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Bashiri Z, Hosseini SJ, Salem M, Koruji M. In vivo and in vitro sperm production: an overview of the challenges and advances in male fertility restoration. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:171-180. [PMID: 38525520 PMCID: PMC11372308 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by genetic anomalies, endocrine disorders, inflammation, and exposure to toxic chemicals or gonadotoxic treatments. Therefore, several recent studies have concentrated on the preservation and restoration of fertility to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. It is currently recommended to biobank the tissue extracted from testicular biopsies to provide a later source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Another successful approach has been the in vitro production of haploid male germ cells. The capacity of SSCs to transform into sperm, as in testicular tissue transplantation, SSC therapy, and in vitro or ex vivo spermatogenesis, makes them ideal candidates for in vivo fertility restoration. The transplantation of SSCs or testicular tissue to regenerate spermatogenesis and create embryos has been achieved in nonhuman mammal species. Although the outcomes of human trials have yet to be released, this method may soon be approved for clinical use in humans. Furthermore, regenerative medicine techniques that develop tissue or cells on organic or synthetic scaffolds enriched with bioactive molecules have also gained traction. All of these methods are now in different stages of experimentation and clinical trials. However, thanks to rigorous studies on the safety and effectiveness of SSC-based reproductive treatments, some of these techniques may be clinically available in upcoming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Omid Fertility and Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hosseini
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Aponte PM, Gutierrez-Reinoso MA, Garcia-Herreros M. Bridging the Gap: Animal Models in Next-Generation Reproductive Technologies for Male Fertility Preservation. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:17. [PMID: 38276265 PMCID: PMC10820126 DOI: 10.3390/life14010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to explore advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, underscoring the essential role that animal models have played in shaping these techniques through historical contexts and into modern applications. Rising infertility concerns have become more prevalent in human populations recently. The surge in male fertility issues has prompted advanced reproductive technologies, with animal models playing a pivotal role in their evolution. Historically, animal models have aided our understanding in the field, from early reproductive basic research to developing techniques like artificial insemination, multiple ovulation, and in vitro fertilization. The contemporary landscape of male fertility preservation encompasses techniques such as sperm cryopreservation, testicular sperm extraction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, among others. The relevance of animal models will undoubtedly bridge the gap between traditional methods and revolutionary next-generation reproductive techniques, fortifying our collective efforts in enhancing male fertility preservation strategies. While we possess extensive knowledge about spermatogenesis and its regulation, largely thanks to insights from animal models that paved the way for human infertility treatments, a pressing need remains to further understand specific infertility issues unique to humans. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how animal models have influenced the development and refinement of advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, and to assess their future potential in bridging the gap between current practices and cutting-edge fertility techniques, particularly in addressing unique human male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. Aponte
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina “One-Health”, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Campus Cumbayá, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Miguel A. Gutierrez-Reinoso
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), Latacunga 050150, Ecuador;
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción (UdeC), Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Manuel Garcia-Herreros
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), 2005-048 Santarém, Portugal
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Bashiri Z, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Khadivi F, Salem M, Afzali A, Cham TC, Koruji M. In vitro spermatogenesis in artificial testis: current knowledge and clinical implications for male infertility. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 394:393-421. [PMID: 37721632 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Men's reproductive health exclusively depends on the appropriate maturation of certain germ cells known as sperm. Certain illnesses, such as Klinefelter syndrome, cryptorchidism, and syndrome of androgen insensitivity or absence of testis maturation in men, resulting in the loss of germ cells and the removal of essential genes on the Y chromosome, can cause non-obstructive azoospermia. According to laboratory research, preserving, proliferating, differentiating, and transplanting spermatogonial stem cells or testicular tissue could be future methods for preserving the fertility of children with cancer and men with azoospermia. Therefore, new advances in stem cell research may lead to promising therapies for treating male infertility. The rate of progression and breakthrough in the area of in vitro spermatogenesis is lower than that of SSC transplantation, but newer methods are also being developed. In this regard, tissue and cell culture, supplements, and 3D scaffolds have opened new horizons in the differentiation of stem cells in vitro, which could improve the outcomes of male infertility. Various 3D methods have been developed to produce cellular aggregates and mimic the organization and function of the testis. The production of an artificial reproductive organ that supports SSCs differentiation will certainly be a main step in male infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Afzali
- Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
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4
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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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Tran KTD, Valli-Pulaski H, Colvin A, Orwig KE. Male fertility preservation and restoration strategies for patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:382-405. [PMID: 35403667 PMCID: PMC9382377 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical treatments for cancers or other conditions can lead to permanent infertility. Infertility is an insidious disease that impacts not only the ability to have a biological child but also the emotional well-being of the infertile individuals, relationships, finances, and overall health. Therefore, all patients should be educated about the effects of their medical treatments on future fertility and about fertility preservation options. The standard fertility preservation option for adolescent and adult men is sperm cryopreservation. Sperms can be frozen and stored for a long period, thawed at a later date, and used to achieve pregnancy with existing assisted reproductive technologies. However, sperm cryopreservation is not applicable for prepubertal patients who do not yet produce sperm. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys is testicular tissue cryopreservation. Next-generation technologies are being developed to mature those testicular cells or tissues to produce fertilization-competent sperms. When sperm and testicular tissues are not available for fertility preservation, inducing pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, such as blood or skin, may provide an alternative path to produce sperms through a process call in vitro gametogenesis. This review describes standard and experimental options to preserve male fertility as well as the experimental options to produce functional spermatids or sperms from immature cryopreserved testicular tissues or somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kien T D Tran
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hanna Valli-Pulaski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Colvin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Correspondence: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Tel: 412-641-2460; E-mail:
