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Mamsen LS, Hildorf S, Ntemou E, Wang D, Cortes D, Fedder J, Thorup J, Andersen CY. Testis tissue cryopreservation may be considered in boys with cryptorchidism. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00212. [PMID: 39075793 DOI: 10.4103/aja202437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study assessed the feasibility of testis tissue cryopreservation (TTC) for fertility preservation in prepubescent boys with cryptorchidism. From January 2014 to December 2022, the University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark) implemented TTC for 56 boys with cryptorchidism to preserve their reproductive potential. Testis tissue samples were collected during orchiopexy (32 cases) or at subsequent follow-up procedures (24 cases), necessitated by an increased risk of infertility as indicated by hormonal assessments and/or findings from initial surgical biopsies. Testis samples were procured for TTC and pathological analysis. The cohort had an average age of 1.3 (range: 0.3-3.8) years at the time of orchiopexy, with 91.1% presenting bilateral cryptorchidism. The study revealed a median germ cell count of 0.39 (range: 0-2.88) per seminiferous tubule, with germ cells detected in 98.0% of the bilateral biopsies and 100% of the unilateral, indicating a substantial potential for fertility in these immature tissues. A dark spermatogonia (Ad) was detected in 37 out of 56 patients evaluated, with a median Ad spermatogonia count of 0.027 (range: 0.002-0.158) per seminiferous tubule. A total of 30.2% of the samples lacked Ad spermatogonia, indicative of potential gonadotrophin insufficiency. The median hormone levels measured were as follows: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at 0.69 (range: 0.16-2.5) U l-1, luteinizing hormone (LH) at 0.21 (range: 0.05-3.86) U l-1, and inhibin B at 126 (range: 17-300) pg ml-1. Despite early orchiopexy, 20%-25% of boys with cryptorchidism remain at risk for future infertility, substantiating the necessity of TTC as a precaution. The study highlights the need for refined predictive techniques to identify boys at higher risk of future infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Salto Mamsen
- Department of Gynaecology, Fertility, and Obstetrics, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Elissavet Ntemou
- Department of Gynaecology, Fertility, and Obstetrics, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Danyang Wang
- Department of Gynaecology, Fertility, and Obstetrics, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre 2650, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark
- Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Fertility Clinic, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev 2730, Denmark
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Galdon G, Zarandi NP, Deebel NA, Zhang S, Cornett O, Lyalin D, Pettenati MJ, Lue Y, Wang C, Swerdloff R, Shupe TD, Bishop C, Stogner K, Kogan SJ, Howards S, Atala A, Sadri-Ardekani H. In Vitro Generation of Haploid Germ Cells from Human XY and XXY Immature Testes in a 3D Organoid System. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:677. [PMID: 39061759 PMCID: PMC11274239 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing survival rates of children following cancer treatment have resulted in a significant population of adult survivors with the common side effect of infertility. Additionally, the availability of genetic testing has identified Klinefelter syndrome (classic 47,XXY) as the cause of future male infertility for a significant number of prepubertal patients. This study explores new spermatogonia stem cell (SSC)-based fertility therapies to meet the needs of these patients. Testicular cells were isolated from cryopreserved human testes tissue stored from XY and XXY prepubertal patients and propagated in a two-dimensional culture. Cells were then incorporated into a 3D human testicular organoid (HTO) system. During a 3-week culture period, HTOs maintained their structure, viability, and metabolic activity. Cell-specific PCR and flow cytometry markers identified undifferentiated spermatogonia, Sertoli, Leydig, and peritubular cells within the HTOs. Testosterone was produced by the HTOs both with and without hCG stimulation. Upregulation of postmeiotic germ cell markers was detected after 23 days in culture. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of chromosomes X, Y, and 18 identified haploid cells in the in vitro differentiated HTOs. Thus, 3D HTOs were successfully generated from isolated immature human testicular cells from both euploid (XY) and Klinefelter (XXY) patients, supporting androgen production and germ cell differentiation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Galdon
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nima Pourhabibi Zarandi
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Deebel
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Sue Zhang
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Olivia Cornett
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Dmitry Lyalin
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics Division, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Mark J. Pettenati
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - YanHe Lue
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90502, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90502, USA
| | - Ronald Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90502, USA
| | - Thomas D. Shupe
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Colin Bishop
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Kimberly Stogner
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Stanley J. Kogan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Stuart Howards
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Hooman Sadri-Ardekani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Kwaspen L, Kanbar M, Wyns C. Mapping the Development of Human Spermatogenesis Using Transcriptomics-Based Data: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6925. [PMID: 39000031 PMCID: PMC11241379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136925] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is a promising fertility restoration strategy for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia or for prepubertal boys to obtain fertilizing-competent spermatozoa. However, in vitro spermatogenesis is still not achieved with human immature testicular tissue. Knowledge of various human testicular transcriptional profiles from different developmental periods helps us to better understand the testis development. This scoping review aims to describe the testis development and maturation from the fetal period towards adulthood and to find information to optimize IVM. Research papers related to native and in vitro cultured human testicular cells and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) were identified and critically reviewed. Special focus was given to gene ontology terms to facilitate the interpretation of the biological function of related genes. The different consecutive maturation states of both the germ and somatic cell lineages were described. ScRNA-seq regularly showed major modifications around 11 years of age to eventually reach the adult state. Different spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) substates were described and scRNA-seq analyses are in favor of a paradigm shift, as the Adark and Apale spermatogonia populations could not distinctly be identified among the different SSC states. Data on the somatic cell lineage are limited, especially for Sertoli cells due technical issues related to cell size. During cell culture, scRNA-seq data showed that undifferentiated SSCs were favored in the presence of an AKT-signaling pathway inhibitor. The involvement of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway depended on the maturational state of the cells. Commonly identified cell signaling pathways during the testis development and maturation highlight factors that can be essential during specific maturation stages in IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Kwaspen
- Laboratoire d’Andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Laboratoire d’Andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Laboratoire d’Andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Mecca R, Tang S, Jones C, Coward K. The limitations of testicular organoids: are they truly as promising as we believe? Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23216. [PMID: 38935835 DOI: 10.1071/rd23216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoid systems have revolutionised various facets of biological research by offering a three-dimensional (3D), physiologically relevant in vitro model to study complex organ systems. Over recent years, testicular organoids have been publicised as promising platforms for reproductive studies, disease modelling, drug screening, and fertility preservation. However, the full potential of these systems has yet to be realised due to inherent limitations. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges associated with testicular organoid models. Firstly, we address the inability of current organoid systems to fully replicate the intricate spatial organisation and cellular diversity of the in vivo testis. Secondly, we scrutinise the fidelity of germ cell maturation within the organoids, highlighting incomplete spermatogenesis and epigenetic inconsistencies. Thirdly, we consider the technical challenges faced during organoid culture, including nutrient diffusion limits, lack of vasculature, and the need for specialised growth factors. Finally, we discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of organoids for human reproduction research. Addressing these limitations in combination with integrating complementary approaches, will be essential if we are to advance our understanding of testicular biology and develop novel strategies for addressing reproductive health issues in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mecca
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - S Tang
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - C Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - K Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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5
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Gizer M, Önen S, Korkusuz P. The Evolutionary Route of in vitro Human Spermatogenesis: What is the Next Destination? Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2. [PMID: 38684571 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Malfunction in spermatogenesis due to genetic diseases, trauma, congenital disorders or gonadotoxic treatments results in infertility in approximately 7% of males. The behavior of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) within three-dimensional, multifactorial, and dynamic microenvironment implicates a niche that serves as a repository for fertility, since can serve as a source of mature and functional male germ cells. Current protocols enable reprogramming of mature somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their limited differentiation to SSCs within the range of 0-5%. However, the resulting human iPSC-derived haploid spermatogenic germ cell yield in terms of number and functionality is currently insufficient for transfer to infertility clinic as a therapeutic tool. In this article, we reviewed the evolution of experimental culture platforms and introduced a novel iPSCs-based approach for in vitro spermatogenesis based on a niche perspective bearing cellular, chemical, and physical factors that provide the complex arrangement of testicular seminiferous tubules embedded within a vascularized stroma. We believe that bioengineered organoids supported by smart bio-printed tubules and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems offer efficient, precise, personalized platforms for autologous pluripotent stem cell sources to undergo the spermatogenetic cycle, presenting a promising tool for infertile male patients with complete testicular aplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Gizer
