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Albamonte MI, Vitullo AD. Preservation of fertility in female and male prepubertal patients diagnosed with cancer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2755-2767. [PMID: 37770817 PMCID: PMC10656407 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02945-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the importance of fertility preservation has grown not only in the realm of medical and clinical patient care, but also in the field of basic and applied research in human reproduction. With advancements in cancer treatments resulting in higher rates of patient survival, it is crucial to consider the quality of life post-cure. Therefore, fertility preservation must be taken into account prior to antitumor treatments, as it can significantly impact a patient's future fertility. For postpubertal patients, gamete cryopreservation is the most commonly employed preservation strategy. However, for prepubertal patients, the situation is more intricate. Presently, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the standard practice for prepubertal girls, but further scientific evidence is required in several aspects. Testicular tissue cryopreservation, on the other hand, is still experimental for prepubertal boys. The primary aim of this review is to address the strategies available for possible fertility preservation in prepubertal girls and boys, such as ovarian cryopreservation/transplantation, in vitro follicle culture and meiotic maturation, artificial ovary, transplantation of cryopreserved spermatogonia, and cryopreservation/grafting of immature testicular tissue and testicular organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Itatí Albamonte
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Testicular Tissue Vitrification: a Promising Strategy for Male Fertility Preservation. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1687-1700. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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3
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Huanhuan Hu, Ji G, Shi X, Zhang J, Li M. Current Status of Male Fertility Preservation in Humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Tseng H, Liu YL, Lu BJ, Chen CH. Immature Testicular Tissue Engineered from Weaned Mice to Adults for Prepubertal Fertility Preservation—An In Vivo Translational Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042042. [PMID: 35216156 PMCID: PMC8880126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Male pediatric survivors of cancers and bone marrow transplantation often require adjuvant chemoradiation therapy that may be gonadotoxic. The optimal methods to preserve fertility in these prepubertal males are still under investigation. This manuscript presents an in vivo experiment which involved transplantation of immature testicular tissues (ITT) from transgenic donor, to wild-type recipient mice. Donors and recipients were age-mismatched (from 20-week-old donors to 3-week-old recipients, and vice versa) and the transplantation sites involved the abdomen, skin of the head, back muscle, and scrotum. The application of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold was also evaluated in age-matched donors and recipients (both 3-weeks-old). To quantitively evaluate the process of spermatogenesis after ITT transplantation and scaffold application, bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was employed. Our result showed that ITT from 3-week-old mice had the best potential for spermatogenesis, and the optimal transplantation site was in the scrotum. Spermatogenesis was observed in recipient mice up to 51 days after transplantation, and up to the 85th day if scaffold was used. The peak of spermatogenesis occurred between the 42nd and 55th days in the scaffold group. This animal model may serve as a framework for further studies in prepubertal male fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- How Tseng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Liang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40203, Taiwan;
| | - Buo-Jia Lu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Huang Chen
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Eugeni E, Arato I, Del Sordo R, Sidoni A, Garolla A, Ferlin A, Calafiore R, Brancorsini S, Mancuso F, Luca G. Fertility Preservation and Restoration Options for Pre-Pubertal Male Cancer Patients: Current Approaches. