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Gizer M, Önen S, Korkusuz P. The Evolutionary Route of in vitro Human Spermatogenesis: What is the Next Destination? Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2. [PMID: 38684571 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Malfunction in spermatogenesis due to genetic diseases, trauma, congenital disorders or gonadotoxic treatments results in infertility in approximately 7% of males. The behavior of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) within three-dimensional, multifactorial, and dynamic microenvironment implicates a niche that serves as a repository for fertility, since can serve as a source of mature and functional male germ cells. Current protocols enable reprogramming of mature somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their limited differentiation to SSCs within the range of 0-5%. However, the resulting human iPSC-derived haploid spermatogenic germ cell yield in terms of number and functionality is currently insufficient for transfer to infertility clinic as a therapeutic tool. In this article, we reviewed the evolution of experimental culture platforms and introduced a novel iPSCs-based approach for in vitro spermatogenesis based on a niche perspective bearing cellular, chemical, and physical factors that provide the complex arrangement of testicular seminiferous tubules embedded within a vascularized stroma. We believe that bioengineered organoids supported by smart bio-printed tubules and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems offer efficient, precise, personalized platforms for autologous pluripotent stem cell sources to undergo the spermatogenetic cycle, presenting a promising tool for infertile male patients with complete testicular aplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Gizer
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Petek Korkusuz
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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2
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Rashki Ghaleno L, Pennisi CP, Shahverdi A, Dardmeh F, Alipour H, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M. Exploring the Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Reproductive Biology and Beyond: Applications in Assisted Reproduction and Tissue Engineering. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2300621. [PMID: 38580620 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a prominent role in various aspects of reproductive biology and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This review describes the multifaceted influence of HA, ranging from primordial germ cell migration, ovarian follicle development, and ovulation in females to sperm structure, physiology, motility, and capacitation in males. In addition, HA also plays an important role in fertilization and promotes embryo implantation by mediating cellular adhesion and communication within the uterus. Against this physiological background, the review examines the current applications of HA in the context of ART. In addition, the article addresses the emerging field of reproductive tissue engineering, where HA-based hydrogels offer promising perspectives as they can support the development of mature oocytes and spermatogenesis in vitro. Overall, this review highlights the integral role of HA in the intricate mechanisms of reproductive biology and its growing importance for improving ART outcomes and the field of tissue engineering of the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Rashki Ghaleno
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
| | - Cristian Pablo Pennisi
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9260, Denmark
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Dardmeh
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9260, Denmark
| | - Hiva Alipour
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9260, Denmark
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
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3
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Segunda MN, Díaz C, Torres CG, Parraguez VH, De Los Reyes M, Peralta OA. Bovine Peripheral Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (PB-MSCs) and Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) Display Contrasting Expression Patterns of Pluripotency and Germ Cell Markers under the Effect of Sertoli Cell Conditioned Medium. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:803. [PMID: 38473188 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro gamete derivation has been proposed as an interesting strategy for treatment of infertility, improvement of genetic traits, and conservation of endangered animals. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are primary candidates for in vitro gamete derivation; however, recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have also been proposed as candidates for germ cell (GCs) differentiation mainly due to their transdifferentiating capacity. The objective of the present study was to compare the potential for GC differentiation of bovine peripheral blood-derived MSCs (PB-MSCs) and SSCs under the effect of conditioned medium (CM) derived from Sertoli cells (SCs/CM). Samples were collected every 7 days for 21 days and analyzed for pluripotent, GC, and MSC marker expression. The absence of OCT4 and the increased (p < 0.05) expression of NANOG seems to play a role in SSC differentiation, whereas the absence of NANOG and the increased expression (p < 0.05) of OCT4 may be required for PB-MSC differentiation into GCs. SSCs cultured with SCs/CM increased (p < 0.05) the expression of PIWIL2 and DAZL, while PB-MSCs cultured under the same condition only increased (p < 0.05) the expression of DAZL. Overall, the patterns of markers expression suggest that PB-MSCs and SSCs activate different signaling pathways after exposure to SCs/CM and during differentiation into GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés N Segunda
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Doctorate Program of Forestry, Agriculture, and Veterinary Sciences (DCSAV), University of Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade José Eduardo dos Santos, Bairro Santo António-Avenida Nuno Alvarez, Huambo 555, Angola
| | - Carlos Díaz
- Doctorate Program in Sciences, UNED, Bravo Murillo 38, 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian G Torres
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Víctor H Parraguez
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Mónica De Los Reyes
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Oscar A Peralta