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Petek Korkusuz
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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De Windt S, Kourta D, Kanbar M, Wyns C. Optimized Recovery of Immature Germ Cells after Prepubertal Testicular Tissue Digestion and Multi-Step Differential Plating: A Step towards Fertility Restoration with Cancer-Cell-Contaminated Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:521. [PMID: 38203691 PMCID: PMC10779385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Undifferentiated germ cells, including the spermatogonial stem cell subpopulation required for fertility restoration using human immature testicular tissue (ITT), are difficult to recover as they do not easily adhere to plastics. Due to the scarcity of human ITT for research, we used neonatal porcine ITT. Strategies for maximizing germ cell recovery, including a comparison of two enzymatic digestion protocols (P1 and P2) of ITT fragment sizes (4 mm3 and 8 mm3) and multi-step differential plating were explored. Cellular viability and yield, as well as numbers and proportions of DDX4+ germ cells, were assessed before incubating the cell suspensions overnight on uncoated plastics. Adherent cells were processed for immunocytochemistry (ICC) and floating cells were further incubated for three days on Poly-D-Lysine-coated plastics. Germ cell yield and cell types using ICC for SOX9, DDX4, ACTA2 and CYP19A1 were assessed at each step of the multi-step differential plating. Directly after digestion, cell suspensions contained >92% viable cells and 4.51% DDX4+ germ cells. Pooled results for fragment sizes revealed that the majority of DDX4+ cells adhere to uncoated plastics (P1; 82.36% vs. P2; 58.24%). Further incubation on Poly-D-Lysine-coated plastics increased germ cell recovery (4.80 ± 11.32 vs. 1.90 ± 2.07 DDX4+ germ cells/mm2, respectively for P1 and P2). The total proportion of DDX4+ germ cells after the complete multi-step differential plating was 3.12%. These results highlight a reduced proportion and number of germ cells lost when compared to data reported with other methods, suggesting that multi-step differential plating should be considered for optimization of immature germ cell recovery. While Poly-D-Lysine-coating increased the proportions of recovered germ cells by 16.18% (P1) and 28.98% (P2), future studies should now focus on less cell stress-inducing enzymatic digestion protocols to maximize the chances of fertility restoration with low amounts of cryo-banked human ITT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven De Windt
- Laboratoire d’andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (S.D.W.); (D.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Dhoha Kourta
- Laboratoire d’andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (S.D.W.); (D.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Laboratoire d’andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (S.D.W.); (D.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Laboratoire d’andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (S.D.W.); (D.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Li Y, Li X, Cournoyer P, Choudhuri S, Guo L, Chen S. Induction of apoptosis by cannabidiol and its main metabolites in human Leydig cells. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:3227-3241. [PMID: 37794255 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03609-x] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most prevalent and abundant cannabinoids extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa. CBD has been reported to induce male reproductive toxicity in animal models. In this study, we examined the effects of CBD and its main metabolites, 7-carboxy-CBD and 7-hydroxy-CBD, on primary human Leydig cells, which play a crucial role in male reproductive health. Our results showed that CBD, at concentrations below the Bayesian benchmark dose (BMD)50, inhibited the growth of human Leydig cells by arresting the cell cycle at G1/S transition, disrupting cell cycle regulators, and decreasing DNA synthesis. Concentration-response transcriptomic profiling identified that apoptosis was one of the top biological processes significantly affected by treatment with CBD for 24 h. The occurrence of apoptosis was confirmed by increased activation of caspase-3/7 and an increased proportion of annexin V and propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells. Similar to CBD, both 7-carboxy-CBD and 7-hydroxy-CBD decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis after treatment for 24 h. 7-Hydroxy-CBD and 7-carboxy-CBD showed lower cytotoxicity than CBD, and 7-carboxy-CBD had the lowest cytotoxicity among the three compounds. Our findings revealed that CBD and its main metabolites can cause adverse effects on primary human Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Li
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Xilin Li
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Patrick Cournoyer
- Office of the Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Supratim Choudhuri
- Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
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8
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Feraille A, Liard A, Rives N, Bubenheim M, Barbotin AL, Giscard d'Estaing S, Mirallié S, Ancelle A, Roux C, Brugnon F, Daudin M, Schneider P, Dumont L, Rondanino C. Impact of low- or moderate-risk gonadotoxic chemotherapy prior to testicular tissue freezing on spermatogonia quantity in human (pre)pubertal testicular tissue. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2105-2118. [PMID: 37674325 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead161] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the impact of low- or moderate-risk gonadotoxic chemotherapy received prior to testicular tissue freezing (TTF), and of the cancer itself, on spermatogonia quantity in testicular tissue from (pre)pubertal boys? SUMMARY ANSWER Vincristine, when associated with alkylating agents, has an additional adverse effect on spermatogonia quantity, while carboplatin has no individual contribution to spermatogonia quantity, in testicular tissue of (pre)pubertal boys, when compared to patients who have received non-alkylating chemotherapy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The improved survival rates after cancer treatment necessitate the inclusion of fertility preservation procedures as part of the comprehensive care for patients, taking into consideration their age. Sperm cryopreservation is an established procedure in post-pubertal males while the TTF proposed for (pre)pubertal boys remains experimental. Several studies exploring testicular tissue of (pre)pubertal boys after TTF have examined the tubular fertility index (TFI, percentage of seminiferous tubule cross-sections containing spermatogonia) and the number of spermatogonia per seminiferous tubule cross-section (S/T). All studies have demonstrated that TFI and S/T always decrease after the introduction of chemotherapeutic agents, especially those which carry high gonadotoxic risks such as alkylating agents. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Testicular tissue samples from 79 (pre)pubertal boys diagnosed with cancer (from 6 months to 16 years of age) were cryopreserved between May 2009 and June 2014. Their medical diagnoses and previous chemotherapy exposures were recorded. We examined histological sections of (pre)pubertal testicular tissue to elucidate whether the chemotherapy or the primary diagnosis affects mainly TFI and S/T. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS (Pre)pubertal boys with cancer diagnosis who had been offered TTF prior to conditioning treatment for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were included in the study. All the patients had previously received chemotherapy with low- or moderate-risk for future fertility. We have selected patients for whom the information on the chemotherapy received was complete. The quantity of spermatogonia and quality of testicular tissue were assessed by both morphological and immunohistochemical analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant reduction in the number of spermatogonia was observed in boys treated with alkylating agents. The mean S/T values in boys exposed to alkylating agents were significantly lower compared to boys exposed to non-alkylating agents (P = 0.018). In contrast, no difference was observed for patients treated with carboplatin as the sole administered alkylating agent compared to the group of patients exposed to non-alkylating agents. We observed an increase of S/T with age in the group of patients who did not receive any alkylating agent and a decrease of S/T with age when patients received alkylating agents included in the cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) formula (r = 0.6166, P = 0.0434; r = -0.3759, P = 0.0036, respectively). The TFI and S/T decreased further in the group of patients who received vincristine in combination with alkylating agents (decrease of 22.4%, P = 0.0049 and P < 0.0001, respectively), but in this group the CED was also increased significantly (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis, after CED adjustment, showed the persistence of a decrease in TFI correlated with vincristine administration (P = 0.02). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a descriptive study of testicular tissues obtained from (pre)pubertal boys who were at risk of infertility. The study population is quite heterogeneous, with a small number of patients in each sub-group. Our results are based on comparisons between patients receiving alkylating agents compared to patients receiving non-alkylating agents rather than chemotherapy-naive patients. The French national guidelines for fertility preservation in cancer patients recommend TTF before highly gonadotoxic treatment. Therefore, all the patients had received low- or moderate-risk gonadotoxic chemotherapy before TTF. Access to testicular tissue samples from chemotherapy-naive patients with comparable histological types of cancer was not possible. The functionality of spermatogonia and somatic cells could not be tested by transplantation or in vitro maturation due to limited sample sizes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study summarizes the spermatogonial quantity of (pre)pubertal boys prior to TTF. We confirmed a negative correlation between the cumulative exposure to alkylating agents and spermatogonial quantity. In addition, the synergistic use of vincristine in combination with alkylating agents showed a cumulative deleterious effect on the TFI. For patients for whom fertility preservation is indicated, TTF should be proposed for chemotherapy with a predicted CED above 4000 mg/m2. However, the data obtained from vincristine and carboplatin use should be confirmed in a subsequent study including more patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study had financial support from a French national research grant PHRC No. 2008/071/HP obtained by the French Institute of Cancer and the French Healthcare Organization. The sponsors played no role in the study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Feraille
- Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1239, NorDIC, Team "Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Agnès Liard
- Department of Child Surgery, Univ Rouen Normandie, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1239, NorDIC, Team "Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | | | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS de Lille, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Sophie Mirallié
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Amélie Ancelle
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS de Caen, CHU de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Christophe Roux
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS de Besançon, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS d'Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Myriam Daudin
- CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, University Hospital of Toulouse, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pascale Schneider
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Univ Rouen Normandie, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1239, NorDIC, Team "Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1239, NorDIC, Team "Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
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9
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Gomes FDR, Ñaupas LVS, Palomino GJQ, Celiz RHY, Sá NAR, Novaes MAS, Ferreira ACA, Brito DCC, Freitas VJF, Costa BN, Lucci CM, Fernandes CCL, Rondina D, Figueiredo JR, Tetaping GM, Rodrigues APR. Definition of protocols for cryopreservation and three-dimensional in vitro culture of prepubertal goat testicular tissue after histomorphological, ultrastructural, and functional analysis. Theriogenology 2023; 211:151-160. [PMID: 37639997 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.015] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to define the best method (slow freezing or vitrification) and fragment size (1, 5, or 9 mm³) for prepubertal goat testis cryopreservation, as well as to evaluate testicular morphological integrity after cryopreservation and in vitro culture (IVC). Initially (experiment I), 1, 5, or 9 mm³ testis fragments were cryopreserved by slow freezing using a Mr. Frosty container with 20% Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or vitrified using the Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem (OTC) device, (Equilibration solution - ES: 10% DMSO and 10% ethylene glycol - EG; Vitrification solution - VS: 20% DMSO and 20% EG) and then subjected to morphological analysis, type I and III collagen quantification and gene expression (Oct4, C-kit, Bax, and Bcl-2). Subsequently, (experiment II), fresh or cryopreserved by slow freezing testis fragments were cultured in vitro and submitted to morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy. The data from the experiment I revealed fewer morphological alterations in 1 and 5 mm³ fragments after vitrification and slow freezing, respectively. The percentage of type I collagen fibers in 5 and 9 mm³ frozen was higher than in fresh or vitrified fragments. For type III collagen, fresh or frozen fragments of 1 and 5 mm3 showed a higher percentage than fragments of 9 mm3. Gene expression for Oct4 and C-kit after slow freezing or vitrification in the 5 mm3 fragments was lower than that observed in the fresh fragments. The Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in the 1 and 9 mm³ fragments was lower than in the 5 mm³ fragments for fresh fragments or after freezing. In experiment II, fragments cultured in vitro, previously frozen or not, showed more morphological alterations than fresh or frozen fragments. We concluded that slow freezing of 5 mm³ fragments was the best protocol for cryopreserving prepubertal goat testis and although the results of IVC are encouraging, it still needs improvement to restore testicular function after cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D R Gomes
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - L V S Ñaupas
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - G J Q Palomino
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - R H Y Celiz
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - N A R Sá
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M A S Novaes
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A C A Ferreira
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - D C C Brito
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - V J F Freitas
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction (LFCR), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - B N Costa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - C M Lucci
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - C C L Fernandes
- College of Health Sciences, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - D Rondina
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Production of Ruminants (LANUPRUMI), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - G M Tetaping
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A P R Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Ovarian Pre-Antral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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10
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Mo P, Zhao Z, Ke X, Fan Y, Li C. Effects of clinical medications on male fertility and prospects for stem cell therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258574. [PMID: 37791073 PMCID: PMC10543686 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of men require long-term drug therapy for various diseases. However, the effects of long-term drug therapy on male fertility are often not well evaluated in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the development of stem cell therapy and exosomes treatment methods may provide a new sight on treating male infertility. This article reviews the influence and mechanism of small molecule medications on male fertility, as well as progress of stem cell and exosomes therapy for male infertility with the purpose on providing suggestions (recommendations) for evaluating the effect of drugs on male fertility (both positive and negative effect on male fertility) in clinical application and providing strategies for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaohui Li
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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11
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Younis N, Caldeira-Brant AL, Chu T, Abdalla S, Orwig KE. Human immature testicular tissue organ culture: a step towards fertility preservation and restoration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1242263. [PMID: 37701899 PMCID: PMC10494240 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1242263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is currently the only option to preserve fertility of prepubertal patients. Autologous transplantation of ITT may not be safe or appropriate for all patients. Therefore, methods to mature ITT ex vivo are needed. Objectives Aim to investigate the feasibility of inducing in vitro spermatogenesis from ITT cryopreserved for pediatric patients prior to initiation of gonadotoxic therapy. Materials and methods Cryopreserved-thawed ITT from prepubertal and peripubertal patients were cultured for 7, 16, and 32 days in medium with no hormones or supplemented with 5 IU/L FSH, 1 IU/L hCG, or 5IU/L FSH+1 IU/L hCG. Samples were evaluated histologically to assess tissue integrity, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to identify VASA (DDX4)+ germ cells, UCHL1+ spermatogonia, SYCP3+ spermatocytes, CREM+ spermatids, SOX9+ Sertoli cells. Proliferation (KI67) and apoptosis (CASPASE3) of germ cells and Sertoli cells were also analyzed. Sertoli and Leydig cell maturation was evaluated by AR and INSL3 expression as well as expression of the blood testis barrier protein, CLAUDIN11, and testosterone secretion in the culture medium. Results Integrity of seminiferous tubules, VASA+ germ cells and SOX9+ Sertoli cells were maintained up to 32 days. The number of VASA+ germ cells was consistently higher in the peripubertal groups. UCHL1+ undifferentiated spermatogonia and SOX9+ Sertoli cell proliferation was confirmed in most samples. SYCP3+ primary spermatocytes began to appear by day 16 in both age groups. Sertoli cell maturation was demonstrated by AR expression but the expression of CLAUDIN11 was disorganized. Presence of mature and functional Leydig cells was verified by INSL3 expression and secretion of testosterone. Gonadotropin treatments did not consistently impact the number or proliferation of germ cells or somatic cells, but FSH was necessary to increase testosterone secretion over time in prepubertal samples. Conclusion ITT were maintained in organotypic culture for up to 32 days and spermatogonia differentiated to produce primary spermatocytes in both pre- and peripubertal age groups. However, complete spermatogenesis was not observed in either group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagham Younis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Andre L. Caldeira-Brant
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shtaywy Abdalla
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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12
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Matsumura T, Katagiri K, Yao T, Ishikawa-Yamauchi Y, Nagata S, Hashimoto K, Sato T, Kimura H, Shinohara T, Sanbo M, Hirabayashi M, Ogawa T. Generation of rat offspring using spermatids produced through in vitro spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12105. [PMID: 37495678 PMCID: PMC10372019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
An in vitro spermatogenesis method using mouse testicular tissue to produce fertile sperm was established more than a decade ago. Although this culture method has generally not been effective in other animal species, we recently succeeded in improving the culture condition to induce spermatogenesis of rats up to the round spermatid stage. In the present study, we introduced acrosin-EGFP transgenic rats in order to clearly monitor the production of haploid cells during spermatogenesis in vitro. In addition, a metabolomic analysis of the culture media during cultivation revealed the metabolic dynamics of the testis tissue. By modifying the culture media based on these results, we were able to induce rat spermatogenesis repeatedly up to haploid cell production, including the formation of elongating spermatids, which was confirmed histologically and immunohistochemically. Finally, we performed a microinsemination experiment with in vitro produced spermatids, which resulted in the production of healthy and fertile offspring. This is the first demonstration of the in vitro production of functional haploid cells that yielded offspring in animals other than mice. These results are expected to provide a basis for the development of an in vitro spermatogenesis system applicable to many other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Matsumura
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kumiko Katagiri
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Tatsuma Yao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., 2-3-30 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka, 536-8523, Japan
| | - Yu Ishikawa-Yamauchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shino Nagata
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hashimoto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 259-1292, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.