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:877537. [PMID: 35784573 PMCID: PMC9244702 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.877537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation for prepubertal male patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies, potentially depleting spermatogonial cells, is an expanding necessity, yet most of the feasible options are still in the experimental phase. We present our experience and a summary of current and novel possibilities regarding the different strategies to protect or restore fertility in young male patients, before proceeding with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for malignances or other diseases. Adult oncological patients should always be counselled to cryopreserve the semen before starting treatment, however this approach is not suitable for prepubertal boys, who aren't capable to produce sperm yet. Fortunately, since the survival rate of pediatric cancer patients has skyrocketed in the last decade and it's over 84%, safeguarding their future fertility is becoming a major concern for reproductive medicine. Surgical and medical approaches to personalize treatment or protect the gonads could be a valid first step to take. Testicular tissue autologous grafting or xenografting, and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation, are the main experimental options available, but spermatogenesis in vitro is becoming an intriguing alternative. All of these methods feature both strong and weak prospects. There is also relevant controversy regarding the type of testicular material to preserve and the cryopreservation methods. Since transplanted cells are bound to survive based on SSCs number, many ways to enrich their population in cultures have been proposed, as well as different sites of injection inside the testis. Testicular tissue graft has been experimented on mice, rabbits, rhesus macaques and porcine, allowing the birth of live offspring after performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), however it has never been performed on human males yet. In vitro spermatogenesis remains a mirage, although many steps in the right direction have been performed. The manufacturing of 3D scaffolds and artificial spermatogenetic niche, providing support to stem cells in cultures, seems like the best way to further advance in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Eugeni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Terni, Terni, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Eugeni,
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rachele Del Sordo
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Sidoni
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Section of Pathology (Terni), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Terni, Terni, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Abstract
Male infertility is responsible for 50% of men's health problems and has always been a concern for personal and social issues. A survey of global statistics suggests an increase in infertility rate as one of the critical issues documented in studies. There are different ways of maintaining fertility in men, depending on their age. In this paper, we review the preservation methods used for fertility treatment in Iran and other countries. Available data were reviewed from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IranMedex, MEDLIB, IranDoc and Scientific Information Database and searched for articles published up to 2018, using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for cryopreservation, sperm, testicular, spermatogonia stem cell, male infertility and/or Iranian and in the world, to provide evidence from evaluation of fertility preservation the methods. Based the search strategy, 274 manuscripts were found. After reviewing the titles, abstracts and manuscripts in their entirety, 119 articles were obtained and selected according to the eligibility criteria. The 85 studies mentioned above were divided into three categories (sperm, testis, and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs)), and methods of fertility preservation were investigated. Ways to maintain male fertility were different depending on age, and included sperm, testicular, and SSC freezing. The number of studies on testicular tissue and SSCs was low for human samples, and more studies are still needed. Sperm freezing at infertility centres is the top for male fertility preservation.
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Strategies for cryopreservation of testicular cells and tissues in cancer and genetic diseases. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:1-19. [PMID: 33791878 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of testicular cells and tissues is useful for the preservation and restoration of fertility in pre-pubertal males expecting gonadotoxic treatment for cancer and genetic diseases causing impaired spermatogenesis. A number of freezing and vitrification protocols have thus been tried and variable results have been reported in terms of cell viability spermatogenesis progression and the production of fertile spermatozoa. A few studies have also reported the production of live offspring from cryopreserved testicular stem cells and tissues in rodents but their replication in large animals and human have been lacking. Advancement in in vitro spermatogenesis system has improved the possibility of producing fertile spermatozoa from the cryopreserved testis and has reduced the dependency on transplantation. This review provides an update on various cryopreservation strategies for fertility preservation in males expecting gonadotoxic treatment. It also discusses various methods of assessing and ameliorating cryoinjuries. Newer developments on in vitro spermatogenesis and testicular tissue engineering for in vitro sperm production from cryopreserved SSCs and testicular tissue are also discussed.