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Kanbar M, Delwiche G, Wyns C. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: are we ready for autologous grafting of cryopreserved immature testicular tissue? ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2022; 83:210-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Eugeni E, Arato I, Del Sordo R, Sidoni A, Garolla A, Ferlin A, Calafiore R, Brancorsini S, Mancuso F, Luca G. Fertility Preservation and Restoration Options for Pre-Pubertal Male Cancer Patients: Current Approaches. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:877537. [PMID: 35784573 PMCID: PMC9244702 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.877537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation for prepubertal male patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies, potentially depleting spermatogonial cells, is an expanding necessity, yet most of the feasible options are still in the experimental phase. We present our experience and a summary of current and novel possibilities regarding the different strategies to protect or restore fertility in young male patients, before proceeding with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for malignances or other diseases. Adult oncological patients should always be counselled to cryopreserve the semen before starting treatment, however this approach is not suitable for prepubertal boys, who aren't capable to produce sperm yet. Fortunately, since the survival rate of pediatric cancer patients has skyrocketed in the last decade and it's over 84%, safeguarding their future fertility is becoming a major concern for reproductive medicine. Surgical and medical approaches to personalize treatment or protect the gonads could be a valid first step to take. Testicular tissue autologous grafting or xenografting, and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation, are the main experimental options available, but spermatogenesis in vitro is becoming an intriguing alternative. All of these methods feature both strong and weak prospects. There is also relevant controversy regarding the type of testicular material to preserve and the cryopreservation methods. Since transplanted cells are bound to survive based on SSCs number, many ways to enrich their population in cultures have been proposed, as well as different sites of injection inside the testis. Testicular tissue graft has been experimented on mice, rabbits, rhesus macaques and porcine, allowing the birth of live offspring after performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), however it has never been performed on human males yet. In vitro spermatogenesis remains a mirage, although many steps in the right direction have been performed. The manufacturing of 3D scaffolds and artificial spermatogenetic niche, providing support to stem cells in cultures, seems like the best way to further advance in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Eugeni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Terni, Terni, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Eugeni,
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rachele Del Sordo
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Sidoni
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Section of Pathology (Terni), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Terni, Terni, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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8
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Wu JX, Xia T, She LP, Lin S, Luo XM. Stem Cell Therapies for Human Infertility: Advantages and Challenges. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221083252. [PMID: 35348026 PMCID: PMC8969497 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221083252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental health and hormonal imbalance are associated with the problems related to infertility and reproductive disorders. The rate of infertility has increased globally over the years, due to various reasons. Given the psychosocial implications of infertility and its effects on the life of the affected people, there has been an increased focus on its treatment over the last several years. Assisted reproductive technology can only solve about 50% of the cases. Moreover, it contains significant risks and does not solve the fundamental problem of infertility. As pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into almost any type of cell, they have been widely regarded as a promising option in the development of stem cell-based fertility treatments, which could even correct genetic diseases in offspring. These advancements in reproductive biotechnology present both challenges and possibilities for solving infertility problems caused by various unexplainable factors. This review briefly presents the different types of infertility disorders and the potential applications of stem cells in the treatment of these reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xiang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Li-Ping She
- New England Fertility Institute, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiang-Min Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Kaneko H, Kikuchi K, Men NT, Dang-Nguyen TQ, Oyadomari M, Touma S, Suzuki N, Katagiri Y. Embryo production by intracytoplasmic injection of sperm retrieved from neonatal testicular tissue of Agu pigs after cryopreservation and grafting into nude mice. Anim Sci J 2021; 91:e13479. [PMID: 33331680 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Agu is the only indigenous pig breed in Japan but its population is very small. In order to estimate the efficacy of testicular xenografting for the conservation of Agu pigs, we investigated whether neonatal testicular fragments would acquire the capacity to produce sperm after they had been cryopreserved and grafted into nude mice. Although on day 180 (day 0 = xenografting), grafts showed a low proportion of seminiferous tubule cross-sections containing sperm (0.1 ± 0.1%, mean ± SEM for four mice), the proportion reached 36.9 ± 16.7% (n = 4 mice) by day 240. When single sperm obtained on day 240 was injected into individual porcine oocytes, 28.2% of the oocytes were found to contain one male and one female pronuclei with the second polar body. Moreover, the blastocyst formation rate after injection of the xenogeneic sperm was 28.4%, whereas that in the absence of sperm injection (attributable to parthenogenesis) was 13.3%. These findings suggest that more than half of the blastocysts resulted from fertilization. Thus, testicular xenografting could assist the conservation of Agu pigs by salvaging germ cells present in neonatal testes even after cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Nguyen Thi Men
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Thanh Quang Dang-Nguyen
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Motoharu Oyadomari
- Okinawa Prefectural Livestock and Grassland Research Center, Nakijin, Japan
| | - Shihei Touma
- Okinawa Prefectural Livestock and Grassland Research Center, Nakijin, Japan
| | - Naoto Suzuki
- Okinawa Prefectural Livestock and Grassland Research Center, Nakijin, Japan
| | - Yoshito Katagiri
- Okinawa Prefectural Livestock and Grassland Research Center, Nakijin, Japan
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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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Germ cell depletion in recipient testis has adverse effects on spermatogenesis in orthotopically transplanted testis pieces via retinoic acid insufficiency. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10796. [PMID: 32612133 PMCID: PMC7330030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67595-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell depletion in recipient testes is indispensable for successful transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells. However, we found that such treatment had an adverse effect on spermatogenesis of orthotopically transplanted donor testis tissues. In the donor tissue, the frequency of stimulated by retinoic acid (RA) 8 (STRA8) expression was reduced in germ cells, suggesting that RA signalling indispensable for spermatogenesis was attenuated in germ cell-depleted recipient testes. In this context, germ cell depletion diminished expression of testicular Aldh1a2, which is responsible for testicular RA synthesis, while Cyp26b1, which is responsible for testicular RA metabolism, was still expressed even after germ cell depletion, suggesting an alteration of the RA synthesis/metabolism ratio. These observations suggested that RA insufficiency was one of the causes of the defective donor spermatogenesis. Indeed, repetitive RA administrations significantly improved donor spermatogenesis to produce fertile offspring without any side effects. These findings may contribute to improving fertility preservation techniques for males, especially to prevent iatrogenic infertility induced by chemotherapy in prepubertal cancer patients.
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Abstract
This chapter highlights the importance of reproductive technologies that are applied to porcine breeds. Nowadays the porcine industry, part of a high technological and specialized sector, offers high-quality protein food. The development of the swine industry is founded in the development of breeding/genetics, nutrition, animal husbandry, and animal health. The implementation of reproductive technologies in swine has conducted to levels of productivity never reached before. In addition, the pig is becoming an important species for biomedicine. The generation of pig models for human disease, xenotransplantation, or production of therapeutic proteins for human medicine has in fact generated a growing field of interest.