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13
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Juraski AC, Sharma S, Sparanese S, da Silva VA, Wong J, Laksman Z, Flannigan R, Rohani L, Willerth SM. 3D bioprinting for organ and organoid models and disease modeling. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1043-1059. [PMID: 37431937 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2234280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 3D printing, a versatile additive manufacturing technique, has diverse applications ranging from transportation, rapid prototyping, clean energy, and medical devices. AREAS COVERED The authors focus on how 3D printing technology can enhance the drug discovery process through automating tissue production that enables high-throughput screening of potential drug candidates. They also discuss how the 3D bioprinting process works and what considerations to address when using this technology to generate cell laden constructs for drug screening as well as the outputs from such assays necessary for determining the efficacy of potential drug candidates. They focus on how bioprinting how has been used to generate cardiac, neural, and testis tissue models, focusing on bio-printed 3D organoids. EXPERT OPINION The next generation of 3D bioprinted organ model holds great promises for the field of medicine. In terms of drug discovery, the incorporation of smart cell culture systems and biosensors into 3D bioprinted models could provide highly detailed and functional organ models for drug screening. By addressing current challenges of vascularization, electrophysiological control, and scalability, researchers can obtain more reliable and accurate data for drug development, reducing the risk of drug failures during clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Juraski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria BC, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonali Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sydney Sparanese
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Victor A da Silva
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria BC, Canada
| | - Julie Wong
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Zachary Laksman
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Leili Rohani
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Willerth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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14
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Chen L, Dong Z, Chen X. Fertility preservation in pediatric healthcare: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1147898. [PMID: 37206440 PMCID: PMC10189781 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1147898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival rates for children and adolescents diagnosed with malignancy have been steadily increasing due to advances in oncology treatments. These treatments can have a toxic effect on the gonads. Currently, oocyte and sperm cryopreservation are recognized as well-established and successful strategies for fertility preservation for pubertal patients, while the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for ovarian protection is controversial. For prepubertal girls, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the sole option. However, the endocrinological and reproductive outcomes after ovarian tissue transplantation are highly heterogeneous. On the other hand, immature testicular tissue cryopreservation remains the only alternative for prepubertal boys, yet it is still experimental. Although there are several published guidelines for navigating fertility preservation for pediatric and adolescent patients as well as transgender populations, it is still restricted in clinical practice. This review aims to discuss the indications and clinical outcomes of fertility preservation. We also discuss the probably effective and efficient workflow to facilitate fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zirui Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- The Fertility Preservation Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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15
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de la Iglesia A, Jodar M, Oliva R, Castillo J. Insights into the sperm chromatin and implications for male infertility from a protein perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1588. [PMID: 36181449 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo an extreme but fascinating process of chromatin remodeling that begins in the testis during the last phase of spermatogenesis and continues through epididymal sperm maturation. Most of the histones are replaced by small proteins named protamines, whose high basicity leads to a tight genomic compaction. This process is epigenetically regulated at many levels, not only by posttranslational modifications, but also by readers, writers, and erasers, in a context of a highly coordinated postmeiotic gene expression program. Protamines are key proteins for acquiring this highly specialized chromatin conformation, needed for sperm functionality. Interestingly, and contrary to what could be inferred from its very specific DNA-packaging function across protamine-containing species, human sperm chromatin contains a wide spectrum of protamine proteoforms, including truncated and posttranslationally modified proteoforms. The generation of protamine knock-out models revealed not only chromatin compaction defects, but also collateral sperm alterations contributing to infertile phenotypes, evidencing the importance of sperm chromatin protamination toward the generation of a new individual. The unique features of sperm chromatin have motivated its study, applying from conventional to the most ground-breaking techniques to disentangle its peculiarities and the cellular mechanisms governing its successful conferment, especially relevant from the protein point of view due to the important epigenetic role of sperm nuclear proteins. Gathering and contextualizing the most striking discoveries will provide a global understanding of the importance and complexity of achieving a proper chromatin compaction and exploring its implications on postfertilization events and beyond. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Human in vitro spermatogenesis as a regenerative therapy - where do we stand? Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4. [PMID: 36750655 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves precise temporal and spatial gene expression and cell signalling to reach a coordinated balance between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells through various germ cell states including mitosis, and meiosis I and II, which result in the generation of haploid cells with a unique genetic identity. Subsequently, these round spermatids undergo a series of morphological changes to shed excess cytoplast, develop a midpiece and tail, and undergo DNA repackaging to eventually form millions of spermatozoa. The goal of recreating this process in vitro has been pursued since the 1920s as a tool to treat male factor infertility in patients with azoospermia. Continued advances in reproductive bioengineering led to successful generation of mature, functional sperm in mice and, in the past 3 years, in humans. Multiple approaches to study human in vitro spermatogenesis have been proposed, but technical and ethical obstacles have limited the ability to complete spermiogenesis, and further work is needed to establish a robust culture system for clinical application.
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Aydos OS, Yukselten Y, Ozkan T, Ozkavukcu S, Tuten Erdogan M, Sunguroglu A, Aydos K. Co-Culture of Cryopreserved Healthy Sertoli Cells with Testicular Tissue of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) Patients in Culture Media Containing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)/Testosterone Has No Advantage in Germ Cell Maturation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031073. [PMID: 36769720 PMCID: PMC9917953 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Different cell culture conditions and techniques have been used to mature spermatogenic cells to increase the success of in vitro fertilization. Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential in maintaining spermatogenesis and FSH stimulation exerts its effect through direct or indirect actions on SCs. The effectiveness of FSH and testosterone added to the co-culture has been demonstrated in other studies to provide microenvironment conditions of the testicular niche and to contribute to the maturation and meiotic progression of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In the present study, we investigated whether co-culture of healthy SCs with the patient's testicular tissue in the medium supplemented with FSH/testosterone provides an advantage in the differentiation and maturation of germ cells in NOA cases (N = 34). In men with obstructive azoospermia (N = 12), healthy SCs from testicular biopsies were identified and purified, then cryopreserved. The characterization of healthy SCs was done by flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for GATA4 and vimentin. FITC-conjugated annexin V/PI staining and the MTT assay were performed to compare the viability and proliferation of SCs before and after freezing. In annexin V staining, no difference was found in percentages of live and apoptotic SCs, and MTT showed that cryopreservation did not inhibit SC proliferation compared to the pre-freezing state. Then, tissue samples from NOA patients were processed in two separate environments containing FSH/testosterone and FSH/testosterone plus co-culture with thawed healthy SCs for 7 days. FC was used to measure 7th-day levels of specific markers expressed in spermatogonia (VASA), meiotic cells (CREM), and post-meiotic cells (protamine-2 and acrosin). VASA and acrosin basal levels were found to be lower in infertile patients compared to the OA group (8.2% vs. 30.6% and 12.8% vs. 30.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Compared to pre-treatment measurements, on the 7th day in the FSH/testosterone environment, CREM levels increased by 58.8% and acrosin levels increased by 195.5% (p < 0.05). Similarly, in medium co-culture with healthy SCs, by day 7, CREM and acrosin levels increased to 92.2% and 204.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). Although VASA and protamine levels increased in both groups, they did not reach a significant level. No significant difference was found between the day 7 increase rates of CREM, VASA, acrosin and protamine-2 in either FSH/testosterone-containing medium or in medium additionally co-cultured with healthy SCs (58.8% vs. 92.2%, 120.6% vs. 79.4%, 195.5% vs. 204.8%, and 232.3% vs. 198.4%, respectively; p > 0.05). Our results suggest that the presence of the patient's own SCs for maturation of germ cells in the culture medium supplemented with FSH and testosterone is sufficient, and co-culture with healthy SCs does not have an additional advantage. In addition, the freezing-thawing process would not impair the viability and proliferation of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Sena Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Correspondence: (O.S.A.); (Y.Y.); Tel.: +90-3125958050 (O.S.A.)
| | - Yunus Yukselten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Correspondence: (O.S.A.); (Y.Y.); Tel.: +90-3125958050 (O.S.A.)
