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Xie L, Ding Y, Zhang X. Melatonin and ovarian tissue transplantation: Current frontiers in research. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102726. [PMID: 38219858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102726] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The progress achieved in anticancer therapy in recent years has been paralleled by an increase in the survival of women with cancer globally. Nonetheless, the gonadotoxic impact of anticancer drugs has led to ovarian failure in treated women. While there are documented cases of successful ovarian tissue transplants resulting in restored fertility and childbirth, challenges persist, including suboptimal functional recovery and limited graft lifespan. Melatonin, an inert hormone primarily secreted by the mammalian pineal gland, exhibits diverse physiological functions, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and angiogenesis-regulating properties. Consequently, researchers have explored melatonin as a modulator to enhance graft function recovery in ovarian transplantation experiments, yielding promising outcomes. This review examines the relevant literature, consolidating findings that underscore the positive effects of melatonin in safeguarding the morphology and structure of transplanted ovarian tissues, facilitating graft function recovery, and extending lifespan. The amassed evidence supports the consideration of melatonin as a prospective protective agent for human ovarian tissue transplantation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 111 Ning Guo Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 Shen Yang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Xuyin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 Shen Yang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200090, China.
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Pei C, Todorov P, Cao M, Kong Q, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann-Gottschalk N, Uribe P, Sanchez R, Isachenko V. Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses for the Optimization of Thawing Regimes during Conventional Cryopreservation of Mature and Immature Human Testicular Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:214. [PMID: 38203385 PMCID: PMC10778995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010214] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human testicular tissue, as a key element of anticancer therapy, includes the following stages: saturation with cryoprotectants, freezing, thawing, and removal of cryoprotectants. According to the point of view existing in "classical" cryobiology, the thawing mode is the most important consideration in the entire process of cryopreservation of any type of cells, including cells of testicular tissue. The existing postulate in cryobiology states that any frozen types of cells must be thawed as quickly as possible. The technologically maximum possible thawing temperature is 100 °C, which is used in our technology for the cryopreservation of testicular tissue. However, there are other points of view on the rate of cell thawing, according to how thawing should be carried out at physiological temperatures. In fact, there are morphological and functional differences between immature (from prepubertal patients) and mature testicular tissue. Accordingly, the question of the influence of thawing temperature on both types of tissues is relevant. The purpose of this study is to explore the transcriptomic differences of cryopreserved mature and immature testicular tissue subjected to different thawing methods by RNA sequencing. Collected and frozen testicular tissue samples were divided into four groups: quickly (in boiling water at 100 °C) thawed cryopreserved mature testicular tissue (group 1), slowly (by a physiological temperature of 37 °C) thawed mature testicular tissue (group 2), quickly thawed immature testicular tissue (group 3), and slowly thawed immature testicular tissue (group 4). Transcriptomic differences were assessed using differentially expressed genes (DEG), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), gene ontology (GO), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. No fundamental differences in the quality of cells of mature and immature testicular tissue after cryopreservation were found. Generally, thawing of mature and immature testicular tissue was more effective at 100 °C. The greatest difference in the intensity of gene expression was observed in ribosomes of cells thawed at 100 °C in comparison with cells thawed at 37 °C. In conclusion, an elevated speed of thawing is beneficial for frozen testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Pei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
| | - Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Mengyang Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
| | - Qingduo Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum AMEDES für IVF- und Pränatalmedizin in Köln GmbH, 50968 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nina Mallmann-Gottschalk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco 4810296, Chile; (P.U.); (R.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Raul Sanchez
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco 4810296, Chile; (P.U.); (R.S.)
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Volodimir Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.P.); (Q.K.); (E.I.); (N.M.-G.)