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 7820436, Chile
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van Maaren J, Alves LF, van Wely M, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Favorable culture conditions for spermatogonial propagation in human and non-human primate primary testicular cell cultures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1330830. [PMID: 38259514 PMCID: PMC10800969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1330830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autologous transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) isolated from cryopreserved testicular biopsies obtained before oncological treatment could restore fertility in male childhood cancer survivors. There is a clear necessity for in vitro propagation of the limited SSCs from the testicular biopsy prior to transplantation due to limited numbers of spermatogonia in a cryopreserved testicular biopsy. Still, there is no consensus regarding their optimal culture method. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting primary testicular cell cultures of human and non-human primate origin through use of Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science core collection databases. Of 760 records, we included 42 articles for qualitative and quantitative analysis. To quantify in vitro spermatogonial propagation, spermatogonial colony doubling time (CDT) was calculated, which measures the increase in the number of spermatogonial colonies over time. A generalized linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the statistical effect of various culture conditions on CDT. Results: Our analysis indicates decreased CDTs, indicating faster spermatogonial propagation in cultures with a low culture temperature (32°C); with use of non-cellular matrices; use of StemPro-34 medium instead of DMEM; use of Knockout Serum Replacement; and when omitting additional growth factors in the culture medium. Discussion: The use of various methods and markers to detect the presence of spermatogonia within the reported cultures could result in detection bias, thereby potentially influencing comparability between studies. However, through use of CDT in the quantitative analysis this bias was reduced. Our results provide insight into critical culture conditions to further optimize human spermatogonial propagation in vitro, and effectively propagate and utilize these cells in a future fertility restoration therapy and restore hope of biological fatherhood for childhood cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Luis F. Alves
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L. Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Wu J, Kang K, Liu S, Ma Y, Yu M, Zhao X. Recent Progress of In Vitro 3D Culture of Male Germ Stem Cells. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:543. [PMID: 37998112 PMCID: PMC10672244 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14110543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male germline stem cells (mGSCs), also known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), are the fundamental seed cells of male animal reproductive physiology. However, environmental influences, drugs, and harmful substances often pose challenges to SSCs, such as population reduction and quality decline. With advancements in bioengineering technology and biomaterial technology, an increasing number of novel cell culture methods and techniques have been employed for studying the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs in vitro. This paper provides a review on recent progress in 3D culture techniques for SSCs in vitro; we summarize the microenvironment of SSCs and spermatocyte development, with a focus on scaffold-based culture methods and 3D printing cell culture techniques for SSCs. Additionally, decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) and other biological substrates are utilized through various combinations and approaches to construct an in vitro culture microenvironment suitable for SSC growth. Finally, we present some perspectives on current research trends and potential opportunities within three areas: the 3D printing niche environment, alternative options to DTM utilization, and advancement of the in vitro SSC culture technology system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wu
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Kai Kang
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Siqi Liu
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Yaodan Ma
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Meng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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Salem M, Khadivi F, Javanbakht P, Mojaverrostami S, Abbasi M, Feizollahi N, Abbasi Y, Heidarian E, Rezaei Yazdi F. Advances of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for in vitro spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:262. [PMID: 37735437 PMCID: PMC10512562 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of germ cells and spermatogenic failure in non-obstructive azoospermia are believed to be the main causes of male infertility. Laboratory studies have used in vitro testicular models and different 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems for preservation, proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in recent decades. The establishment of testis-like structures would facilitate the study of drug and toxicity screening, pathological mechanisms and in vitro differentiation of SSCs which resulted in possible treatment of male infertility. The different culture systems using cellular aggregation with self-assembling capability, the use of different natural and synthetic biomaterials and various methods for scaffold fabrication provided a suitable 3D niche for testicular cells development. Recently, 3D culture models have noticeably used in research for their architectural and functional similarities to native microenvironment. In this review article, we briefly investigated the recent 3D culture systems that provided a suitable platform for male fertility preservation through organ culture of testis fragments, proliferation and differentiation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Parinaz Javanbakht
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mojaverrostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abbasi