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Valdivia M, Bravo Z, Reyes J, Gonzales GF. Rescue and Conservation of Male Adult Alpacas ( Vicugna pacos) Based on Spermatogonial Stem Cell Biotechnology Using Atomized Black Maca as a Supplement of Cryopreservation Medium. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:597964. [PMID: 33816583 PMCID: PMC8010694 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.597964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first time that testicular tissue (n = 44) and isolated testicular cells (n = 51) were cryopreserved from alpaca testes 24 h postmortem. For this purpose, internally designed freezing media and cryopreservation protocols were used. Testicular tissue fragments (25 mg) and isolated testicular cells were frozen in MTDB (trehalose and black maca), MTD (trehalose), MSDB (sucrose and black maca), and MSD (sucrose) media. Isolated spermatogonial cells were cryopreserved in two ways, before and after proliferation in vitro. After cryopreservation, the percentage of cell viability in Group 1 (>50% of cell viability) by trypan blue did not show differences within each group (p > 0.05) but showed significant differences when comparing fragments with isolated cells (p < 0.05). Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) were identified by flow cytometry as strong Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (sDBA) and mitochondrial activity of SSC as strongly positive for MitoSense (sMitoSense+) in intact mitochondria cells, weakly positive for MitoSense (wMitoSense+) in early apoptosis, and necrosis with 7-Aminoactinomycin-D positive (7-AAD). After freezing, in Group 1M (≥30% sMitoSense+), the fragments did not show differences between the media (p > 0.05), but in the isolated cells frozen in MSDB medium, 63.68 ± 8.90% (p < 0.05). In Group 2M (<30% sMitoSense+), necrosis (7AAD+) in MSDB medium was 27.03 ± 5.80%, and necrosis in isolated cells was 14.05 ± 9.3% with significant differences between these groups (p < 0.05); in sMitoSense+, the isolated cells (34.40 ± 23%) had a higher percentage than the fragments (12.4 ± 5.2) (p < 0.05). On the other hand, MSDB and MSD media were significantly higher for isolated cells than for fragments in sDBA+ (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the SSC (sDBA+) had significant differences (p < 0.05) between fresh cells 7.43 ± 1.3% (sDBA+) compared with those cryopreserved in MSDB medium 1.46 ± 0.34% (sDBA+). Additionally, the proliferated and cryopreserved SSC 6.29 ± 1.17% (sDBA+) did not show significant differences concerning the fresh cells (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the black maca showed antioxidant properties when it was included in the freezing medium and, therefore, improved the SSC's conservation of the alpaca. Furthermore, the proliferation of isolated cells in vitro produces a higher amount of SSC after thawing them for further preclinical or clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Valdivia
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Research Institute "Antonio Raimondi," Zoology Department, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Zezé Bravo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Research Institute "Antonio Raimondi," Zoology Department, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Jhakelin Reyes
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Research Institute "Antonio Raimondi," Zoology Department, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Endocrine and Reproductive Laboratory, Department of Biological and Physiological Science, and Laboratory of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Kazemzadeh S, Rastegar T, Zangi BM, Malekzadeh M, Khanehzad M, Khanlari P, Madadi S, Bashghareh A, Hedayatpour A. Effect of a Freezing Medium Containing Melatonin on Markers of Pre-meiotic and Post-meiotic Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) After Transplantation in an Azoospermia Mouse Model Due to Testicular Torsion. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1508-1522. [PMID: 33481217 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential to the initiation of spermatogenesis. Cryopreservation, long-term maintenance, and auto-transplantation of SSCs could be a new treatment for infertility. The aim of this study was to add melatonin to the basic freezing medium and to evaluate its effect on the efficiency of the thawed SSCs after transplantation into the testicles of azoospermic mice. SSCs were isolated from newborn NMRI mice, and the cells were enriched to assess morphological features. The thawed SSCs were evaluated for survival, apoptosis, and ROS level before transplantation, and the proliferation (MVH and ID4) and differentiation (c-Kit, SCP3, TP1, TP2, and Prm1) markers of SSCs were examined using immunofluorescence, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after transplantation. It was found that the survival rate of SSCs after thawing was significantly higher in the melatonin group compared with the cryopreservation group containing basic freezing medium, and the rate of apoptosis and level of ROS production also decreased significantly in the cryopreservation group with melatonin (p < 0.05). The expression of proliferation and differentiation markers after transplantation was significantly higher in the cryopreservation group with melatonin compared to the cryopreservation group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that adding melatonin to the basic freezing medium can effectively protect the SSCs by increasing the viability and reducing the ROS production and apoptosis and improve the transplantation efficiency of SSCs after cryopreservation, which will provide a significant suggestion for fertility protection in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Kazemzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Minaei Zangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoush Malekzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Khanehzad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parastoo Khanlari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Madadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Alieh