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13
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Gauthier-Fisher A, Kauffman A, Librach CL. Potential use of stem cells for fertility preservation. Andrology 2019; 8:862-878. [PMID: 31560823 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and gonadal dysfunction can result from gonadotoxic therapies, environmental exposures, aging, or genetic conditions. In men, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) results from defects in the spermatogenic process that can be attributed to spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) or their niche, or both. While assisted reproductive technologies and sperm banking can enable fertility preservation (FP) in men of reproductive age who are at risk for infertility, FP for pre-pubertal patients remains experimental. Therapeutic options for NOA are limited. The rapid advance of stem cell research and of gene editing technologies could enable new FP options for these patients. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), SSC, and testicular niche cells, as well as mesenchymal stromal cells (aka medicinal signaling cells, MSCs), have been investigated for their potential use in male FP strategies. OBJECTIVE Here, we review the benefits and challenges for three types of stem cell-based approaches under investigation for male FP, focusing on the role that promising sources of MSC derived from human umbilical cord, specifically human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVC), could fulfill. These approaches are as follows: 1. isolation and ex vivo expansion of autologous SSC for in vivo transplantation or in vitro spermatogenesis; 2. in vitro differentiation toward germ cell and testicular somatic cell lineages using autologous SSC, or stem cells such iPSC or MSC; and 3. protection or regeneration of the spermatogenic niche after gonadotoxic insults in vivo. CONCLUSION Our studies suggest that HUCPVC are promising sources of cells that could be utilized in multiple aspects of male FP strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Kauffman
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Kaneko H, Kikuchi K, Men NT, Noguchi J. Embryo production by intracytoplasmic injection of sperm retrieved from Meishan neonatal testicular tissue cryopreserved and grafted into nude mice. Anim Sci J 2018; 90:158-166. [PMID: 30523649 PMCID: PMC6587828 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Testicular xenografting, combined with cryopreservation can assist conservation of the genetic diversity of indigenous pigs by salvaging germ cells from their neonatal testes. Using Meishan male piglets as an example, we examined whether testicular tissue would acquire the ability to produce sperm after cryopreservation and grafting into nude mice (MS group). For comparison, testicular tissue from neonatal Western crossbreed male piglets was used (WC group). Sixty days after xenografting (day 0 = grafting), MS grafts had already developed seminiferous tubules containing sperm, whereas in the WC grafts, sperm first appeared on day 120. The proportion of tubules containing spermatids and sperm was higher in the MS group than in the WC group between days 90 and 120. Moreover, in vitro‐matured porcine oocytes injected with a single sperm obtained from the MS group on day 180 developed to the blastocyst stage. The blastocyst formation rate after injection of the xenogeneic sperm was 14.6%, whereas the ratio in the absence of such injection (attributable to parthenogenesis) was 6.7%. Thus, cryopreserved Meishan testicular tissue acquired spermatogenic activity in host mice 60 days earlier than Western crossbreed tissue. Such xenogeneic sperm are likely capable of generating blastocysts in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Nguyen Thi Men
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Junko Noguchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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15
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Kaneko H, Kikuchi K, Nakai M, Fuchimoto D, Suzuki S, Sembon S, Noguchi J, Onishi A. Establishment of a strain of haemophilia-A pigs by xenografting of foetal testicular tissue from neonatally moribund cloned pigs. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17026. [PMID: 29208927 PMCID: PMC5717049 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Grafting of testicular tissue into immunodeficient mice makes it possible to obtain functional sperm from immature donor animals that cannot be used for reproduction. We have developed a porcine model of human haemophilia A (haemophilia-A pigs) by nuclear transfer cloning from foetal fibroblasts after disruption of the X-linked coagulation factor VIII (F8) gene. Despite having a recessive condition, female F8+/- cloned pigs died of severe bleeding at an early age, as was the case for male F8-/Y cloned pigs, thus making it impossible to obtain progeny. In this study, therefore, we produced sperm from F8-/Y cloned pigs by grafting their foetal testicular tissue into nude mice. Two F8+/- female pigs were generated from oocytes injected with xenogeneic sperm. Unlike the F8+/- cloned pigs, they remained asymptomatic, and delivered five F8-/Y and four F8+/- pigs after being crossed with wild-type boars. The descendant F8-/Y pigs conserved the haemophilia phenotype. Thus, the present F8+/- pigs show resolution of the phenotypic abnormality, and will facilitate production of F8-/Y pigs as founders of a strain of haemophilia-A pigs for the development of new therapeutics for haemophilia A. This strategy will be applicable to other genetically modified pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan.,NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8517, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Fuchimoto
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan.
| | - Shunichi Suzuki
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan.
| | - Shoichiro Sembon
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan.,NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8517, Japan
| | - Junko Noguchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan
| | - Akira Onishi
- Nihon University, College of Bioresource Sciences, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
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16
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Xenotransplantation as a model for human testicular development. Differentiation 2017; 97:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Grèze V, Kanold J, Chambon F, Halle P, Gremeau AS, Rives N, Rouel N, Pereira B, Tchirkov A, Brugnon F. RT-qPCR for PHOX2B mRNA is a highly specific and sensitive method to assess neuroblastoma minimal residual disease in testicular tissue. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:860-866. [PMID: 28693243 PMCID: PMC5494720 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common type of extracranial solid tumor in children with a high prevalence in toddlers. For childhood cancer survivors, preservation of reproductive potential is an important factor for quality of life. The optimization of NB minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in testicular tissue is crucial to evaluate the risk of malignant cell reintroduction. The first step in the present study was to assess the accuracy of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), paired-like homeobox 2b (PHOX2B) and doublecortin (DCX) mRNA expression in frozen/thawed testicular tissues of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) contaminated (in vitro model) with an increasing number of IMR-32 and SK-N-SH NB cells. Testicular tissues were frozen by slow or snap freezing. The second step was to determine the expression levels of these markers in testicular samples from 4 pre-pubertal males (2 with stage IV NB and 2 with non-NB malignancy). The yield of extracted RNA was similar in testicular samples frozen by slow or snap freezing. In the in vitro model, TH and DCX transcripts were detected in uncontaminated testicular tissues, whereas PHOX2B mRNA was not detected. There was a strong positive association between the number of NB cells used for contamination and PHOX2B transcript levels. For IMR-32 and SK-N-SH NB cell lines, specificity and sensitivity rates of detection were 100% for PHOX2B following in vitro contamination with 10 tumor cells. In testicular samples from pre-pubertal males with and without NB, PHOX2B mRNA expression was not observed, but high expression levels of TH and DCX mRNA were detected, which were similar to expression detected in the in vitro model. Among the markers used in blood and bone marrow for NB MRD studies, the detection of PHOX2B transcripts by RT-qPCR may provide an accurate assessment of NB cells in testicular tissues from males who require fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Grèze
- Service Hématologie Oncologie Pédiatrique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM-CIC 1405, Unité CRECHE, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Justyna Kanold
- Service Hématologie Oncologie Pédiatrique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM-CIC 1405, Unité CRECHE, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Centre de Biothérapie d'Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fanny Chambon
- Service Hématologie Oncologie Pédiatrique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM-CIC 1405, Unité CRECHE, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pascale Halle
- Centre de Biothérapie d'Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Gremeau
- Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gamètogenèse et Qualité du Gamète', Rouen University Hospital, F-76000 Rouen, France.,Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Nadège Rouel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM-CIC 1405, Unité CRECHE, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Unité de Biostatistiques, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et l'Innovation, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Andrei Tchirkov
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
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18
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Update on fertility restoration from prepubertal spermatogonial stem cells: How far are we from clinical practice? Stem Cell Res 2017; 21:171-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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19