- School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Heidarian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Rezaei Yazdi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Bashiri Z, Moghaddaszadeh A, Falak R, Khadivi F, Afzali A, Abbasi M, Sharifi AM, Asgari HR, Ghanbari F, Koruji M. Generation of Haploid Spermatids on Silk Fibroin-Alginate-Laminin-Based Porous 3D Scaffolds. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200574. [PMID: 37116215 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
In vitro production of sperm is a desirable idea for fertility preservation in azoospermic men and prepubertal boys suffering from cancer. In this study, a biocompatible porous scaffold based on a triad mixture of silk fibroin (SF), alginate (Alg), and laminin (LM) is developed to facilitate the differentiation of mouse spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs). Following SF extraction, the content is analyzed by SDS-PAGE and stable porous 3D scaffolds are successfully prepared by merely Alg, SF, and a combination of Alg-SF, or Alg-SF-LM through freeze-drying. Then, the biomimetic scaffolds are characterized regarding the structural and biological properties, water absorption capacity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical behavior. Neonatal mice testicular cells are seeded on three-dimensional scaffolds and their differentiation efficiency is evaluated using real-time PCR, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry. Blend matrices showed uniform porous microstructures with interconnected networks, which maintained long-term stability and mechanical properties better than homogenous structures. Molecular analysis of the cells after 21 days of culture showed that the expression of differentiation-related proteins in cells that are developed in composite scaffolds is significantly higher than in other groups. The application of a composite system can lead to the differentiation of SSCs, paving the way for a novel infertility treatment landscape in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, 6516796198, Iran
| | - Ali Moghaddaszadeh
- Departement of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1477893855, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8815713471, Iran
| | - Azita Afzali
- Hajar hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8816854633, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1417653761, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Sharifi
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
- Tissue Engineering Group (NOCERAL), Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Hamid Reza Asgari
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Farid Ghanbari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
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Zhang W, Cheng Y, Zhang S, Wei R, Zou K. Application of Matrigel in the 3-dimension culture of female germline stem cells. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100769. [PMID: 37224610 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) are a group of rare undifferentiated cells found in ovarian cortex, which have the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate. Stable maintenance and proliferation of FGSCs in culture are pivotal for clinic research. However, conventional 2-D (dimension) culture systems are limited in their ability to mimic the ovarian microenvironment during in vitro studies. To establish a suitable in vitro microenvironment for FGSCs, we conducted experiments using a Matrigel-based 3-D culture system. This involves testing different dilution ratios, medium compositions, and co-culture cells to find the optimal conditions for FGSCs maintenance and proliferation. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of using Matrigel as a FGSCs 3-D culture media. Moreover, co-culturing FGSCs with some types of cells in the Matrigel-based 3-D culture system had the potential to form ovarian organoids. Meanwhile, the safety of Matrigel was confirmed in vivo through transplantation experiment, which suggests the potential for clinic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. In Vitro and In Vivo Models for Drug Transport Across the Blood-Testis Barrier. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:1157-1168. [PMID: 37258305 PMCID: PMC10449102 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a selectively permeable membrane barrier formed by adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) in the seminiferous tubules of the testes that develops intercellular junctional complexes to protect developing germ cells from external pressures. However, due to this inherent defense mechanism, the seminiferous tubule lumen can act as a pharmacological sanctuary site for latent viruses (e.g., Ebola, Zika) and cancers (e.g., leukemia). Therefore, it is critical to identify and evaluate BTB carrier-mediated drug delivery pathways to successfully treat these viruses and cancers. Many drugs are unable to effectively cross cell membranes without assistance from carrier proteins like transporters because they are large, polar, and often carry a charge at physiologic pH. SCs express transporters that selectively permit endogenous compounds, such as carnitine or nucleosides, across the BTB to support normal physiologic activity, although reproductive toxicants can also use these pathways, thereby circumventing the BTB. Certain xenobiotics, including select cancer therapeutics, antivirals, contraceptives, and environmental toxicants, are known to accumulate within the male genital tract and cause testicular toxicity; however, the transport pathways by which these compounds circumvent the BTB are largely unknown. Consequently, there is a need to identify the clinically relevant BTB transport pathways in in vitro and in vivo BTB models that recapitulate human pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for these xenobiotics. This review summarizes the various in vitro and in vivo models of the BTB reported in the literature and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of certain models for drug disposition studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Drug disposition to the testes is influenced by the physical, physiological, and immunological components of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). But many compounds are known to cross the BTB by transporters, resulting in pharmacological and/or toxicological effects in the testes. Therefore, models that assess drug transport across the human BTB must adequately account for these confounding factors. This review identifies and discusses the benefits and limitations of various in vitro and in vivo BTB models for preclinical drug disposition studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K Hau
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
| | - Stephen H Wright