| | - Tulin Ozkan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Sinan Ozkavukcu
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Postgraduate Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Meltem Tuten Erdogan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Asuman Sunguroglu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
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Aden NL, Bleeke M, Kordes UR, Brunne B, Holstermann B, Biemann R, Ceglarek U, Soave A, Salzbrunn A, Schneider SW, von Kopylow K. Germ Cell Maintenance and Sustained Testosterone and Precursor Hormone Production in Human Prepubertal Testis Organ Culture with Tissues from Boys 7 Years+ under Conditions from Adult Testicular Tissue. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030415. [PMID: 36766757 PMCID: PMC9913959 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human prepubertal testicular tissues are rare, but organ culture conditions to develop a system for human in vitro-spermatogenesis are an essential option for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys subjected to gonadotoxic therapy. To avoid animal testing in line with the 3Rs principle, organ culture conditions initially tested on human adult testis tissue were applied to prepubertal samples (n = 3; patient ages 7, 9, and 12 years). Tissues were investigated by immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the collected culture medium was profiled for steroid hormones by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Culture conditions proved suitable for prepubertal organ culture since SSCs and germ cell proliferation could be maintained until the end of the 3-week-culture. Leydig cells (LCs) were shown to be competent for steroid hormone production. Three additional testis tissues from boys of the same age were examined for the number of germ cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia (SPG). Using TEM micrographs, eight tissues from patients aged 1.5 to 13 years were examined, with respect to the sizes of mitochondria (MT) in undifferentiated SPG and compared with those from two adult testicular tissues. Mitochondrial sizes were shown to be comparable between adults and prepubertal boys from approximately 7 years of age, which suggests the transition of SSCs from normoxic to hypoxic metabolism at about or before this time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neels Lennart Aden
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Bleeke
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe R. Kordes
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bianka Brunne
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Holstermann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Biemann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Ceglarek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Armin Soave
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Salzbrunn
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan W. Schneider
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrein von Kopylow
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Rives N, Courbière B, Almont T, Kassab D, Berger C, Grynberg M, Papaxanthos A, Decanter C, Elefant E, Dhedin N, Barraud-Lange V, Béranger MC, Demoor-Goldschmidt C, Frédérique N, Bergère M, Gabrel L, Duperray M, Vermel C, Hoog-Labouret N, Pibarot M, Provansal M, Quéro L, Lejeune H, Methorst C, Saias J, Véronique-Baudin J, Giscard d'Estaing S, Farsi F, Poirot C, Huyghe É. What should be done in terms of fertility preservation for patients with cancer? The French 2021 guidelines. Eur J Cancer 2022; 173:146-166. [PMID: 35932626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIM To provide practice guidelines about fertility preservation (FP) in oncology. METHODS We selected 400 articles after a PubMed review of the literature (1987-2019). RECOMMENDATIONS Any child, adolescent and adult of reproductive age should be informed about the risk of treatment gonadotoxicity. In women, systematically proposed FP counselling between 15 and 38 years of age in case of treatment including bifunctional alkylating agents, above 6 g/m2 cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED), and for radiation doses on the ovaries ≥3 Gy. For postmenarchal patients, oocyte cryopreservation after ovarian stimulation is the first-line FP technique. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be discussed as a first-line approach in case of treatment with a high gonadotoxic risk, when chemotherapy has already started and in urgent cases. Ovarian transposition is to be discussed prior to pelvic radiotherapy involving a high risk of premature ovarian failure. For prepubertal girls, ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be proposed in the case of treatment with a high gonadotoxic risk. In pubertal males, sperm cryopreservation must be systematically offered to any male who is to undergo cancer treatment, regardless of toxicity. Testicular tissue cryopreservation must be proposed in males unable to cryopreserve sperm who are to undergo a treatment with intermediate or severe risk of gonadotoxicity. In prepubertal boys, testicular tissue preservation is: - recommended for chemotherapy with a CED ≥7500 mg/m2 or radiotherapy ≥3 Gy on both testicles. - proposed for chemotherapy with a CED ≥5.000 mg/m2 or radiotherapy ≥2 Gy. If several possible strategies, the ultimate choice is made by the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Team "Adrenal and Gonadal Physiopathology" Inserm U1239 Nordic, Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Rouen, France
| | - Blandine Courbière
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Thierry Almont
- Cancerology, Urology, Hematology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France; General Cancer Registry of Martinique UF1441, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France
| | - Diana Kassab
- Methodology Unit, Association Française d'Urologie, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
| | - Claire Berger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University-Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Hospital, Nord Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France 42055; Childhood Cancer Registry of the Rhône-Alpes Region, University of Saint-Etienne, 15 rue Ambroise Paré, Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France 42023
| | - Michaël Grynberg
- Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Department, Hôpital Antoine-Beclère, Clamart, Île-de-France, France
| | - Aline Papaxanthos
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
| | - Christine Decanter
- Medically Assisted Procreation and Fertility Preservation Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, Lille, Hauts-de-France, France
| | - Elisabeth Elefant
- Reference Center for Teratogenic Agents, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau Centre de Référence sur les Agents Tératogènes, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Nathalie Dhedin
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Virginie Barraud-Lange
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | | | | | - Nicollet Frédérique
- Information and Promotion Department, Association Laurette Fugain, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Bergère
- Human Reproduction, Embryology and Genetics Directorate, Agence de la biomédecine, La Plaine Saint-Denis, France
| | - Lydie Gabrel
- Good Practices Unit - Guidelines and Medicines Directorate, Institut National du Cancer, Billancourt, Île-de-France, France
| | - Marianne Duperray
- Guidelines and Drug Directorate, Institut National du Cancer, Billancourt, Île-de-France, France
| | - Christine Vermel
- Expertise Quality and Compliance Mission - Communication and Information Directorate, Institut National du Cancer, Billancourt, Île-de-France, France
| | - Natalie Hoog-Labouret
- Research and Innovation, Institut National du Cancer, Billancourt, Île-de-France, France
| | - Michèle Pibarot
- OncoPaca-Corse Regional Cancer Network, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Magali Provansal
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Laurent Quéro
- Cancerology and Radiotherapy Department, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Lejeune
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Charlotte Methorst
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Centre Hospitalier des Quatre Villes - Site de Saint-Cloud, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Jacqueline Saias
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Jacqueline Véronique-Baudin
- Cancerology, Urology, Hematology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France; General Cancer Registry of Martinique UF1441, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France
| | - Sandrine Giscard d'Estaing
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Fadila Farsi
- Regional Cancer Network, Réseau Espace Santé Cancer, Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Catherine Poirot
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Éric Huyghe
- Urology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Laboratoire Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement (DEFE) UMR 1203, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
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20
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Organotypic Culture of Testicular Tissue from Infant Boys with Cryptorchidism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147975. [PMID: 35887314 PMCID: PMC9316019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organotypic culture of human fetal testis has achieved fertilization-competent spermatids followed by blastocysts development. This study focuses on whether the organotypic culture of testicular tissue from infant boys with cryptorchidism could support the development of spermatogonia and somatic cells. Frozen-thawed tissues were cultured in two different media, with or without retinoic acid (RA), for 60 days and evaluated by tissue morphology and immunostaining using germ and somatic cell markers. During the 60-day culture, spermatocytes stained by boule-like RNA-binding protein (BOLL) were induced in biopsies cultured with RA. Increased AR expression (p < 0.001) and decreased AMH expression (p < 0.001) in Sertoli cells indicated advancement of Sertoli cell maturity. An increased number of SOX9-positive Sertoli cells (p < 0.05) was observed, while the percentage of tubules with spermatogonia was reduced (p < 0.001). More tubules with alpha-smooth muscle actin (ACTA, peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) marker) were observed in an RA-absent medium (p = 0.02). CYP17A1/STAR-positive Leydig cells demonstrated sustained steroidogenic function. Our culture conditions support the initiation of spermatocytes and enhanced maturation of Sertoli cells and PTMCs within infant testicular tissues. This study may be a basis for future studies focusing on maintaining and increasing the number of spermatogonia and identifying different factors and hormones, further advancing in vitro spermatogenesis.
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21
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Abstract
Successful in vitro spermatogenesis would generate functional haploid spermatids, and thus, form the basis for novel approaches to treat patients with impaired spermatogenesis or develop alternative strategies for male fertility preservation. Several culture strategies, including cell cultures using various stem cells and ex vivo cultures of testicular tissue, have been investigated to recapitulate spermatogenesis in vitro. Although some studies have described complete meiosis and subsequent generation of functional spermatids, key meiotic events, such as chromosome synapsis and homologous recombination required for successful meiosis and faithful in vitro-derived gametes, are often not reported. To guarantee the generation of in vitro-formed spermatids without persistent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and chromosomal aberrations, criteria to evaluate whether all meiotic events are completely executed in vitro need to be established. In vivo, these meiotic events are strictly monitored by meiotic checkpoints that eliminate aberrant spermatocytes. To establish criteria to evaluate in vitro meiosis, we review the meiotic events and checkpoints that have been investigated by previous in vitro spermatogenesis studies. We found that, although major meiotic events such as initiation of DSBs and recombination, complete chromosome synapsis, and XY-body formation can be achieved in vitro, crossover formation, chiasmata frequency, and checkpoint mechanisms have been mostly ignored. In addition, complete spermiogenesis, during which round spermatids differentiate into elongated spermatids, has not been achieved in vitro by various cell culture strategies. Finally, we discuss the implications of meiotic checkpoints for in vitro spermatogenesis protocols and future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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22