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Kaneko H, Kikuchi K, Men NT, Nakai M, Noguchi J, Kashiwazaki N, Ito J. Production of sperm from porcine fetal testicular tissue after cryopreservation and grafting into nude mice. Theriogenology 2017; 91:154-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Tada N, Kanai F, Nakamura E, Lu H, Sato M. Syngenic grafting of a whole juvenile male gonadal tissue into the adult testes confers successful spermatogenesis in mice. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjr.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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21
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Kikuchi K, Kaneko H, Nakai M, Somfai T, Kashiwazaki N, Nagai T. Contribution of in vitro systems to preservation and utilization of porcine genetic resources. Theriogenology 2016; 86:170-5. [PMID: 27142488 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the conservation or preservation of mammalian genetic resources, especially farm animals, has been conducted under in situ conditions by maintaining living individuals as "livestock." However, systems for laboratory in vitro embryo production using gametes such as spermatozoa and oocytes are now available, in addition to ex situ preservation methods for mammalian genetic resources. One of these methods is the cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, and gonadal tissues. In pigs, freezing of sperm is the most reliable and well-established method for this purpose. On the other hand, cryopreservation of female gametes (oocytes) and gonadal tissues-usually by vitrification-has been associated with very low efficacies. Recently, in our laboratory, some research themes related to this issue have been pursued. We have been focusing on advances in porcine in vitro embryo production systems, and here, we introduce recent data on the vitrification of porcine immature oocytes and gonadal tissues followed by their xenografting into host mice to produce gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tamas Somfai
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagai
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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22
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Picton HM, Wyns C, Anderson RA, Goossens E, Jahnukainen K, Kliesch S, Mitchell RT, Pennings G, Rives N, Tournaye H, van Pelt AMM, Eichenlaub-Ritter U, Schlatt S. A European perspective on testicular tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in prepubertal and adolescent boys. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2463-75. [PMID: 26358785 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What clinical practices, patient management strategies and experimental methods are currently being used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys and adolescent males? SUMMARY ANSWER Based on a review of the clinical literature and research evidence for sperm freezing and testicular tissue cryopreservation, and after consideration of the relevant ethical and legal challenges, an algorithm for the cryopreservation of sperm and testicular tissue is proposed for prepubertal boys and adolescent males at high risk of fertility loss. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A known late effect of the chemotherapy agents and radiation exposure regimes used to treat childhood cancers and other non-malignant conditions in males is the damage and/or loss of the proliferating spermatogonial stem cells in the testis. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is the first line treatment for fertility preservation in adolescent males. Where sperm retrieval is impossible, such as in prepubertal boys, or it is unfeasible in adolescents prior to the onset of ablative therapies, alternative experimental treatments such as testicular tissue cryopreservation and the harvesting and banking of isolated spermatogonial stem cells can now be proposed as viable means of preserving fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Advances in clinical treatments, patient management strategies and the research methods used to preserve sperm and testicular tissue for prepubertal boys and adolescents were reviewed. A snapshot of the up-take of testis cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of young males prior to December 2012 was provided using a questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted. In addition, survey results of testis freezing practices in young patients were collated from 24 European centres and Israeli University Hospitals. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There is increasing evidence of the use of testicular tissue cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of pre- and peri-pubertal boys of up to 16 year-old. The survey results indicate that of the 14 respondents, half of the centres were actively offering testis tissue cryobanking as a means of safeguarding the future fertility of boys and adolescents as more than 260 young patients (age range less than 1 year old to 16 years of age), had already undergone testicular tissue retrieval and storage for fertility preservation. The remaining centres were considering the implementation of a tissue-based fertility preservation programme for boys undergoing oncological treatments. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The data collected were limited by the scope of the questionnaire, the geographical range of the survey area, and the small number of respondents. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The clinical and research questions identified and the ethical and legal issues raised are highly relevant to the multi-disciplinary teams developing treatment strategies to preserve the fertility of prepubertal and adolescent boys who have a high risk of fertility loss due to ablative interventions, trauma or genetic pre-disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Picton
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Christine Wyns
- Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), 1200 Brussels, Belgium Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Research Group Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Faculty of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalie Rives
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Research Team EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and gamete quality', IRIB, Rouen University Hospital, University of Rouen, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of the Brussels Free University, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ursula Eichenlaub-Ritter
- Faculty of Biology, Gene Technology/Microbiology, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld 33501, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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23
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Arregui L, Dobrinski I, Roldan ERS. Germ cell survival and differentiation after xenotransplantation of testis tissue from three endangered species: Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) and Mohor gazelle (G. dama mhorr). Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 26:817-26. [PMID: 23763851 DOI: 10.1071/rd12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive techniques for endangered species is a major goal for conservation. One of these techniques, testis tissue xenografting, allows for the development of spermatozoa from animals that die before reaching sexual maturity. To assess the potential use of this technique with endangered species, testis tissue from six Iberian lynxes (one fetus, two perinatal cubs, two 6-month-old and one 2-year-old lynx), two Cuvier's gazelle fetuses and one 8-month-old Mohor gazelle were transplanted ectopically into nude mice. Tissue from the lynx fetus, perinatal cubs and 2-year-old donors degenerated, whereas spermatogonia were present in 15% of seminiferous tubules more than 70 weeks after grafting in transplanted testis tissue from 6-month-old donors. Seminal vesicle weights (indicative of testosterone production) increased over time in mice transplanted with tissue from 6-month-old lynxes. Progression of spermatogenesis was observed in xenografts from gazelles and was donor age dependent. Tissue from Cuvier's gazelle fetuses contained spermatocytes 40 weeks after grafting. Finally, round spermatids were found 28 weeks after transplantation in grafts from the 8-month-old Mohor gazelle. This is the first time that xenotransplantation of testicular tissue has been performed with an endangered felid and the first successful xenotransplantation in an endangered species. Our results open important options for the preservation of biological diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Arregui
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), C/José Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), C/José Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Aponte PM. Spermatogonial stem cells: Current biotechnological advances in reproduction and regenerative medicine. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:669-680. [PMID: 26029339 PMCID: PMC4444608 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i4.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the germ stem cells of the seminiferous epithelium in the testis. Through the process of spermatogenesis, they produce sperm while concomitantly keeping their cellular pool constant through self-renewal. SSC biology offers important applications for animal reproduction and overcoming human disease through regenerative therapies. To this end, several techniques involving SSCs have been developed and will be covered in this article. SSCs convey genetic information to the next generation, a property that can be exploited for gene targeting. Additionally, SSCs can be induced to become embryonic stem cell-like pluripotent cells in vitro. Updates on SSC transplantation techniques with related applications, such as fertility restoration and preservation of endangered species, are also covered on this article. SSC suspensions can be transplanted to the testis of an animal and this has given the basis for SSC functional assays. This procedure has proven technically demanding in large animals and men. In parallel, testis tissue xenografting, another transplantation technique, was developed and resulted in sperm production in testis explants grafted into ectopical locations in foreign species. Since SSC culture holds a pivotal role in SSC biotechnologies, current advances are overviewed. Finally, spermatogenesis in vitro, already demonstrated in mice, offers great promises to cope with reproductive issues in the farm animal industry and human clinical applications.