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
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10
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Jabari A, Gholami K, Khadivi F, Koruji M, Amidi F, Gilani MAS, Mahabadi VP, Nikmahzar A, Salem M, Movassagh SA, Feizollahi N, Abbasi M. In vitro complete differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells to morphologic spermatozoa using a hybrid hydrogel of agarose and laminin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 235:123801. [PMID: 36842740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis refers to the differentiation of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) located in the base seminiferous tubules into haploid spermatozoa. Prerequisites for in vitro spermatogenesis include an extracellular matrix (ECM), paracrine factors, and testicular somatic cells which play a supporting role for SSCs. Thus, the present study evaluated the potential of co-culturing Sertoli cells and SSCs embedded in a hybrid hydrogel of agarose and laminin, the main components of the ECM. Following the three-week conventional culture of human testicular cells, the cells were cultured in agarose hydrogel or agarose/laminin one (hybrid) for 74 days. Then, immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR, electron microscopy, and morphological staining methods were applied to analyze the presence of SSCs, as well as the other cells of the different stages of spermatogenesis. Based on the results, the colonies with positive spermatogenesis markers were observed in both culture systems. The existence of the cells of all three phases of spermatogenesis (spermatogonia, meiosis, and spermiogenesis) was confirmed in the two groups, while morphological spermatozoa were detected only in the hybrid hydrogel group. Finally, a biologically improved 3D matrix can support all the physiological activities of SSCs such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayob Jabari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molud Infertility Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Science in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Keykavos Gholami
- Urology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Aghbibi Nikmahzar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Salem M, Feizollahi N, Jabari A, Golmohammadi MG, Shirinsokhan A, Ghanami Gashti N, Bashghareh A, Nikmahzar A, Abbasi Y, Naji M, Abbasi M. Differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells using a human decellularized testicular scaffold supplemented by platelet-rich plasma. Artif Organs 2023; 47:840-853. [PMID: 36721957 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14505] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective culture systems for attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be a promising therapeutic modality for preserving male fertility. Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) from native testis tissue creates a local microenvironment for testicular cell culture. Furthermore, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains various growth factors for the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs. METHODS In this study, human testicular cells were isolated and cultured for 4 weeks, and SSCs were characterized using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and flow cytometry. Human testicular tissue was decellularized (0.3% SDS, 1% Triton), and the efficiency of the decellularization process was confirmed by histological staining and DNA content analysis. SSCs were cultured on the human decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) for 4 weeks. The viability and the expression of differentiation genes were evaluated by MTT and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS Histological evaluation and DNA content analysis showed that the components of ECM were preserved during decellularization. Our results showed that after 4 weeks of culture, the expression levels of BAX, BCL-2, PLZF, and SCP3 were unchanged, while the expression of PRM2 significantly increased in the cells cultured on DTM supplemented with PRP (ECM-PRP). In addition, the expression of GFRA1 was significantly decreased in the ECM group compared to the control and PRP groups. Furthermore, the MTT test indicated that viability was significantly enhanced in cells plated on DTM supplemented with PRP. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that DTM supplemented with PRP can provide an effective culture system for the differentiation and viability of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ayob Jabari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molud Infertility Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Armaghan Shirinsokhan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Nasrin Ghanami Gashti
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, Limerick, Ireland.,School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Alieh Bashghareh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aghbibi Nikmahzar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abbasi
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, Limerick, Ireland.,School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, Limerick, Ireland.,School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Naji
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, Limerick, Ireland.,School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Segunda MN, Díaz C, Torres CG, Parraguez VH, De los Reyes M, Peralta OA. Comparative Analysis of the Potential for Germ Cell (GC) Differentiation of Bovine Peripheral Blood Derived-Mesenchymal Stem Cells (PB-MSC) and Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSC) in Co-Culture System with Sertoli Cells (SC). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020318. [PMID: 36670859 PMCID: PMC9854759 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) constitute primary candidates for in vitro germ cell (GC) derivation, they are scarce and difficult to maintain in an undifferentiated state. Alternatively, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are also candidates for GC derivation due to their simplicity for culture and multipotential for transdifferentiation. The aim of the present study was to compare the GC differentiation potentials of bull peripheral blood-derived MSC (PB-MSC) and SSC using an in vitro 3D co-culture system with Sertoli cells (SC). Samples of PB-MSC or SSC co-cultures with SC were collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and analyzed for pluripotency, GC and mesenchymal marker expression. Co-culture of PB-MSC+SC resulted in down-regulation of NANOG and up-regulation of OCT4 at day 7. In comparison, co-culture of SSC+SC resulted in consistent expression of NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 at day 14. During co-culture, SSC+SC increased the expression of DAZL, PIWIL2, FRAGILIS and STELLA and activated the expression of STRA8, whereas co-culture of PB-MSC+SC only increased the expression of DAZL and PIWIL2. Thus, co-culture of bull PB-MSC+SC and SSC+SC in 3D SACS results in differential expression of pluripotency and GC markers, where bull SSC display a more robust GC differentiation profile compared to PB-MSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés N. Segunda