Bashghareh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Hedayatpour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Jung SE, Ahn JS, Kim YH, Kim BJ, Won JH, Ryu BY. Effective cryopreservation protocol for preservation of male primate (Macaca fascicularis) prepubertal fertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:1070-1083. [PMID: 33036927 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can specimen types (cells versus tissues) and additive cryoprotectant agents contribute to efficient cryopreservation of primate spermatogonial stem cells (SSC)? DESIGN Testicular tissues or cells from four prepubertal monkeys were used in this study. The freezing efficacy of testicular tissue was compared with cell suspensions using conventional freezing media (1.4 mol/l dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) and the efficacy of cryoprotectant additives (1.4 mol/l DMSO combined with trehalose 200 mmol/l, hypotaurine 14 mmol/l, necrostatin-1 50 µmol/l or melatonin 100 µmol/l) was evaluated in testicular tissue freezing. RESULTS The survival rate (46.0 ± 4.8% versus 33.7 ± 6.0%; P = 0.0286) and number of recovered cells (5.0 ± 1.5 × 106 cells/g versus 0.7 ± 0.8 × 106 cells/g; P = 0.0286) were significantly higher in frozen tissues than in frozen cell suspensions. After tissue freezing, a higher number of recovered PGP9.5+ cells were observed with 200 mmol/l trehalose treatment than in DMSO controls (2.4 ± 0.6 × 106 cells/g versus 1.1 ± 0.3 × 106 cells/g; P = 0.0164). Normal establishment of donor-derived colony was observed in SSC after tissue freezing with 200 mmol/l trehalose. CONCLUSIONS Testicular tissue freezing is more effective than single cell suspension freezing for higher recovery of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Moreover, it was verified that slow freezing using 200 mmol/l trehalose, 1.4 mol/l DMSO and 10% KnockOut™ Serum Replacement in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline is an effective cryopreservation protocol for primate testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seop Ahn
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bang-Jin Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Jong-Hyun Won
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Buom-Yong Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
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Pelzman DL, Orwig KE, Hwang K. Progress in translational reproductive science: testicular tissue transplantation and in vitro spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:500-509. [PMID: 32111477 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first child conceived via in vitro fertilization 40 years ago, fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology have allowed many couples to reach their reproductive goals. As of yet, no fertility options are available for men who cannot produce functional sperm, but many experimental therapies have demonstrated promising results in animal models. Both autologous (stem cell transplantation, de novo morphogenesis, and testicular tissue grafting) and outside-the-body (xenografting and in vitro spermatogenesis) approaches exist for restoring sperm production in infertile animals with varying degrees of success. Once safety profiles are established and an ideal patient population is chosen, some of these techniques may be ready for human experimentation in the near future, with likely clinical implementation within the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Pelzman
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathleen Hwang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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12
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Braye A, Tournaye H, Goossens E. Setting Up a Cryopreservation Programme for Immature Testicular Tissue: Lessons Learned After More Than 15 Years of Experience. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 13:1179558119886342. [PMID: 31798308 PMCID: PMC6868573 DOI: 10.1177/1179558119886342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Young boys undergoing gonadotoxic treatments are at high risk of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) loss and fertility problems later in life. Stem cell loss can also occur in specific genetic conditions, eg, Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Before puberty, these boys do not yet produce sperm. Hence, they cannot benefit from sperm banking. An emerging alternative is the freezing of testicular tissue aiming to preserve the SSCs for eventual autologous transplantation or in vitro maturation at adult age. Many fertility preservation programmes include cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue, although the restoration procedures are still under development. Until the end of 2018, the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel has frozen testicular tissues of 112 patients between 8 months and 18 years of age. Testicular tissue was removed in view of gonadotoxic cancer treatment (35%), gonadotoxic conditioning therapy for bone marrow transplantation (35%) or in boys diagnosed with KS (30%). So far, none of these boys had their testicular tissue transplanted back. This article summarizes our experience with cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue over the past 16 years (2002-2018) and describes the key issues for setting up a cryopreservation programme for immature testicular tissue as a means to safeguard the future fertility of boys at high risk of SSC loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Braye