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25
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Pukazhenthi BS, Nagashima J, Travis AJ, Costa GM, Escobar EN, França LR, Wildt DE. Slow freezing, but not vitrification supports complete spermatogenesis in cryopreserved, neonatal sheep testicular xenografts. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123957. [PMID: 25923660 PMCID: PMC4414479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to spur growth of early stage gametic cells recovered from neonates could lead to significant advances in rescuing the genomes of rare genotypes or endangered species that die unexpectedly. The purpose of this study was to determine, for the first time, the ability of two substantially different cryopreservation approaches, slow freezing versus vitrification, to preserve testicular tissue of the neonatal sheep and subsequently allow initiation of spermatogenesis post-xenografting. Testis tissue from four lambs (3-5 wk old) was processed and then untreated or subjected to slow freezing or vitrification. Tissue pieces (fresh, n = 214; slow freezing, then thawing, n = 196; vitrification, then warming, n = 139) were placed subcutaneously under the dorsal skin of SCID mice and then grafts recovered and evaluated 17 wk later. Grafts from fresh and slow frozen tissue contained the most advanced stages of spermatogenesis, including normal tubule architecture with elongating spermatids in ~1% (fresh) and ~10% (slow frozen) of tubules. Fewer than 2% of seminiferous tubules advanced to the primary spermatocyte stage in xenografts derived from vitrified tissue. Results demonstrate that slow freezing of neonatal lamb testes was far superior to vitrification in preserving cellular integrity and function after xenografting, including allowing ~10% of tubules to retain the capacity to resume spermatogenesis and yield mature spermatozoa. Although a first for any ruminant species, findings also illustrate the importance of preemptive studies that examine cryo-sensitivity of testicular tissue before attempting this type of male fertility preservation on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budhan S. Pukazhenthi
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Nagashima
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexander J. Travis
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Guilherme M. Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Enrique N. Escobar
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luiz R. França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - David E. Wildt
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
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Hisamatsu S, Sakaue M, Takizawa A, Kato T, Kamoshita M, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Knockout of targeted gene in porcine somatic cells using zinc-finger nuclease. Anim Sci J 2014; 86:132-7. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hisamatsu
- Department of Environmental Sciences; School of Life and Environmental Science; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
| | - Motoharu Sakaue
- Department of Anatomy II; Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
| | - Akiko Takizawa
- Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Tsubasa Kato
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
| | - Maki Kamoshita
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences; Azabu University; Sagamihara Japan
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Arregui L, Dobrinski I. Xenografting of testicular tissue pieces: 12 years of an in vivo spermatogenesis system. Reproduction 2014; 148:R71-84. [PMID: 25150043 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic and complex process that involves endocrine and testicular factors. During xenotransplantation of testicular tissue fragments into immunodecifient mice, a functional communication between host brain and donor testis is established. This interaction allows for the progression of spermatogenesis and recovery of fertilisation-competent spermatozoa from a broad range of mammalian species. In the last few years, significant progress has been achieved in testis tissue xenografting that improves our knowledge about the factors determining the success of grafting. The goal of this review is to provide up to date information about the role of factors such as donor age, donor species, testis tissue preservation or type of recipient mouse on the efficiency of this technique. Applications are described and compared with other techniques with similar purposes. Recent work has demonstrated that testicular tissue xenografting is used as a model to study gonadotoxicity of drugs and to obtain sperm from valuable young males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Arregui
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin 2, Madrid 28049, SpainDepartment of Comparative Biology and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin 2, Madrid 28049, SpainDepartment of Comparative Biology and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Normal reproductive development of pigs produced using sperm retrieved from immature testicular tissue cryopreserved and grafted into nude mice. Theriogenology 2014; 82:325-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Nakai M, Ozawa M, Maedomari N, Noguchi J, Kaneko H, Ito J, Onishi A, Kashiwazaki N, Kikuchi K. Delay in cleavage of porcine embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) shows poorer embryonic development. J Reprod Dev 2014; 60:256-9. [PMID: 24694523 PMCID: PMC4085392 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, the embryonic developmental ability after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is inferior to that resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF). We evaluated the timing of cell division up to blastocyst formation on embryonic development after ICSI using either whole sperm (w-ICSI) or the sperm head alone (h-ICSI) and IVF as a control. At 10 h after ICSI or IVF, we selected only zygotes, and each of the zygotes/embryos was evaluated for cleavage every 24 h until 168 h. We then observed a delay in the 1st and 2nd cleavages of h-ICSI embryos and also in blastocoele formation by w-ICSI embryos in comparison with IVF embryos. The rate of blastocyst formation and the quality of blastocysts in both ICSI groups were inferior to those in the IVF group. In conclusion, the delay in cleavage of porcine ICSI embryos shows poorer embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Genetically Modified Organism Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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Misumi K, Hirayama Y, Suzuki M, Nakai M, Kaneko H, Noguchi J, Kikuchi K. Production of Middle White piglets after transfer of embryos produced in vitro. J Reprod Dev 2014; 60:246-9. [PMID: 24614249 PMCID: PMC4085390 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility of in vitro embryo production and transfer
technologies for producing Middle White piglets. After collection from three retired Middle White sows, a total of 222
oocytes were matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro, and a total of 50 embryos from the 4-cell to
blastocyst stage were produced by the 4th or 5th day. These embryos were transferred individually into three recipients along
with 5 in vivo-derived Duroc blastocysts. All of the recipients became pregnant, and they farrowed a total
of 9 Middle White and 9 Duroc piglets. These results suggest that in vitro embryo production using ovaries
from retired sows is useful for reproduction of pigs of pure breeds including the Middle White for breeding activities and
conservation/utilization of genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Misumi
- Department of Technology, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima 961-8511, Japan
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31