- Department of Animal Production Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Doctorate Program of Forestry, Agriculture, and Veterinary Sciences (DCSAV), University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade José Eduardo dos Santos, Bairro Santo António-Avenida Nuno Alvarez, Huambo 555, Angola
| | - Carlos Díaz
- Doctorate Program in Sciences, UNED, Bravo Murillo 38, 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian G. Torres
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Víctor H. Parraguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Mónica De los Reyes
- Department of Animal Production Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Oscar A. Peralta
- Department of Animal Production Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Correspondence:
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13
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Noghani AE, Asadpour R, Saberivand A, Mazaheri Z, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Hamidian G. Differentiation of neonate mouse spermatogonia on two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems supplemented with d-Serine and Dizocilpine (MK-801). Theriogenology 2022; 191:168-178. [PMID: 35998400 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.004] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) modulates the spermatogenesis process through stimulating the steroid hormone biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NMDA receptors agonists (d-Serine) and antagonists (MK801) on spermatogonia differentiation on decellularization testicular matrix (DTM) hydrogel scaffold. Four treatment groups were planned: 2D + D-Serine, 3D + D-Serine, 2D + MK801, and 3D + MK801. Results showed that cell viability was significantly decreased after 48 h in the 3D + D-Serine group and after 24 and 48 h in the 3D + MK801 group compared to the controls. The spermatogonia proliferation after two, four, and eight weeks was significantly increased in the 3D + D-Serine culture, while it was significantly reduced in the 2D + MK801 and 3D + MK801 groups after four and eight weeks. Real-time PCR results demonstrated that pre-meiotic gene (Plzf) expression was significantly increased only in the 3D + D-Serine culture compared to the control groups after four weeks of culture. The meiotic gene (Sycp3) expression was significantly increased in the 2D + D-Serine and 3D + D-Serine compared to the 2D controls after four and eight weeks. The post-meiotic gene (Tnp1) level in the 3D + D-Serine was significantly higher than the other groups. Flow-cytometry results indicated that the protein expression of Plzf (after four and eight weeks), Sycp3 (after eight weeks), and Tnp1 (after eight weeks) in the d-Serine-treated groups was significantly increased compared with the 2D control groups. There were not any significant changes in the gene expression of spermatogenic-related markers in MK801 culture media. However, a significant decrease in the protein levels of Plzf after eight weeks and Sycp3 after four and eight weeks was observed. In conclusion, the addition of NMDARs agonists (d-Serine) could be used to regulate the differentiation of spermatogonia in the 3D culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhessam Eskafi Noghani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Adel Saberivand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, Histogenotech Company, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Novumhuset Plan 4, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gholamreza Hamidian
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
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14
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Bashiri Z, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Falak R, Amiri I, Asgari H, Chauhan NPS, Koruji M. In vitro production of mouse morphological sperm in artificial testis bioengineered by 3D printing of extracellular matrix. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:824-841. [PMID: 35905760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since autologous stem cell transplantation is prone to cancer recurrence, in vitro sperm production is regarded a safer approach to fertility preservation. In this study, the spermatogenesis process on testicular tissue extracellular matrix (T-ECM)-derived printing structure was evaluated. Ram testicular tissue was decellularized using a hypertonic solution containing triton and the extracted ECM was used as a bio-ink to print an artificial testis. Following cell adhesion and viability examination, pre-meiotic and post-meiotic cells in the study groups (as testicular suspension and co-culture with Sertoli cells) were confirmed by real-time PCR, flow-cytometry and immunocytochemistry methods. Morphology of differentiated cells was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), toluidine blue, Giemsa, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The functionality of Leydig and Sertoli cells was determined by their ability for hormone secretion. The decellularization of testicular tissue fragments was successful and had efficiently removed the cellular debris and preserved the ECM compounds. High cell viability, colonization, and increased expression of pre-meiotic markers in cultured testicular cells on T-ECM-enriched scaffolds confirmed their proliferation. Furthermore, the inoculation of neonatal mouse testicular cells onto T-ECM-enriched scaffolds resulted in the generation of sperm. Morphology evaluation showed that the structure of these cells was quite similar to mature sperm with a specialized tail structure. The hormonal analysis also confirmed production and secretion of testosterone and inhibin B by Leydig and Sertoli cells. T-ECM printed artificial testis is a future milestone that promises for enhancing germ cell maintenance and differentiation, toxicology studies, and fertility restoration to pave the way for new human infertility treatments in the future.