- Biology of the Testis (BITE), Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis (BITE), Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Onofre J, Kadam P, Baert Y, Goossens E. Testicular tissue cryopreservation is the preferred method to preserve spermatogonial stem cells prior to transplantation. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 40:261-269. [PMID: 32001160 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Which cryopreservation method better protects reproductive potential: the cryopreservation of a testicular cell suspension (TCS) or the cryopreservation of testicular tissue (TET)? DESIGN Two cryopreservation strategies for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were compared in a mouse model: cryopreservation as TET or as TCS. Evaluated outcomes were number of viable cells after thawing, number and length of donor-derived colonies after spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT), number of litters, litter size and number of donor-derived pups after mating. RESULTS Compared with cryopreserving TCS, cryopreservation of TET resulted in significantly higher numbers of viable cells after thawing (TET: 13.4 × 104 ± 7.2 × 104 versus TCS: 8.2 × 104 ± 2.7 × 104; P = 0.0002), more (TET: 47.6 ± 19.2 versus TCS: 18.5 ± 13.0; P = 0.0039) and longer (TET: 5.2 ± 1.0 mm versus TCS: 2.7 ± 1.5 mm; P = 0.0016) donor-derived colonies, and more donor-derived pups per litter (TET: 2.2 ± 0.2 versus TCS: 0.5 ± 0.1; P = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS Cryopreservation of TET is the preferred method to cryopreserve SSCs prior to SSCT in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Onofre
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Yoni Baert
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
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Wagner IV, Yango P, Svechnikov K, Tran ND, Söder O. Adipocytokines may delay pubertal maturation of human Sertoli cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1395-1400. [PMID: 31056083 DOI: 10.1071/rd18487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is an important target of obesity complications, including adverse effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Adipocytokines are key mediators in various complications of obesity. Our aim was to study the potential of adipocytokines to affect Sertoli cell function, which is crucial for spermatogenesis, and possibly link these findings to the observed attenuation of spermatogenesis in obese males. Testicular biopsies were obtained from healthy donors. Highly purified adult human Sertoli cells (HSCs) were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Cells were cultured and exposed to different concentrations of adipocytokines (10-1000ngmL-1 ) for 2-7 days. Expression of selected Sertoli cell genes was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Long-term treatment (7 days) of HSCs with higher concentrations of chemerin, irisin, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), resistin and progranulin significantly suppressed FSH receptor expression (by 79%, 83%, 64%, 71% and 26% respectively; P P invitro , may negatively affect Sertoli cell maturation and retain these cells in a more prepubertal stage. This could negatively affect testis function and add to fertility problems in obese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Wagner
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany; and Corresponding author
| | - P Yango
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, CA 94143, USA
| | - K Svechnikov
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N D Tran
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, CA 94143, USA
| | - O Söder
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Kanbar M, de Michele F, Wyns C. Cryostorage of testicular tissue and retransplantation of spermatogonial stem cells in the infertile male. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:103-115. [PMID: 30448111 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of own cryostored spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is a promising technique for fertility restoration when the SSC pool has been depleted. In this regard, cryopreservation of pre-pubertal testicular tissue or SSCs suspensions before gonadotoxic therapies is ethically accepted and increasingly proposed. SSC transplantation has also been considered to treat other causes of infertility relying on the possibility of propagating SSCs retrieved in the testes of infertile men before autologous re-transplantation. Although encouraging results were achieved in animals and in preclinical experiments, clinical perspectives are still limited by a number of unresolved technical and safety issues, such as the risk of cancer cell contamination of cells intended for transplantation and the genetic and epigenetic stability of SCCs when cultured before re-transplantation. Moreover, while genome editing techniques raise the hope of modifying the SSCs genome before re-transplantation, their application for reproductive purposes might be a step too far for the moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kanbar
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca de Michele
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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16
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Identification of a Technique Optimized for the Isolation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells from Mouse Testes. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.12750/jet.2018.33.4.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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17
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Lima DBC, da Silva LDM, Comizzoli P. Influence of warming and reanimation conditions on seminiferous tubule morphology, mitochondrial activity, and cell composition of vitrified testicular tissues in the domestic cat model. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207317. [PMID: 30408126 PMCID: PMC6224116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding critical roles of warming and reanimation is critical to improve the survival of vitrified testicular tissue in domestic cats. The objective was to study structural and functional properties of testicular tissues from prepubertal domestic cats after standard vitrification followed by two warming protocols (directly at 37°C or with a 5-second pre-exposure to 50°C) and three reanimation time points (immediately, 24 h and 5 days post-warming). In Experiment 1, tissues were evaluated for histo-morphology and mitochondrial activity immediately or 24 h after warming protocols. In Experiment 2, cell viability, DNA fragmentation, and germ cell composition were assessed immediately, 24 h, or 5 days after optimal warming. Preservation of seminiferous tubule structure was better using warming at 50°C for five seconds, and survival of somatic as well as germinal cells was higher compared to direct warming at 37°C for one minute. Short term in vitro culture (for reanimation) also proved that cellular composition and functionality were better preserved when warmed for a short time at 50°C. Collective data showed that short warming at 50°C led to better quality of seminiferous tubule structure and cell composition after vitrification and short-term culture. In addition, data suggest clear directions to further understand and optimize testicular tissue survival after fertility preservation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Baruc Cruvinel Lima
