctional, biodegradable shape-memory regenerative (BiSMR) scaffold enabling minimally invasive implantation, sequential drug release, and barrier protection. Proteomic profiling of chemical, mechanical, and combined injury models revealed inflammatory activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and impaired regenerative programs, providing a molecular rationale for combining epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with 17β-estradiol (E 2 ). BiSMR couples an E 2 -loaded PLTG [poly( l -lactide)- co -trimethylene carbonate- co -glycolic acid] backbone with a PDA-EGCG@HAMA coating, enabling rapid EGCG release followed by sustained E 2 delivery. In vitro, BiSMR promoted cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and M2 polarization while suppressing myofibroblast transition. In rat IUA models, BiSMR restored endometrial structure and vascularization, reduced fibrosis, and improved implantation and live birth rates. Proteomics revealed down-regulation of fibrosis- and inflammation-related effectors and restoration of protein biosynthesis and regenerative pathways. BiSMR offers a promising strategy for IUA therapy and fertility restoration.

Science AdvancesVol. 12(45)
Sichuan University (CN), Southwest Medical University (CN), China International Science and Technology Cooperation (CN), West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (CN), West China Hospital of Sichuan University (CN), Chengdu University (CN), The Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CN), Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CN), State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy (CN), Chongqing Medical University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
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