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Kanbar M, de Michele F, Poels J, Van Loo S, Giudice MG, Gilet T, Wyns C. Microfluidic and Static Organotypic Culture Systems to Support Ex Vivo Spermatogenesis From Prepubertal Porcine Testicular Tissue: A Comparative Study. Front Physiol 2022; 13:884122. [PMID: 35721544 PMCID: PMC9201455 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.884122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:In vitro maturation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) cryopreserved for fertility preservation is a promising fertility restoration strategy. Organotypic tissue culture proved successful in mice, leading to live births. In larger mammals, including humans, efficiently reproducing spermatogenesis ex vivo remains challenging. With advances in biomaterials technology, culture systems are becoming more complex to better mimic in vivo conditions. Along with improving culture media components, optimizing physical culture conditions (e.g., tissue perfusion, oxygen diffusion) also needs to be considered. Recent studies in mice showed that by using silicone-based hybrid culture systems, the efficiency of spermatogenesis can be improved. Such systems have not been reported for ITT of large mammals. Methods: Four different organotypic tissue culture systems were compared: static i.e., polytetrafluoroethylene membrane inserts (OT), agarose gel (AG) and agarose gel with polydimethylsiloxane chamber (AGPC), and dynamic i.e., microfluidic (MF). OT served as control. Porcine ITT fragments were cultured over a 30-day period using a single culture medium. Analyses were performed at days (d) 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30. Seminiferous tubule (ST) integrity, diameters, and tissue core integrity were evaluated on histology. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify germ cells (PGP9.5, VASA, SYCP3, CREM), somatic cells (SOX9, INSL3) and proliferating cells (Ki67), and to assess oxidative stress (MDA) and apoptosis (C-Caspase3). Testosterone was measured in supernatants using ELISA. Results: ITT fragments survived and grew in all systems. ST diameters, and Sertoli cell (SOX9) numbers increased, meiotic (SYCP3) and post-meiotic (CREM) germ cells were generated, and testosterone was secreted. When compared to control (OT), significantly larger STs (d10 through d30), better tissue core integrity (d5 through d20), higher numbers of undifferentiated spermatogonia (d30), meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells (SYCP3: d20 and 30, CREM: d20) were observed in the AGPC system. Apoptosis, lipid peroxidation (MDA), ST integrity, proliferating germ cell (Ki67/VASA) numbers, Leydig cell (INSL3) numbers and testosterone levels were not significantly different between systems. Conclusions: Using a modified culture system (AGPC), germ cell survival and the efficiency of porcine germ cell differentiation were moderately improved ex vivo. We assume that further optimization can be obtained with concomitant modifications in culture media components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kanbar
- Andrology Lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca de Michele
- Andrology Lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology Lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Van Loo
- Microfluidics Lab, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology Lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tristan Gilet
- Microfluidics Lab, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Andrology Lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Christine Wyns,
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23
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Whelan EC, Yang F, Avarbock MR, Sullivan MC, Beiting DP, Brinster RL. Reestablishment of spermatogenesis after more than 20 years of cryopreservation of rat spermatogonial stem cells reveals an important impact in differentiation capacity. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001618. [PMID: 35536782 PMCID: PMC9089916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of cancer in children is increasingly successful but leaves many prepubertal boys suffering from infertility or subfertility later in life. A current strategy to preserve fertility in these boys is to cryopreserve a testicular biopsy prior to treatment with the expectation of future technologies allowing for the reintroduction of stem cells and restoration of spermatogenesis. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) form the basis of male reproduction, differentiating into all germ cell types, including mature spermatozoa and can regenerate spermatogenesis following transplantation into an infertile testis. Here, we demonstrate that rat SSCs frozen for more than 20 years can be transplanted into recipient mice and produce all differentiating germ cell types. However, compared with freshly isolated cells or those frozen for a short period of time, long-frozen cells do not colonize efficiently and showed reduced production of spermatids. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed similar profiles of gene expression changes between short- and long-frozen cells as compared with fresh immediately after thawing. Conversely, following transplantation, long-frozen samples showed enhanced stem cell signaling in the undifferentiated spermatogonia compartment, consistent with self-renewal and a lack of differentiation. In addition, long-frozen samples showed fewer round spermatids with detectable protamine expression, suggesting a partial block of spermatogenesis after meiosis resulting in a lack of elongating spermatids. These findings strongly suggest that prolonged cryopreservation can impact the success of transplantation to produce spermatogenesis, which may not be revealed by analysis of the cells immediately after thawing. Our analysis uncovered persistent effects of long-term freezing not found in other cryopreservation studies that lacked functional regeneration of the tissue and this phenomenon must be accounted for any future therapeutic application. This study shows that spermatogonial stem cells frozen for more than 20 years can repopulate the niche when transplanted into an infertile host, but with lower efficiency and displaying abnormal spermatogenesis compared to fresh or short-term frozen cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals details of the dysregulated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin C. Whelan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Mary R. Avarbock
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Megan C. Sullivan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daniel P. Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ralph L. Brinster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Mathiesen S, Andrés-Jensen L, Nielsen MM, Sørensen K, Ifversen M, Jahnukainen K, Juul A, Müller K. Male gonadal function after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:503.e1-503.e15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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Sanou I, van Maaren J, Eliveld J, Lei Q, Meißner A, de Melker AA, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Taking Preclinical Research to the Next Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:850219. [PMID: 35444616 PMCID: PMC9013905 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.850219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation via biobanking of testicular tissue retrieved from testicular biopsies is now generally recommended for boys who need to undergo gonadotoxic treatment prior to the onset of puberty, as a source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs have the potential of forming spermatids and may be used for therapeutic fertility approaches later in life. Although in the past 30 years many milestones have been reached to work towards SSC-based fertility restoration therapies, including transplantation of SSCs, grafting of testicular tissue and various in vitro and ex vivo spermatogenesis approaches, unfortunately, all these fertility therapies are still in a preclinical phase and not yet available for patients who have become infertile because of their treatment during childhood. Therefore, it is now time to take the preclinical research towards SSC-based therapy to the next level to resolve major issues that impede clinical implementation. This review gives an outline of the state of the art of the effectiveness and safety of fertility preservation and SSC-based therapies and addresses the hurdles that need to be taken for optimal progression towards actual clinical implementation of safe and effective SSC-based fertility treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Sanou
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Meißner
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke A de Melker
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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van der Perk MEM, Cost NG, Bos AME, Brannigan R, Chowdhury T, Davidoff AM, Daw NC, Dome JS, Ehrlich P, Graf N, Geller J, Kalapurakal J, Kieran K, Malek M, McAleer MF, Mullen E, Pater L, Polanco A, Romao R, Saltzman AF, Walz AL, Woods AD, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Fernandez CV. White paper: Onco-fertility in pediatric patients with Wilms tumor. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:843-858. [PMID: 35342935 PMCID: PMC9541948 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The survival of childhood Wilms tumor is currently around 90%, with many survivors reaching reproductive age. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are established risk factors for gonadal damage and are used in both COG and SIOP Wilms tumor treatment protocols. The risk of infertility in Wilms tumor patients is low but increases with intensification of treatment including the use of alkylating agents, whole abdominal radiation or radiotherapy to the pelvis. Both COG and SIOP protocols aim to limit the use of gonadotoxic treatment, but unfortunately this cannot be avoided in all patients. Infertility is considered one of the most important late effects of childhood cancer treatment by patients and their families. Thus, timely discussion of gonadal damage risk and fertility preservation options is important. Additionally, irrespective of the choice for preservation, consultation with a fertility preservation (FP) team is associated with decreased patient and family regret and better quality of life. Current guidelines recommend early discussion of the impact of therapy on potential fertility. Since most patients with Wilms tumors are prepubertal, potential FP methods for this group are still considered experimental. There are no proven methods for FP for prepubertal males (testicular biopsy for cryopreservation is experimental), and there is just a single option for prepubertal females (ovarian tissue cryopreservation), posing both technical and ethical challenges. Identification of genetic markers of susceptibility to gonadotoxic therapy may help to stratify patient risk of gonadal damage and identify patients most likely to benefit from FP methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas G Cost
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Surgical Oncology Program of the Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Annelies M E Bos
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Robert Brannigan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tanzina Chowdhury
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
| | - Najat C Daw
- Department of Pediatrics - Patient Care, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Dome
- Division of Oncology at Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter Ehrlich
- University of Michigan, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Section of Pediatric Surgery, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Norbert Graf
- Department for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - James Geller
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John Kalapurakal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathleen Kieran
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, and Division of Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, USA
| | - Marcus Malek
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Mary F McAleer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mullen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luke Pater
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Angela Polanco
- National Cancer Research Institute Children's Group Consumer Representative, London, UK
| | - Rodrigo Romao
- Departments of Surgery and Urology, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Amy L Walz
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Andrew D Woods
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Conrad V Fernandez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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27