- Laboratory of Carnivore Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará (Universidade Estadual do Ceará, UECE), CEP, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Daniel Machado da Silva
- Laboratory of Carnivore Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará (Universidade Estadual do Ceará, UECE), CEP, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Benvenutti L, Salvador RA, Til D, Senn AP, Tames DR, Amaral NLL, Amaral VLL. Wistar rats immature testicular tissue vitrification and heterotopic grafting. JBRA Assist Reprod 2018; 22:167-173. [PMID: 29693963 PMCID: PMC6106629 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficiency of two vitrification protocols for rat immature
testicular tissue and heterotopic transplantation. Methods Twenty-four pre-pubertal Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=8).
After orchiectomy, testicular fragments (3mm) from Groups 1 and 2 were
vitrified with different cryoprotectant concentration solutions, using
sterile inoculation loops as support. After warming up, the fragments were
submitted to cell viability assessment by Trypan blue and histological
evaluation. Vitrified (Groups 1 and 2) and fresh (Group 3) fragments were
grafted to the animals periauricular region. After 8 weeks of grafting, the
implant site was histologically analyzed. Results The viability recovery rate from Group 1 (72.09%) was higher
(p=0.02) than that from Group 2 (59.19%). Histological
analysis showed similar tubular integrity between fresh fragments from
Groups 1 and 3. Group 2 samples presented lower tubular integrity. We ran
histological analyses in the grafts from the Groups. In all groups, it was
possible to see the implant site, however, no fragment of testicular tissue
or signs of inflammation were histologically found in most samples from
Groups 1 and 3. In one sample from Group 2, we found degenerated
seminiferous tubules with necrosis and signs of an inflammatory process. In
another sample from Group 2, we found seminiferous tubules in the implant
site. Conclusion The vitrification of pre-pubertal testicular tissue of rats showed little
damage to cell viability through histological analysis when we used
cryoprotectants in a lower concentration. Heterotopic transplantation could
not preserve the structural organization of the testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Benvenutti
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução (LBR), Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rafael Alonso Salvador
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução (LBR), Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - David Til
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução (LBR), Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Alfred Paul Senn
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução (LBR), Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - David Rivero Tames
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução (LBR), Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Vera Lúcia Lângaro Amaral
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução (LBR), Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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19
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McCracken K, Nahata L. Fertility preservation in children and adolescents: current options and considerations. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2018; 29:283-288. [PMID: 28787283 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to outline current pediatric fertility preservation options, and discuss ethical and financial considerations impacting this rapidly expanding field. RECENT FINDINGS With the improvement in treatment of pediatric malignancies and medical conditions that threaten fertility, survival rates are increasing. Therefore, minimizing long-term morbidities such as gonadal damage and infertility is of utmost importance. Impaired fertility not only has a significant negative impact on patient's quality of life; in women, gonadal damage puts patients at risk for premature menopause, and increased risk of cardiac, skeletal, and cognitive issues. Fortunately, fertility preservation options exist for both female and male prepubertal and pubertal patients, and discussion of such options with patients and their families prior to the initiation of therapy and/or before further deterioration of gonadal function is crucial. A multidisciplinary approach to fertility counseling, with attention to the patient's goals and cultural beliefs, is ideal. SUMMARY Although several national organizations support integrating a fertility consultation into routine care, fertility preservation is still underutilized. Continued research is needed to understand barriers for patients/families and reduce the number of missed opportunities for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate McCracken
- aSection of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Nationwide Children's Hospital bDivision of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine cCenter for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital dDivision of Endocrinology, The Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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20
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Update on fertility restoration from prepubertal spermatogonial stem cells: How far are we from clinical practice? Stem Cell Res 2017; 21:171-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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21