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Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Qu R, He Y, Tian X, Zeng W. Spermatogonial stem cells from domestic animals: progress and prospects. Reproduction 2014; 147:R65-74. [PMID: 24357661 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, an elaborate and male-specific process in adult testes by which a number of spermatozoa are produced constantly for male fertility, relies on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). As a sub-population of undifferentiated spermatogonia, SSCs are capable of both self-renewal (to maintain sufficient quantities) and differentiation into mature spermatozoa. SSCs are able to convert to pluripotent stem cells during in vitro culture, thus they could function as substitutes for human embryonic stem cells without ethical issues. In addition, this process does not require exogenous transcription factors necessary to produce induced-pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells. Moreover, combining genetic engineering with germ cell transplantation would greatly facilitate the generation of transgenic animals. Since germ cell transplantation into infertile recipient testes was first established in 1994, in vivo and in vitro study and manipulation of SSCs in rodent testes have been progressing at a staggering rate. By contrast, their counterparts in domestic animals, despite the failure to reach a comparable level, still burgeoned and showed striking advances. This review outlines the recent progressions of characterization, isolation, in vitro propagation, and transplantation of spermatogonia/SSCs from domestic animals, thereby shedding light on future exploration of these cells with high value, as well as contributing to the development of reproductive technology for large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Campos-Junior PHA, Costa GMJ, Avelar GF, Lacerda SMSN, da Costa NN, Ohashi OM, Miranda MDS, Barcelos LS, Jorge EC, Guimarães DA, de França LR. Derivation of sperm from xenografted testis cells and tissues of the peccary (Tayassu tajacu). Reproduction 2014; 147:291-9. [PMID: 24324205 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Because the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) has a peculiar Leydig cell cytoarchitecture, this species represents a unique mammalian model for investigating testis function. Taking advantage of the well-established and very useful testis xenograft technique, in the present study, testis tissue and testis cell suspensions from immature collared peccaries (n=4; 3 months old) were xenografted in SCID mice (n=48) and evaluated at 2, 4, 6, and 8 months after grafting. Complete spermatogenesis was observed at 6 and 8 months after testis tissue xenografting. However, probably due to de novo testis morphogenesis and low androgen secretion, functionally evaluated by the seminal vesicle weight, a delay in spermatogenesis progression was observed in the testis cell suspension xenografts, with the production of fertile sperm only at 8 months after grafting. Importantly, demonstrating that the peculiar testicular cytoarchitecture of the collared peccary is intrinsically programmed, the unique Leydig cell arrangement observed in this species was re-established after de novo testis morphogenesis. The sperm collected from the xenografts resulted in diploid embryos that expressed the paternally imprinted gene NNAT after ICSI. The present study is the first to demonstrate complete spermatogenesis with the production of fertile sperm from testis cell suspension xenografts in a wild mammalian species. Therefore, due to its unique testicular cytoarchitecture, xenograft techniques, particularly testis cell suspensions, may represent a new and very promising approach to evaluate testis morphogenesis and to investigate spermatogonial stem cell physiology and niche in the collared peccary.
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Effect of trehalose on DNA integrity of freeze-dried boar sperm, fertilization, and embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Theriogenology 2013; 80:1033-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Poirot C, Sitbon L, Fortin A, Berthaut I, Jaudi S, Anastacio A, Prades M. Fertilité et cancer. Presse Med 2013; 42:1513-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Kaneko H, Kikuchi K, Nakai M, Somfai T, Noguchi J, Tanihara F, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Generation of live piglets for the first time using sperm retrieved from immature testicular tissue cryopreserved and grafted into nude mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70989. [PMID: 23923039 PMCID: PMC3726602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissues is essential for increasing the possibilities of offspring generation by testicular xenografting for agricultural or medical purposes. However, successful production of offspring from the sperm involved has never been reported previously. In the present study, therefore, using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), we examined whether xenogeneic sperm obtained from immature pig testicular tissue after cryopreservation would have the capacity to produce live piglets. Testicular fragments from 9- to 11-day-old piglets were vitrified after 10- or 20-min immersion in vitrification solution containing ethylene glycol (EG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and trehalose as cryoprotectants, and then stored in liquid nitrogen for more than 140 days. Thirty nude mice were assigned to each immersion-time group. Testicular fragments were transplanted under the back skin of castrated mice immediately after warming and removal of the cryoprotectants. Blood and testicular grafts were then recovered from the recipient mice on days 60, 120, 180 and 230−350 (day 0 = grafting). Histological assessment of the testicular grafts and analyses of inhibin and testosterone production revealed no significant differences between the two immersion-time groups, indicating equal growth activity of the cryopreserved tissues. A single sperm obtained from a mouse in each group on day 230−350 was injected into an in vitro-matured porcine oocyte, and then the ICSI oocytes were transferred to the oviducts of estrus-synchronized recipient gilts. One out of 4 gilts that had received oocytes fertilized using sperm from the 10-min immersion group delivered 2 live piglets, and one of another 4 gilts from the 20-min group delivered 4 live piglets. Thus, we have successfully generated porcine offspring utilizing sperm from immature testicular tissues after cryopreservation and transplantation into nude mice. The present model using pigs will be applicable to many large animals, since pigs are phylogenetically distant from the murine recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Animal Development and Differentiation Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Animal Development and Differentiation Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Michiko Nakai
- Transgenic Pig Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tamas Somfai
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction Division, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Junko Noguchi
- Animal Development and Differentiation Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tanihara
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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Goossens E, Van Saen D, Tournaye H. Spermatogonial stem cell preservation and transplantation: from research to clinic. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:897-907. [PMID: 23427228 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What issues remain to be solved before fertility preservation and transplantation can be offered to prepubertal boys? SUMMARY ANSWER The main issues that need further investigation are malignant cell decontamination, improvement of in vivo fertility restoration and in vitro maturation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prepubertal boys who need gonadotoxic treatment might render sterile for the rest of their life. As these boys do not yet produce sperm cells, they cannot benefit from sperm banking. Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) banking followed by autologous transplantation has been proposed as a fertility preservation strategy. But before this technique can be applied in the clinic, some important issues have to be resolved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE DURATION Original articles as well as review articles published in English were included in a search of the literature. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Relevant studies were selected by an extensive Medline search. Search terms were fertility preservation, cryopreservation, prepubertal, SSC, testis tissue, transplantation, grafting and in vitro spermatogenesis. The final number of studies selected for this review was 102. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Cryopreservation protocols for testicular tissue have been developed and are already being used in the clinic. Since the efficiency and safety of SSC transplantation have been reported in mice, transplantation methods are now being adapted to the human testes. Very recently, a few publications reported on in vitro spermatogenesis in mice, but this technique is still far from being applied in a clinical setting. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Using tissue from cancer patients holds a potential risk for contamination of the collected testicular tissue. Therefore, it is of immense importance to separate malignant cells from the cell suspension before transplantation. Because biopsies obtained from young boys are small and contain only few SSCs, propagation of these cells in vitro will be necessary. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The ultimate use of the banked tissue will depend on the patient's disease. If the patient was suffering from a non-malignant disease, tissue grafting might be offered. In cancer patients, decontaminated cell suspensions will be injected in the testis. For patients with Klinefelter syndrome, the only option would be in vitro spermatogenesis. However, at present, restoring fertility in cancer and Klinefelter patients is not yet possible. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research Foundation, Flanders (G.0385.08 to H.T.), the Institute for the Agency for Innovation, Belgium (IWT/SB/111245 to E.G.), the Flemish League against Cancer (to E.G.), Kom op tegen kanker (G.0547.11 to H.T.) and the Fund Willy Gepts (to HT). E.G. is a Postdoctoral Fellow of the FWO, Research Foundation, Flanders. There are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Goossens
- Biology of the testis, Department for Embryology and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
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Abbasi S, Honaramooz A. Feasibility of salvaging genetic potential of post-mortem fawns: production of sperm in testis tissue xenografts from immature donor white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in recipient mice. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 135:47-52. [PMID: 23084760 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of testis tissue xenografting from immature deer. Testis tissue was collected post-mortem from a 2-mo-old white-tailed deer fawn (Odocoileus virginianus) and small fragments of the tissue were grafted under the back skin of immunodeficient recipient mice (n = 7 mice; 8 fragments/mouse). Single xenograft samples were removed from representative recipient mice every 2 mo from grafting for up to 14 mo post-grafting. The retrieved xenografts were evaluated for seminiferous tubular density (per mm(2)) and tubular diameter, as well as for seminiferous tubular morphology and identification of the most advanced germ cell type present in each tubule cross section. Overall, 63% of the grafted testis fragments were recovered as xenografts. Testis tissue xenografts showed a gradual testicular development starting with tubular expansion by 2 mo, presence of spermatocytes by 6 mo post-grafting, round and elongated spermatids by 8 mo, followed by fully-formed sperm by 12 mo post-grafting. The timing of complete spermatogenesis generally corresponded to the reported timing of sexual maturation in white-tailed deer. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that testis tissue xenografting from immature deer donors into recipient mice can successfully result in testicular maturation and development of spermatogenesis in the grafts up to the stage of sperm production. These results may therefore provide a model for salvaging genetic material from immature male white-tailed deer that die before reaching sexual maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Abbasi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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39
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From in vitro culture to in vivo models to study testis development and spermatogenesis. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:691-702. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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40
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Kaneko H, Kikuchi K, Nakai M, Tanihara F, Noguchi J, Noguchi M, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Normal reproductive development of offspring derived by intracytoplasmic injection of porcine sperm grown in host mice. Theriogenology 2012; 78:898-906. [PMID: 22626781 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
For establishment of gonadal xenografting, it is essential to clarify whether offspring derived from gametes grown in host mice harboring xenografts have normal reproductive development. This study examined the secretory profiles of gonadal hormones in relation to sexual maturation or ovarian cyclicity in pigs generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection using xenogeneic sperm (Xeno-ICSI pigs, four males and one female). We also assessed the developmental activity of gametes obtained from these pigs using in vitro culture systems, or by mating with conventionally produced (conventional) pigs. During the growth of male Xeno-ICSI pigs, serum inhibin and testosterone concentrations were generally within ranges for those hormones in conventional pigs. Histologically, there were no differences in the growth and differentiation of seminiferous tubules between Xeno-ICSI and conventional pigs. Parameters of semen quality, including volume, pH, sperm concentration, and the percentage of motile sperm were not different from those in conventional pigs. Among the Xeno-ICSI pigs, individual differences were noted in the ability of sperm to penetrate oocytes and to produce blastocysts. However, oocytes after in vitro fertilization using these sperm developed into blastocysts containing more than 31 cells. One conventional sow delivered 12 piglets after being mated with a male Xeno-ICSI pig. During growth of the female Xeno-ICSI pig, serum progesterone concentrations had a sudden increase at 41 wk of age, suggesting CL formation. After puberty, this animal showed cyclic changes in the serum concentrations of progesterone and inhibin, and delivered 10 piglets after AI using fresh sperm obtained from a conventional boar. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that both male and female Xeno-ICSI pigs had normal reproductive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Animal Development and Differentiation Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Buarpung S, Tharasanit T, Comizzoli P, Techakumphu M. Effects of cold storage on plasma membrane, DNA integrity and fertilizing ability of feline testicular spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 131:219-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Suppression of spermatogenesis before grafting increases survival and supports resurgence of spermatogenesis in adult mouse testis. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1422-9. [PMID: 22464084 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether absence of complete spermatogenesis in mature testicular tissue before grafting will increase graft survival. DESIGN Prospective experimental study. SETTING Laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Donor testes were obtained from adult untreated mice, adult mice rendered cryptorchid, and adult mice treated with a GnRH antagonist (acyline). INTERVENTION(S) Donor testes were ectopically grafted to nude mice and recovered at three time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Most advanced germ cell type and presence of spermatogonia were assessed. Donor testes and grafts were analyzed by histology and by immunocytochemistry for ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 to mark germ cells. RESULT(S) Suppression of spermatogenesis by inducing cryptorchidism or acyline treatment resulted in improved survival of grafted tissue compared with controls and recovery of complete spermatogenesis, whereas control testis grafts mostly degenerated and did not restore complete spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION(S) These results indicate that complete spermatogenesis at the time of grafting has a negative effect on graft survival. Grafting of adult testis tissue from donors with suppressed spermatogenesis leads to spermatogenic recovery and may provide a tool to study and preserve fertility and for conservation of genetic resources in individuals that lack complete germ cell differentiation.