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Sharma S, Klaverkamp RS, Wistuba J, Schlatt S. Limited spermatogenic differentiation of testicular tissue from prepubertal marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in an in vitro organ culture system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111488. [PMID: 34637880 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE of the research: To achieve male fertility preservation and restoration, experimental strategies for in vitro germ cell differentiation are required. The effects of two different culture conditions on in vitro maintenance and differentiation of non-human primate germ cells was studied. Three testes from three 6-month-old marmosets were cultured using a gas-liquid interphase system for 12 days. Testicular maturation in pre-culture control and samples cultured in gonadotropin and serum supplemented and non-supplemented culture samples was evaluated using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and immunohistochemical stainings. PRINCIPLE RESULTS Gonadotropins and serum-supplemented tissues demonstrate up to meiotic differentiation (BOULE + Pachytene spermatocyte) and advanced localization of germ cells (MAGEA4+). Moreover, complex (with gonadotropin and marmoset monkey serum) conditions induced progression in somatic cell maturation with advanced seminiferous epithelial organization, maintenance of encapsulation of cultured fragments with peritubular-myoid cells, preservation of tubular structural integrity and architecture. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS We report stimulation-dependent in vitro meiotic transition in non-human primate testes. This model represents a novel ex vivo approach to obtain crucial developmental progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Reinhild-Sandhowe Klaverkamp
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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28
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Rives-Feraille A, Liard A, Bubenheim M, Barbotin AL, Giscard d'Estaing S, Mirallié S, Ancelle A, Roux C, Brugnon F, Grèze V, Daudin M, Willson-Plat G, Dubois R, Sibert L, Schneider P, Rives N. Assessment of the architecture and integrity of frozen-thawed testicular tissue from (pre)pubertal boys with cancer. Andrology 2021; 10:279-290. [PMID: 34628730 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular tissue freezing is proposed for fertility preservation to (pre)pubertal boys with cancer before highly gonadotoxic treatment. Studies accurately comparing human (pre)pubertal testicular tissue quality before freezing and after thawing are exceptional. No study has reported this approach in a systematic manner and routine care. OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of a control slow freezing protocol on testicular tissue architecture and integrity of (pre)pubertal boys after thawing. MATERIALS AND METHODS (Pre)pubertal boys (n = 87) with cancer from 8 Reproductive Biology Laboratories of the French CECOS network benefited from testicular tissue freezing before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Seminiferous tubule cryodamage was determined histologically by scoring morphological alterations and by quantifying intratubular spermatogonia and the expression of DNA replication and repair marker in frozen-thawed testicular fragments. RESULTS A significant increase in nuclear and epithelial score alterations was observed after thawing (p < 0.0001). The global lesional score remained lower than 1.5 and comparable to fresh testicular tissue. The number of intratubular spermatogonia and the expression of DNA replication and repair marker in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells did not vary significantly after thawing. These data showed the good preservation of the seminiferous tubule integrity and architecture after thawing, as previously reported in our studies performed in prepubertal mice and rats. DISCUSSION The current study reports, for the first time, the development of a semi-quantitative analysis of cryodamage in human (pre)pubertal testicular tissue, using a rapid and useful tool that can be proposed in routine care to develop an internal and external quality control for testicular tissue freezing. This tool can also be used when changing one or several parameters of the freezing-thawing procedure. CONCLUSION Control slow freezing protocol without seeding maintains the seminiferous tubule architecture and integrity, the concentration of spermatogonia and the expression of DNA replication and repair marker in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells after thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Rouen, France
| | - Agnès Liard
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Child Surgery, Rouen, France
| | | | - Anne Laure Barbotin
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction - Spermiologie - CECOS de Lille, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Sophie Mirallié
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Rouen, France
| | - Amélie Ancelle
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS de Caen, CHU de Caen, Rouen, France
| | - Christophe Roux
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS de Besançon, CHU de Besançon, Rouen, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS d'Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Rouen, France
| | - Victoria Grèze
- Service d'Hématologie Oncologie Pédiatrique, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Rouen, France
| | - Myriam Daudin
- CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, University Hospital of Toulouse, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Rouen, France
| | - Geneviève Willson-Plat
- Service d'Hématologie Oncologie Pédiatrique, University Hospital of Toulouse, Hôpital des Enfants, Rouen, France
| | - Rémi Dubois
- Département de Chirurgie Pédiatrique viscérale, CHU de Lyon, Rouen, France
| | - Louis Sibert
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Urology and Andrology, Rouen, France
| | - Pascale Schneider
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Rouen, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, Rouen, France
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29
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Lei Q, Lai X, Eliveld J, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, van Pelt AMM, Hamer G. In Vitro Meiosis of Male Germline Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 15:1140-1153. [PMID: 33176123 PMCID: PMC7664054 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis has been achieved by culturing mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) together with a cell suspension of male juvenile gonad. However, for human fertility treatment or preservation, patient-specific ESCs or juvenile gonad is not available. We therefore aim to achieve in vitro spermatogenesis using male germline stem cells (GSCs) without the use of juvenile gonad. GSCs, when cultured on immortalized Sertoli cells, were able to enter meiosis, reach the meiotic metaphase stages, and sporadically form spermatid-like cells. However, the in vitro-formed pachytene-like spermatocytes did not display full chromosome synapsis and did not form meiotic crossovers. Despite this, the meiotic checkpoints that usually eliminate such cells to prevent genomic instabilities from being transmitted to the offspring were not activated, allowing the cells to proceed to the meiotic metaphase stages. In vitro-generated spermatid-like cells should thus be thoroughly investigated before being considered for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xin Lai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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30
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Aydos K, Aydos OS. Sperm Selection Procedures for Optimizing the Outcome of ICSI in Patients with NOA. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122687. [PMID: 34207121 PMCID: PMC8234729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-533-748-8995
| | - Oya Sena Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey;
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31
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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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32
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Comparison of two culture methods during in vitro spermatogenesis of vitrified-warmed testis tissue: Organ culture vs. hanging drop culture. Cryobiology 2021; 100:142-150. [PMID: 33639111 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Solid surface vitrification (SSV) is a cost effective and simple method for testis tissue preservation. Vitrified-warmed testis tissue was successfully cultured using various organ culture methods. In this study, we compared two culture methods viz. hanging drop (HD) and organ culture (OC) methods for in vitro spermatogenesis of goat testis tissue vitrified-warmed by SSV. It was observed that OC method was superior (p < 0.05) to HD method in terms of post-warming metabolic activity of testicular tissue, as measured by MTT assay on Day 7 and Day 14 of culture, respectively. The size of the tissue also played an important role in post-warming metabolic activity and viability (4 mm3: 72.7 ± 1.2% vs. 9 mm3: 62.7 ± 1.3% vs. 16 mm3: 40.5 ± 1.7%) of vitrified tissues with smaller tissue resulting in better result. The vitrification-induced ROS activity significantly decreased during their in vitro culture. Histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the rupture of basal membrane, surface morphology and, cell loss due to vitrification. However, histology and immunohistochemistry showed the progression of in vitro spermatogenesis and formation of elongated spermatozoa in both fresh and vitrified-warmed testis tissue cultured by OC method. Taken together, our results suggest that OC method is superior to HD method for culturing goat testis tissue vitrified-warmed by SSV.
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Matsumura T, Sato T, Abe T, Sanjo H, Katagiri K, Kimura H, Fujii T, Tanaka H, Hirabayashi M, Ogawa T. Rat in vitro spermatogenesis promoted by chemical supplementations and oxygen-tension control. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3458. [PMID: 33568686 PMCID: PMC7875995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82792-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) using air-liquid interphase organ culture method is possible with mouse testis tissues. The same method, however, has been hardly applicable to animals other than mice, only producing no or limited progression of spermatogenesis. In the present study, we challenged IVS of rats with modifications of culture medium, by supplementing chemical substances, including hormones, antioxidants, and lysophospholipids. In addition, reducing oxygen tension by placing tissues in an incubator of lower oxygen concentration and/or applying silicone cover ceiling on top of the tissue were effective for improving the spermatogenic efficiency. Through these modifications of the culture condition, rat spermatogenesis up to round spermatids was maintained over 70 days in the cultured tissue. Present results demonstrated a significant progress in rat IVS, revealing conditions commonly favorable for mice and rats as well as finding rat-specific optimizations. This is an important step towards successful IVS in many animal species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Matsumura
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takeru Abe
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sanjo
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kumiko Katagiri
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- grid.265061.60000 0001 1516 6626Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Teruo Fujii
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInstitute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- grid.411871.a0000 0004 0647 5488Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Sasebo, Nagasaki Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- grid.467811.d0000 0001 2272 1771Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
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Sharma S, Venzac B, Burgers T, Le Gac S, Schlatt S. Microfluidics in male reproduction: is ex vivo culture of primate testis tissue a future strategy for ART or toxicology research? Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:179-192. [PMID: 31977028 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The significant rise in male infertility disorders over the years has led to extensive research efforts to recapitulate the process of male gametogenesis in vitro and to identify essential mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis, notably for clinical applications. A promising technology to bridge this research gap is organ-on-chip (OoC) technology, which has gradually transformed the research landscape in ART and offers new opportunities to develop advanced in vitro culture systems. With exquisite control on a cell or tissue microenvironment, customized organ-specific structures can be fabricated in in vitro OoC platforms, which can also simulate the effect of in vivo vascularization. Dynamic cultures using microfluidic devices enable us to create stimulatory effect and non-stimulatory culture conditions. Noteworthy is that recent studies demonstrated the potential of continuous perfusion in OoC systems using ex vivo mouse testis tissues. Here we review the existing literature and potential applications of such OoC systems for male reproduction in combination with novel bio-engineering and analytical tools. We first introduce OoC technology and highlight the opportunities offered in reproductive biology in general. In the subsequent section, we discuss the complex structural and functional organization of the testis and the role of the vasculature-associated testicular niche and fluid dynamics in modulating testis function. Next, we review significant technological breakthroughs in achieving in vitro spermatogenesis in various species and discuss the evidence from microfluidics-based testes culture studies in mouse. Lastly, we discuss a roadmap for the potential applications of the proposed testis-on-chip culture system in the field of primate male infertility, ART and reproductive toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bastien Venzac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Burgers
