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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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Zhou Y, Zhou J, Xu X, Du F, Nie M, Hu L, Ma Y, Liu M, Yu S, Zhang J, Chen Y. Matrigel/Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Ovarian Vascularization in a Mouse Model of Premature Ovarian Failure. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:782-796. [PMID: 34030464 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In women of reproductive age, severe injuries to the ovary are often accompanied by premature ovarian failure (POF), which can result in amenorrhea or infertility. Hormone replacement therapy has been used to treat POF; however, it has limited therapeutic efficiency and may cause several side effects. In this study, we aimed to fabricate a Matrigel scaffold loaded with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and explore its potential to restore ovarian function and repair ovarian structures in vitro and in vivo. POF mouse models were established by injecting mice with cyclophosphamide for 15 consecutive days. Then, MSC/Matrigel was transplanted into the ovaries of the mice. Five weeks later, the morphology of the ovaries and follicles was observed by hematoxylin/eosin staining, and the tissue fibrosis ratio was measured using Masson's trichrome staining. The number of blood vessels was evaluated by α-smooth muscle actin and CD31 immunofluorescence, and Ki67 expression was used to determine the proliferation of granulosa cells. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A was assessed by western blotting. The Matrigel scaffold regulated the expression of VEGF-A in vitro. Moreover, it promoted MSC survival and proliferation and prevented MSC apoptosis in vivo. After the transplantation of the MSC/Matrigel, the number of follicles was significantly increased in the mice with POF, and the tissue fibrosis ratio was reduced. Furthermore, the MSC/Matrigel significantly improved the proliferation rate of granulosa cells, increased the number of blood vessels, and upregulated the expression of VEGF-A. These findings demonstrate that MSC/Matrigel may support follicular development and help restore ovarian structures in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xi Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Fangzhou Du
- The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengting Nie
- The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Lvzhong Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Institute of Engineering and Technology Affiliated to SIBET, Zhengzhou, China.,Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingzhong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Institute of Engineering and Technology Affiliated to SIBET, Zhengzhou, China.,Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Bashiri Z, Amiri I, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Falak R, Asgari H, Maki CB, Moghaddaszadeh A, Koruji M. Artificial testis: a testicular tissue extracellular matrix as a potential bio-ink for 3D printing. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:3465-3484. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm02209h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A summary of the study design showing the extraction of extracellular matrix of testicular tissue and the printing of hydrogel scaffolds and the interaction of testicular cells on three-dimensional scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center
- Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Tehran
- Iran
- Department of Anatomy
| | - Iraj Amiri
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences
- Hamadan
- Iran
- Endometrium and Research Center
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research center
- Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Tehran
- Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center (IRC)
- Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
- Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Tehran
- Iran
| | - Hamidreza Asgari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center
- Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Tehran
- Iran
- Department of Anatomy
| | | | - Ali Moghaddaszadeh
- Departement of Biomedical Engineering
- Science and Research Branch
- Islamic Azad University
- Tehran
- Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center
- Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Tehran
- Iran
- Department of Anatomy
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Leptin promotes proliferation of neonatal mouse stem/progenitor spermatogonia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2825-2838. [PMID: 32840762 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To keep and increase spermatogonial stem cell number (SSC) is the only available option for pediatric cancer survivors to maintain fertility. Leptin is secreted by the epididymal white adipose tissue and has receptors on stem/progenitor spermatogonia. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate dose- and time-dependent proliferative effect of leptin on stem/progenitor spermatogonia cultures from prepubertal mice testes. METHODS CD90.2 (+) stem/progenitor spermatogonia were isolated from the C57BL/6 mouse testis on postnatal day 6 and placed in culture. The proliferative effect of leptin supplementation was assessed by colony formation (diameter and number), WST proliferation assays, and xCELLigence real-time cell analysis (RTCA) on days 3, 5, and 7 of culture. Expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-STAT3, total STAT3, and p-SHP2 levels were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS Leptin supplementation of 100 ng/ml increased the diameter (p = 0.001) and number (p = 0.01) of colonies in stem/progenitor spermatogonial cultures and caused higher proliferation by WST-1 (p = 0.009) compared with the control on day 7. The EC50 was calculated as 114 ng/ml for leptin by RTCA. Proliferative dose of leptin induced increased expression of p-ERK1/2 (p = 0.009) and p-STAT3 (p = 0.023) on stem/progenitor spermatogonia when compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSION The results indicated that leptin supplementation exhibited a dose- and time-dependent proliferative effect on stem/progenitor spermatogonia that was associated with increased expression of ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways while maintaining their undifferentiated state. This output presents a new agent that may help to expand the stem/progenitor spermatogonia pool from the neonatal testis in order to autotransplant after cancer treatment.