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Onofre J, Baert Y, Faes K, Goossens E. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue or testicular cell suspensions: a pivotal step in fertility preservation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:744-761. [PMID: 27566839 PMCID: PMC5099994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell depletion caused by chemical or physical toxicity, disease or genetic predisposition can occur at any age. Although semen cryopreservation is the first reflex for preserving male fertility, this cannot help out prepubertal boys. Yet, these boys do have spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that able to produce sperm at the start of puberty, which allows them to safeguard their fertility through testicular tissue (TT) cryopreservation. SSC transplantation (SSCT), TT grafting and recent advances in in vitro spermatogenesis have opened new possibilities to restore fertility in humans. However, these techniques are still at a research stage and their efficiency depends on the amount of SSCs available for fertility restoration. Therefore, maintaining the number of SSCs is a critical step in human fertility preservation. Standardizing a successful cryopreservation method for TT and testicular cell suspensions (TCSs) is most important before any clinical application of fertility restoration could be successful. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review gives an overview of existing cryopreservation protocols used in different animal models and humans. Cell recovery, cell viability, tissue integrity and functional assays are taken into account. Additionally, biosafety and current perspectives in male fertility preservation are discussed. SEARCH METHODS An extensive PubMED and MEDline database search was conducted. Relevant studies linked to the topic were identified by the search terms: cryopreservation, male fertility preservation, (immature)testicular tissue, testicular cell suspension, spermatogonial stem cell, gonadotoxicity, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. OUTCOMES The feasibility of fertility restoration techniques using frozen-thawed TT and TCS has been proven in animal models. Efficient protocols for cryopreserving human TT exist and are currently applied in the clinic. For TCSs, the highest post-thaw viability reported after vitrification is 55.6 ± 23.8%. Yet, functional proof of fertility restoration in the human is lacking. In addition, few to no data are available on the safety aspects inherent to offspring generation with gametes derived from frozen-thawed TT or TCSs. Moreover, clarification is needed on whether it is better to cryopreserve TT or TCS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Fertility restoration techniques are very promising and expected to be implemented in the clinic in the near future. However, inter-center variability needs to be overcome and the gametes produced for reproduction purposes need to be subjected to safety studies. With the perspective of a future clinical application, there is a dire need to optimize and standardize cryopreservation and safety testing before using frozen-thawed TT of TCSs for fertility restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Onofre
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Y Baert
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Faes
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Pirnia A, Parivar K, Hemadi M, Yaghmaei P, Gholami M. Stemness of spermatogonial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel during cryopreservation. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Pirnia
- Department of Biology; Science and Research Branch; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Iran
| | - K. Parivar
- Department of Biology; Science and Research Branch; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Hemadi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center; Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences; Ahvaz Iran
| | - P. Yaghmaei
- Department of Biology; Science and Research Branch; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Gholami
- Razi Herbal Medicine Research center and department of Anatomical sciences; Lorestan University of Medical Sciences; Khorramabad Iran
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23
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Gassei K, Orwig KE. Experimental methods to preserve male fertility and treat male factor infertility. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:256-66. [PMID: 26746133 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a prevalent condition that has insidious impacts on the infertile individuals, their families, and society, which extend far beyond the inability to have a biological child. Lifestyle changes, fertility treatments, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) are available to help many infertile couples achieve their reproductive goals. All of these technologies require that the infertile individual is able to produce at least a small number of functional gametes (eggs or sperm). It is not possible for a person who does not produce gametes to have a biological child. This review focuses on the infertile man and describes several stem cell-based methods and gene therapy approaches that are in the research pipeline and may lead to new fertility treatment options for men with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gassei
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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24
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Smith JF, Tran ND. Freezing and thawing testicular cells may not affect growth of cultured testicular cells. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1129. [PMID: 26342245 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James F Smith
- Department of Urology, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Nam D Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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