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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, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 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
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Amiri
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Endometrium and Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Asgari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Liang D, Sun Q, Zhu Z, Wang C, Ye S, Li Z, Wang Y. Xenotransplantation of Human Spermatogonia Into Various Mouse Recipient Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883314. [PMID: 35676935 PMCID: PMC9168328 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are the foundation of continuous spermatogenesis in adult mammals. Xenograft models have been established to define human SSCs, mostly using infertile and immune-deficient mice as the recipients for human germ cell transplantation. However, it is time-consuming to prepare such recipients using irradiation or chemotherapeutic agents, and this approach may also introduce confounding factors when residual endogenous germ cells recover in transplanted recipients. It remains to be determined whether immune-competent genetically infertile mice can be suitable recipients for xenotransplantation. In this study, we observed similar engraftment efficiencies when using spermatogonia from human biopsied testes across immune-deficient nude mice, immune-competent ICR mice, and genetically infertile Kitw/w-v mice, suggesting minimal immunological rejection from immune-competent mouse recipients upon xenotransplantation of human germ cells. More importantly, we derived EpCAM negative and TNAP positive spermatogonia-like cells (SLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which highly expressed spermatogonial markers including PLZF, INTERGRINα6, TKTL1, CD90, and DRMT3. We found that upon transplantation, these SLCs proliferated and colonized at the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules in testes of both immune-deficient nude mice and Kitw/w-v mice, though complete spermatogenesis would likely require supporting human signaling factors and microenvironment. Taken together, our study functionally defined the cell identity of PSC-derived SLCs, and supported xenotransplantation using genetically infertile recipients as a convenient model for functionally evaluating spermatogonia derived from different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Wang, ; Zheng Li,
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Yuan Wang, ; Zheng Li,
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16
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Zhang W, Nie R, Cai Y, Xie W, Zou K. Progress in germline stem cell transplantation in mammals and the potential usage. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:59. [PMID: 35361229 PMCID: PMC8969385 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem cells (GSCs) are germ cells with the capacities of self-renewal and differentiation into functional gametes, and are able to migrate to their niche and reconstitute the fertility of recipients after transplantation. Therefore, GSCs transplantation is a promising technique for fertility recovery in the clinic, protection of rare animals and livestock breeding. Though this novel technique faces tremendous challenges, numerous achievements have been made after several decades' endeavor. This review summarizes the current knowledge of GSCs transplantation and its utilization in mammals, and discusses the application prospect in reproductive medicine and animal science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ruotian Nie
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yihui Cai
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wenhai Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, NO. 266 Xincun Road, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, China.
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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17
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Bashiri Z, Zahiri M, Allahyari H, Esmaeilzade B. Proliferation of human spermatogonial stem cells on optimized PCL/Gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14380. [PMID: 35083770 DOI: 10.1111/and.14380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvement of culture system and increasing the proliferation of spermatogonia stem cells under in vitro condition are the essential treatment options for infertility before autologous transplantation. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the proliferation of human spermatogonia stem cells on the electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin nanocomposite. Therefore, for this purpose, nanofiber porous scaffolds were prepared using the electrospinning method and their structures were then confirmed by SEM. After performing swelling, biodegradability and cell adhesion tests, human spermatogonia stem cells were cultured on scaffolds. In addition, both cell viability and proliferation were assessed using immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and real-time PCR techniques in culturing during a 3-week period. SEM images indicated the presence of fibres with suitable diameters and arrangement as well as a sufficient porosity in nanocomposite scaffolds, showing good biocompatibility and biodegradability. The results show a significant increase in the number of spermatogonia stem cells in the cultured group on scaffold compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). As well, the results