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Wyns C, Kanbar M, Giudice MG, Poels J. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: lessons learned from the past and update on remaining challenges towards clinical translation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:433-459. [PMID: 33326572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer incidence and survivorship are both on the rise. However, many lifesaving treatments threaten the prepubertal testis. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT), containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as a fertility preservation (FP) option for this population is increasingly proposed worldwide. Recent achievements notably the birth of non-human primate (NHP) progeny using sperm developed in frozen-thawed ITT autografts has given proof of principle of the reproductive potential of banked ITT. Outlining the current state of the art on FP for prepubertal boys is crucial as some of the boys who have cryopreserved ITT since the early 2000s are now in their reproductive age and are already seeking answers with regards to their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In the light of past decade achievements and observations, this review aims to provide insight into relevant questions for clinicians involved in FP programmes. Have the indications for FP for prepubertal boys changed over time? What is key for patient counselling and ITT sampling based on the latest achievements in animals and research performed with human ITT? How far are we from clinical application of methods to restore reproductive capacity with cryostored ITT? SEARCH METHODS An extensive search for articles published in English or French since January 2010 to June 2020 using keywords relevant to the topic of FP for prepubertal boys was made in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Original articles on fertility preservation with emphasis on those involving prepubertal testicular tissue, as well as comprehensive and systematic reviews were included. Papers with redundancy of information or with an absence of a relevant link for future clinical application were excluded. Papers on alternative sources of stem cells besides SSCs were excluded. OUTCOMES Preliminary follow-up data indicate that around 27% of boys who have undergone testicular sampling as an FP measure have proved azoospermic and must therefore solely rely on their cryostored ITT to ensure biologic parenthood. Auto-transplantation of ITT appears to be the first technique that could enter pilot clinical trials but should be restricted to tissue free of malignant cells. While in vitro spermatogenesis circumvents the risk linked to cancer cell contamination and has led to offspring in mice, complete spermatogenesis has not been achieved with human ITT. However, generation of haploid germ cells paves the way to further studies aimed at completing the final maturation of germ cells and increasing the efficiency of the processes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite all the research done to date, FP for prepubertal boys remains a relatively young field and is often challenging to healthcare providers, patients and parents. As cryopreservation of ITT is now likely to expand further, it is important not only to acknowledge some of the research questions raised on the topic, e.g. the epigenetic and genetic integrity of gametes derived from strategies to restore fertility with banked ITT but also to provide healthcare professionals worldwide with updated knowledge to launch proper multicollaborative care pathways in the field and address clinical issues that will come-up when aiming for the child's best interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wyns
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Salian SR, Pandya RK, Laxminarayana SLK, Krishnamurthy H, Cheredath A, Tholeti P, Uppangala S, Kalthur G, Majumdar S, Schlatt S, Adiga SK. Impact of Temperature and Time Interval Prior to Immature Testicular-Tissue Organotypic Culture on Cellular Niche. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:2161-2173. [PMID: 33319342 PMCID: PMC8289760 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00396-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of immature-testicular-tissue (ITT) prior to gonadotoxic treatment, while experimental, is the only recommended option for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys. The handling and manipulation of ITT before cryopreservation could influence the functionality of cells during fertility restoration, which this study explored by evaluating cellular niche and quality of mouse ITT subjected to various temperatures and time durations in vitro. ITT from 6-day-old mice were handled at ultraprofound-hypothermic, profound-hypothermic, and mild-warm-ischemic temperatures for varying time periods prior to 14-day organotypic culture. Viability, functionality, synaptonemal complex and chromatin remodeling markers were assessed. Results have shown that cell viability, testosterone level, and in vitro proliferation ability did not change when ITT were held at ultraprofound-hypothermic-temperature up to 24 h, whereas cell viability was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), when held at profound-hypothermic-temperature for 24 h before culture. Further, cell viability and testosterone levels in cultured cells from profound-hypothermic group were comparable to corresponding ultraprofound-hypothermic group but with moderate reduction in postmeiotic cells (P < 0.01). In conclusion, holding ITT at ultraprofound-hypothermic-temperature is most suitable for organotypic culture, whereas short-term exposure at profound-hypothermic-temperature may compromise postmeiotic germ cell yield post in vitro culture. This data, albeit in mouse model, will have immense value in human prepubertal fertility restoration research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujith Raj Salian
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Riddhi Kirit Pandya
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | | | | | - Aswathi Cheredath
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Prathima Tholeti
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Subeer Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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Lau GA, Schaeffer AJ. Pediatric oncofertility: an update. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:2416-2421. [PMID: 33209715 PMCID: PMC7658128 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric patients with cancer is an evolving field. In this review, we give a short update on recent scientific advances in the practice of pediatric oncofertility, particularly related to the research involving gonadal tissue cryopreservation from prepubertal patients, which remains experimental. We then focus on recent advances in the implementation of formal pediatric oncofertility programs and barriers in the delivery of FP in this patient population. Finally, we include some of the more recent outcomes data from established oncofertility programs that treat pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Lau
- Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Mathiesen S, Sørensen K, Nielsen MM, Suominen A, Ifversen M, Grell K, Lähteenmäki P, Frederiksen H, Juul A, Müller K, Jahnukainen K. Male Gonadal Function after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Childhood: A Cross-Sectional, Population-Based Study. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2020; 26:1635-1645. [PMID: 32447044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Male gonadal dysfunction is a frequent late effect after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but detailed insight into patterns of male gonadal function at long-term is limited by retrospective studies without semen sample data. In this study, we investigated the risk of azoospermia and testosterone deficiency, the diagnostic value of markers of spermatogenesis, and paternity at long-term follow-up after pediatric allogeneic HSCT. All male HSCT survivors age ≥18 years, transplanted in Denmark or Finland between 1980 and 2010, were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Examinations included a semen sample, measurements of reproductive hormones and testicular volume, and screening for chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Cumulative (pre-HSCT plus HSCT) treatment doses were calculated. Of 181 eligible patients, 98 participated, at a median 18 years (range, 8 to 35 years) after undergoing HSCT. Sperm was found in 30 patients, azoospermia in 42, and azoospermia during testosterone substitution in 24. A higher cumulative testicular irradiation dose was associated with increased risk of azoospermia and testosterone substitution (odds ratio [OR] per +1 Gy, 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 1.46 [P < .001] and 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.38 [P < .001], respectively). All patients treated with >12 Gy had azoospermia, and all but 1 patient treated with >16 Gy needed testosterone substitution. In patients treated with chemotherapy only (n = 23), a higher cumulative cyclophosphamide equivalent dose was associated with an increased risk of azoospermia (OR per +1 g/m2, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.15; P = .037). Prepubertal stage at HSCT was a risk factor for testosterone substitution (OR, 15.31; 95% CI, 2.39 to 315; P = .017), whereas chronic GVHD was unrelated to gonadal dysfunction. Inhibin B was the best surrogate marker of azoospermia (area under the curve, .91; 95% CI, .85 to .98; 90% sensitivity and 83% specificity) compared with follicle-stimulating hormone and testicular volume. Of 24 males who had attempted to conceive, 6 had fathered children. In conclusion, the risk of male gonadal dysfunction after pediatric HSCT is high and depends primarily on the cumulative testicular irradiation dose and pubertal stage at transplantation. Our findings support the need for fertility preservation before HSCT, as well as for prolonged follow-up of pediatric HSCT recipients into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel Mathiesen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaspar Sørensen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Mejdahl Nielsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anu Suominen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marianne Ifversen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Grell
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Päivi Lähteenmäki
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and Turku University, Turku, Finland
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Müller
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Inflammation Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Delessard M, Saulnier J, Rives A, Dumont L, Rondanino C, Rives N. Exposure to Chemotherapy During Childhood or Adulthood and Consequences on Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041454. [PMID: 32093393 PMCID: PMC7073108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the number of cancer survivors has increased thanks to progress in diagnosis and treatment. Cancer treatments are often accompanied by adverse side effects depending on the age of the patient, the type of cancer, the treatment regimen, and the doses. The testicular tissue is very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review will summarize the epidemiological and experimental data concerning the consequences of exposure to chemotherapy during the prepubertal period or adulthood on spermatogenic progression, sperm production, sperm nuclear quality, and the health of the offspring. Studies concerning the gonadotoxicity of anticancer drugs in adult survivors of childhood cancer are still limited compared with those concerning the effects of chemotherapy exposure during adulthood. In humans, it is difficult to evaluate exactly the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents because cancer treatments often combine chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, it is important to undertake experimental studies in animal models in order to define the mechanism involved in the drug gonadotoxicity and to assess the effects of their administration alone or in combination on immature and mature testis. These data will help to better inform cancer patients after recovery about the risks of chemotherapy for their future fertility and to propose fertility preservation options.
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