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Reddy N, Mahla RS, Thathi R, Suman SK, Jose J, Goel S. Gonadal status of male recipient mice influences germ cell development in immature buffalo testis tissue xenograft. Reproduction 2012; 143:59-69. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Growth and development of immature testis xenograft from various domestic mammals has been shown in mouse recipients; however, buffalo testis xenografts have not been reported to date. In this study, small fragments of testis tissue from 8-week-old buffalo calves were implanted subcutaneously onto the back of immunodeficient male mouse recipients, which were either castrated or left intact (non-castrated). The xenografts were retrieved and analyzed 12 and 24 weeks later. The grafted tissue survived and grew in both types of recipient with a significant increase in weight and seminiferous tubule diameter. Recovery of grafts from intact recipients 24 weeks post-grafting was significantly lower than that from the castrated recipients. Seminal vesicle indices and serum testosterone levels were lower in castrated recipients at both collection time points in comparison to the intact recipients and non-grafted intact mouse controls. Pachytene spermatocytes were the most advanced germ cells observed in grafts recovered from castrated recipients 24 weeks post-grafting. Complete spermatogenesis, as indicated by the presence of elongated spermatids, was present only in grafts from intact recipients collected 24 weeks post-grafting. However, significant number of germ cells with DNA damage was also detected in these grafts as indicated by TUNEL assay. The complete germ cell differentiation in xenografts from intact recipients may be attributed to efficient Sertoli cell maturation. These results suggest that germ cell differentiation in buffalo testis xenograft can be completed by altering the recipient gonadal status.
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44
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Whyte JJ, Prather RS. Genetic modifications of pigs for medicine and agriculture. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:879-91. [PMID: 21671302 PMCID: PMC3522184 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified swine hold great promise in the fields of agriculture and medicine. Currently, these swine are being used to optimize production of quality meat, to improve our understanding of the biology of disease resistance, and to reduced waste. In the field of biomedicine, swine are anatomically and physiologically analogous to humans. Alterations of key swine genes in disease pathways provide model animals to improve our understanding of the causes and potential treatments of many human genetic disorders. The completed sequencing of the swine genome will significantly enhance the specificity of genetic modifications, and allow for more accurate representations of human disease based on syntenic genes between the two species. Improvements in both methods of gene alteration and efficiency of model animal production are key to enabling routine use of these swine models in medicine and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J. Whyte
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
| | - Randall S. Prather
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
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Kikuchi K, Nakai M, Kashiwazaki N, Kaneko H. Xenografting of gonadal tissues into mice as a possible method for conservation and utilization of porcine genetic resources. Anim Sci J 2011; 82:495-503. [PMID: 21794005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2011.00919.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In vitro production of embryos, including in vitro maturation, fertilization of oocytes and their subsequent culture to the embryo stage, has become the most popular method of studying gametogenesis and embryogenesis in pigs. As well as their utility for basic studies, these procedures now enable us to generate viable embryos and offspring as a means of conserving genetic resources and rare animal breeds. Recently, more advanced technologies such as xenografting of gonadal (testicular and ovarian) tissues into immunodeficient experimental animals have been developed. In combination with in vitro embryo production techniques, this approach may provide many benefits. We have been carrying out studies to acquire basic information about the application of this method to porcine species, and to improve the existing techniques. Recently, we obtained oocytes from ovarian tissue xenografted and grown in nude mice that had the capacity to be fertilized and the ability to develop into early-stage embryos. We also obtained spermatozoa from the xenografted testicular tissues and injected them intracytoplasmically into in vitro-matured oocytes to produce piglets. Here we discuss the further possibilities of conservation and utilization of porcine gonadal tissue by xenografting into immunodeficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Ehmcke J, Gassei K, Westernströer B, Schlatt S. Immature rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) testis xenografts show increased growth, but not enhanced seminiferous differentiation, under human chorionic gonadotropin treatment of nude mouse recipients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e459-67. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abbasi S, Honaramooz A. Xenografting of testis tissue from bison calf donors into recipient mice as a strategy for salvaging genetic material. Theriogenology 2011; 76:607-14. [PMID: 21529912 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2010] [Revised: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the long-term outcome of testis tissue xenografting from neonatal bison calves as a model for closely related rare or endangered ungulates. Testis tissue was collected postmortem from two newborn bison calves (Bison bison bison) and small fragments of the tissue were grafted under the back skin of immunodeficient recipient mice (n = 15 mice; eight fragments/mouse). Single xenograft samples were removed from representative recipient mice every 2 mo after grafting (for up to 16 mo). The retrieved xenografts were evaluated for seminiferous tubular density, tubular diameter, seminiferous tubular morphology, and identification of the most advanced germ cell type. Overall, 69% of the grafted testis fragments were recovered as xenografts. Xenografts weight increased (P < 0.02) approximately four-fold by 2 mo and 10-fold by 16 mo post-grafting. In testis xenografts, gradual maturational changes were evident, manifested as the first detection of the following at the times specified: seminiferous tubule expansion, 2 mo; spermatocytes, 6 mo; round spermatids, 12 mo; and elongated spermatids, 16 mo. Furthermore, there were differences between the two donor calves regarding the efficiency of spermatogenesis in xenografts. The timing of complete spermatogenesis approximately corresponded to the reported timing of sexual maturation in bison. This study demonstrated, apparently for the first time, that testis tissue xenografting from neonatal bison donors into recipient mice resulted in testicular maturation and complete development of spermatogenesis in the grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Abbasi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Abstract
The stem cell field in veterinary medicine continues to evolve rapidly both experimentally and clinically. Stem cells are most commonly used in clinical veterinary medicine in therapeutic applications for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in horses and dogs. New technologies of assisted reproduction are being developed to apply the properties of spermatogonial stem cells to preserve endangered animal species. The same methods can be used to generate transgenic animals for production of pharmaceuticals or for use as biomedical models. Small and large animal species serve as valuable models for preclinical evaluation of stem cell applications in human beings and in veterinary patients in areas such as spinal cord injury and myocardial infarction. However, these applications have not been implemented in the clinical treatment of veterinary patients. Reviews on the use of animal models for stem cell research have been published recently. Therefore, in this review, animal model research will be reviewed only in the context of supporting the current clinical application of stem cells in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Fortier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, VMC C3-181, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
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NAKAI M, KASHIWAZAKI N, ITO J, MAEDOMARI N, OZAWA M, SHINO M, NOGUCHI J, KANEKO H, KIKUCHI K. Factors Affecting Fertilization and Embryonic Development During Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Pigs. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:183-7. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-200e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michiko NAKAI
- Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
| | - Naomi KASHIWAZAKI
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University
| | - Junya ITO
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University
| | - Naoki MAEDOMARI
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University
| | - Manabu OZAWA
- Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
| | - Masao SHINO
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University
| | - Junko NOGUCHI
- Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
| | - Hiroyuki KANEKO
- Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
| | - Kazuhiro KIKUCHI
- Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
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