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El Khoury D, Fayjaloun S, Nassar M, Sahakian J, Aad PY. Updates on the Effect of Mycotoxins on Male Reproductive Efficiency in Mammals. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E515. [PMID: 31484408 PMCID: PMC6784030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are ubiquitous and unavoidable harmful fungal products with the ability to cause disease in both animals and humans, and are found in almost all types of foods, with a greater prevalence in hot humid environments. These mycotoxins vary greatly in structure and biochemical effects; therefore, by better understanding the toxicological and pathological aspects of mycotoxins, we can be better equipped to fight the diseases, as well as the biological and economic devastations, they induce. Multiple studies point to the association between a recent increase in male infertility and the increased occurrence of these mycotoxins in the environment. Furthermore, understanding how mycotoxins may induce an accumulation of epimutations during parental lifetimes can shed light on their implications with respect to fertility and reproductive efficiency. By acknowledging the diversity of mycotoxin molecular function and mode of action, this review aims to address the current limited knowledge on the effects of these chemicals on spermatogenesis and the various endocrine and epigenetics patterns associated with their disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diala El Khoury
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Salma Fayjaloun
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Marc Nassar
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Sahakian
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Pauline Y Aad
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon.
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Talebi A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Koruji M, Ai J, Rezaie MJ, Navid S, Salehi M, Abbasi M. Colonization of Mouse Spermatogonial Cells in Modified Soft Agar Culture System Utilizing Nanofibrous Scaffold: A New Approach. Galen Med J 2019; 8:e1319. [PMID: 34466493 PMCID: PMC8343708 DOI: 10.31661/gmj.v8i0.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are considered in fertility management approaches of prepubertal boys facing cancer therapies. However, in vitro propagation has become an important issue due to a small number of SSCs in testicular tissue. The present study aimed to investigate a modified soft agar culture system by using a nanofibrous scaffold as a new approach to mimic in vivo conditions of SSCs development. Materials and Methods: The SSCs were isolated from neonate mouse testes, cultured on polycaprolactone scaffold, and covered by a layer of soft agar for 2 weeks. Then, the number and diameter of colonies formed in experimental groups were measured and spermatogonial markers (i.e., Plzf, Gfrα1, Id4, and c-Kit) in SSCs colonies were evaluated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. Results: Our results indicated that the colonization rate of SSCs was significantly higher in the present modified soft agar culture system (P<0.05). Only Plzf indicated a significant increased at the levels (P<0.05), the gene expression levels of Id4, Plzf, and Gfrα1 were higher in the present culture system. In addition, the expression of the c-Kit gene as a differentiating spermatogonia marker was higher in presence of scaffold and soft agar compared with the amount of other experimental groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The culture system by using nanofibrous scaffold and soft agar as a new culture method suggests the potential of this approach in SSCs enrichment and differentiation strategies for male infertility treatments, as well as in vitro spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Talebi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Koruji
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafar Rezaie
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Shadan Navid
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Salehi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Correspondence to: Mehdi Abbasi, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Telephone Number: +989125139314 Email Address:
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Ibtisham F, Zhao Y, Wu J, Nawab A, Mei X, Li G, An L. The optimized condition for the isolation and in vitro propagation of mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Biol Futur 2019; 70:79-87. [DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fahar Ibtisham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, East to Huguangyan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, East to Huguangyan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, P. R. China
| | - Aamir Nawab
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, East to Huguangyan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Mei
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, East to Huguangyan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, P. R. China
| | - GuangHui Li
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, East to Huguangyan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, P. R. China
| | - Lilong An
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, East to Huguangyan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, P. R. China
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