show that the expressions of integrin ɑ6 and β1 and Plzf genes estimated using real-time PCR in nanofiber scaffolds were significantly higher than those of the control group (p ≤ 0.05). However, the expression of c-Kit gene in the 3D group showed a significant decrease compared with the 2D group. Flow cytometry analysis also showed that the number of Plzf-positive cells was significantly higher in nanofiber porous scaffolds compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, immunocytochemistry findings confirmed the presence of human spermatogonia stem cell colonies. In general, it seems that the designed nanocomposite scaffold could provide a suitable capacity for self-renewal of human spermatogonia stem cells, which can have a good application potential in research and reconstructive medicine related to the field of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Zahiri
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hamed Allahyari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Banafshe Esmaeilzade
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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18
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Gholami K, Solhjoo S, Aghamir SMK. Application of Tissue-Specific Extracellular Matrix in Tissue Engineering: Focus on Male Fertility Preservation. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3091-3099. [PMID: 35028926 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00823-9] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis and xenotransplantation of the immature testicular tissues (ITT) are the experimental approaches that have been developed for creating seminiferous tubules-like functional structures in vitro and keeping the integrity of the ITTs in vivo, respectively. These strategies are rapidly developing in response to the growing prevalence of infertility in adolescent boys undergoing cancer treatment, by the logic that there is no sperm cryopreservation option for them. Recently, with the advances made in the field of tissue engineering and biomaterials, these methods have achieved promising results for fertility preservation. Due to the importance of extracellular matrix for the formation of vascular bed around the grafted ITTs and also the creation of spatial arrangements between Sertoli cells and germ cells, today it is clear that the scaffold plays a very important role in the success of these methods. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a biocompatible, functionally graded, and biodegradable scaffold with having tissue-specific components and growth factors can support reorganization and physiologic processes of originated cells. This review discusses the common protocols for the tissue decellularization, sterilization, and hydrogel formation of the decellularized and lyophilized tissues as well as in vitro and in vivo studies on the use of the testis-derived dECM for testicular organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keykavos Gholami
- Urology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Solhjoo
- Department of Anatomy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Aydos K, Aydos OS. Sperm Selection Procedures for Optimizing the Outcome of ICSI in Patients with NOA. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122687. [PMID: 34207121 PMCID: PMC8234729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-533-748-8995
| | - Oya Sena Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey;
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Astaxanthin Relieves Busulfan-Induced Oxidative Apoptosis in Cultured Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells by Activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:374-394. [PMID: 34129218 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00651-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Many child cancer patients endure anticancer therapy containing alkylating agents before sexual maturity. Busulfan (BU), as an alkylating agent, is a chemotherapy drug, causing DNA damage and cytotoxicity in germ cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of astaxanthin (AST), as a potent antioxidant and powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, on BU-induced toxicity in human spermatogonial stem cells. For this purpose, testes were obtained from four brain-dead donors. After tissue enzymatic digestions, testicular cells were cultured for 3 weeks for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) isolation and purification. K562 cell line was cultured to survey the effect of AST on cancer treatment. The cultured SSCs and K562 cell line were finally treated with AST (10μM), BU (0.1nM), and AST+BU. The expression of NRF-2, HO-1, SOD2, SOD3, TP53, and apoptotic genes, including CASP9, CASP3, BCL2, and BAX, were assayed using real-time PCR. Moreover, ROS level in different groups and malondialdehyde level and total antioxidant capacity in cell contraction of SSCs were measured using ELISA. Data showed that AST significantly upregulated the expression of NRF-2 gene (P<0.001) and protein (P<0.005) and also significantly decreased the production of BU-induced ROS (P<0.001). AST activated the NRF-2/HO-1 pathway that could remarkably restrain BU-induced apoptosis in SSCs. Interestingly, AST upregulated the expression level of apoptosis genes in the K562 cell line. The results of this study indicated that AST reduces the side effects of BU on SSCs without interference with its chemotherapy effect on cancerous cells through modulation of the NRF-2/HO-1 and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathways.