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Chen J, Isachenko E, Wang W, Du X, Wang M, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Isachenko V. Optimization of Follicle Isolation for Bioengineering of Human Artificial Ovary. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 20:529-539. [PMID: 34936496 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A functional artificial ovary is a promising strategy to recover fertility and restore endocrine function in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to optimize the follicle isolation protocol for cryopreserved human ovarian tissues. Methods: Each of the cryopreserved human ovarian cortex pieces (OCPs) from 10 patients was cut into two equal parts and randomly distributed into two treatment groups. Group 1: OCPs digested with Tumor Dissociation Enzyme (TDE); Group 2: OCPs digested with Liberase Dispase High (DH). The efficiency of both groups were evaluated in terms of yield, viability, morphology, and a short-term in vitro culture (IVC) in alginate scaffolds. Results: The TDE can isolate more primordial follicles and smaller diameter of follicles than Liberase DH. The TDE also enabled the isolation of more bright red follicles, higher percent of viable follicles, more morphologically normal follicles, and lower oxidative stress levels compared with Liberase DH. After eight days of IVC, follicles in the TDE group had a higher growth rate from Day 0 to Day 8, and higher viability on Day 8 than the Liberase DH Group. Conclusion: The TDE can be considered an alternative to Liberase DH, enables the isolation of a higher number of healthy follicles from human OCPs, and improves follicle survival after IVC in contrast to Liberase DH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany.,Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wanxue Wang
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Xinxin Du
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mengying Wang
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
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High cryo-resistance of SARS-CoV-2 virus: Increased risk of re-contamination at transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue after COVID-19 pandemic. Cryobiology 2021; 103:1-6. [PMID: 34571024 PMCID: PMC8463116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation and re-transplantation of ovarian tissue after anticancer treatment is important medical technology. Today, during a pandemic, the risk of contamination of transplanted cells with SARS-CoV-2 virus is extremely high. Data about cryo-resistance (virulence and/or infectivity) of SARS-CoV-2 are limited. Analysis and systematization of literature data allow us to draw the following conclusions: 1) The cytoplasmic membrane of somatic cell, like envelope of corona viruses, consists of lipid bilayer and this membrane, like envelope of corona virus, contains membrane proteins. Thus, we can consider the cytoplasmic membrane of an ordinary somatic cell as a model of the envelope membrane of SARS-CoV-2. It is expected that the response of the virus to cryopreservation is similar to that of a somatic cell. SARS-CoV-2 is more poor-water and more protein-rich than somatic cell, and this virus is much more cryo-resistant. 2) The exposure of somatic cells at low positive temperatures increases a viability of these cells. The safety of the virus is also in direct proportion to the decrease in temperature: the positive effect of low temperatures on SARS-CoV-2 virus has been experimentally proven. 3) Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 to cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation is extremely high. The high viability rate of SARS-CoV-2 after freezing-drying confirms its high cryo-resistance. 4) The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissues that have been contaminated with this virus, increases significantly. Our own experimental data on the increase in the viability of cancer cells after cryopreservation allow us to formulate a hypothesis about increasing of viability (virulence and/or infectivity) of SARS-CoV-2 virus after cryopreservation.
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Chen J, Todorov P, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Isachenko V. Construction and cryopreservation of an artificial ovary in cancer patients as an element of cancer therapy and a promising approach to fertility restoration. HUM FERTIL 2021; 25:651-661. [PMID: 33648431 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1885756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The proportion of cancer patients that survive is increasing because of improvements in cancer therapy. However, some cancer treatments, such as chemo- and radio-therapies, can cause considerable damage to reproductive function. The issue of fertility is paramount for women of childbearing age once they are cured from cancer. For those patients with prepubertal or haematogenous cancer, the possibilities of conventional fertility treatments, such as oocyte or embryo cryopreservation and transplantation, are limited. Moreover, ovarian tissue cryopreservation as an alternative to fertility preservation has limitations, with a risk of re-implanting malignant cells in patients who have recovered from potentially fatal malignant disease. One possible way to restore fertility in these patients is to mimic artificially the function of the natural organ, the ovary, by grafting isolated follicles embedded in a biological scaffold to their native environment. Construction and cryopreservation of an artificial ovary might offer a safer alternative option to restore fertility for those who cannot benefit from traditional fertility preservation techniques. This review considers the protocols for constructing an artificial ovary, summarises advances in the field with potential clinical application, and discusses future trends for cryopreservation of these artificial constructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
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