Research on the mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles in the treatment of common reproductive diseases

• hUC-MSCs and their EVs show therapeutic potential for reproductive disorders by reducing oxidative stress, autophagy, and ferroptosis while promoting anti-inflammatory factors and vascular remodeling. • EVs offer advantages over hUC-MSCs, including lower tumorigenicity and higher infusion efficiency, making them a promising alternative for cell-free therapy. • The review highlights the mechanisms of hUC-MSC/EV action in treating female and male infertility, emphasizing their role in endometrial repair and fertility restoration. • Future research should focus on optimizing EV production and standardization to translate these findings into clinical applications for reproductive medicine.