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21
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Bu T, Wang L, Wu X, Li L, Mao B, Wong CKC, Perrotta A, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. A laminin-based local regulatory network in the testis that supports spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:40-52. [PMID: 33879391 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In adult rat testes, the basement membrane is structurally constituted by laminin and collagen chains that lay adjacent to the blood-testis barrier (BTB). It plays a crucial scaffolding role to support spermatogenesis. On the other hand, laminin-333 comprised of laminin-α3/ß3/γ3 at the apical ES (ectoplasmic specialization, a testis-specific cell-cell adherens junction at the Sertoli cell-step 8-19 spermatid interface) expressed by spermatids serves as a unique cell adhesion protein that forms an adhesion complex with α6ß1-integrin expressed by Sertoli cells to support spermiogenesis. Emerging evidence has shown that biologically active fragments are derived from basement membrane and apical ES laminin chains through proteolytic cleavage mediated by matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP2, respectively. Two of these laminin bioactive fragments: one from the basement membrane laminin-α2 chain called LG3/4/5-peptide, and one from the apical ES laminin-γ3 chain known as F5-peptide, are potent regulators that modify cell adhesion function at the Sertoli-spermatid interface (i.e., apical ES) but also at the Sertoli cell-cell interface designated basal ES at the blood-testis barrier (BTB) with contrasting effects. These findings not only highlight the physiological significance of these bioactive peptides that create a local regulatory network to support spermatogenesis, they also open a unique area of research. For instance, it is likely that several other bioactive peptides remain to be identified. These bioactive peptides including their downstream signaling proteins and cascades should be studied collectively in future investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) by which they coordinate with each other to maintain spermatogenesis. This is the goal of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao Bu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adolfo Perrotta
- Department of Translational & Precision Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
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Comparison of two culture methods during in vitro spermatogenesis of vitrified-warmed testis tissue: Organ culture vs. hanging drop culture. Cryobiology 2021; 100:142-150. [PMID: 33639111 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Solid surface vitrification (SSV) is a cost effective and simple method for testis tissue preservation. Vitrified-warmed testis tissue was successfully cultured using various organ culture methods. In this study, we compared two culture methods viz. hanging drop (HD) and organ culture (OC) methods for in vitro spermatogenesis of goat testis tissue vitrified-warmed by SSV. It was observed that OC method was superior (p < 0.05) to HD method in terms of post-warming metabolic activity of testicular tissue, as measured by MTT assay on Day 7 and Day 14 of culture, respectively. The size of the tissue also played an important role in post-warming metabolic activity and viability (4 mm3: 72.7 ± 1.2% vs. 9 mm3: 62.7 ± 1.3% vs. 16 mm3: 40.5 ± 1.7%) of vitrified tissues with smaller tissue resulting in better result. The vitrification-induced ROS activity significantly decreased during their in vitro culture. Histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the rupture of basal membrane, surface morphology and, cell loss due to vitrification. However, histology and immunohistochemistry showed the progression of in vitro spermatogenesis and formation of elongated spermatozoa in both fresh and vitrified-warmed testis tissue cultured by OC method. Taken together, our results suggest that OC method is superior to HD method for culturing goat testis tissue vitrified-warmed by SSV.
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23
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Isolation, identification and differentiation of human spermatogonial cells on three-dimensional decellularized sheep testis. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151623. [PMID: 32992121 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Improvement of in vitro culture methods of Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) is known to be an effective procedure for further study of the process of spermatogenesis and can offer effective therapeutic modality for male infertility. Tissue decellularization by providing natural 3D and extracellular matrix (ECM) conditions for cell growth can be an alternative procedure to enhance in vitro culture conditions. In the present study, the testicular tissues were taken from brain death donors. After enzymatic digestion, the tissue cells were isolated and cultured for four weeks. Then the identity of the SSCs was confirmed using anti-GFRα1 and anti-PLZF antibodies via immunocytochemistry (ICC). The differentiation capacity of SSCs were evaluated by culture of them on a layer of decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) prepared from sheep testis, as well as under two-dimensional (2D) culture with differentiation medium. After four and six weeks of the initiation of differentiation culture, the pre-meiotic, meiotic and post- meiotic genes at the mRNA and protein levels was examined via qPCR and ICC methods, respectively. The results showed that pre-meiotic, meiotic and post-meiotic genes expressions were significantly higher in the cells cultured in DTM substrate (P ≤ 0.01).The present study indicated that, the natural structure of ECM prepare the suitable conditions for further study of the spermatogenesis process in the in vitro and contributes to the maintenance and treatment of male infertility.
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Application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves self-renewal of human spermatogonial stem cells in two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151627. [PMID: 33002788 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so male infertility is a great challenge for prepubertal cancer survivors. Cryoconservation of testicular cells before cancer treatment can preserve SSCs from treatment side effects. Different two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems of SSCs have been used in many species as a useful technique to in vitro spermatogenesis. We evaluated the proliferation of SSCs in 2D and 3D culture systems of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). testicular cells of four brain-dead patients cultivated in 2D pre-culture system, characterization of SSCs performed by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and their functionality assessed by xenotransplantation to azoospermia mice. PRP prepared and dosimetry carried out to determine the optimized dose of PRP. After preparation of PRP scaffold, cytotoxic and histological evaluation performed and SSCs cultivated into three groups: control, 2D culture by optimized dose of PRP and PRP scaffold. The diameter and number of colonies measured and relative expression of GFRa1 and c-KIT evaluated by real-time PCR. Results indicated the expression of PLZF, VASA, OCT4, GFRa1 and vimentin in colonies after 2D pre-culture, xenotransplantation demonstrated proliferated SSCs have proper functionality to homing in mouse testes. The relative expression of c-KIT showed a significant increase as compared to the control group (*: p < 0.05) in PRP- 2D group, expression of GFRa1 and c-KIT in PRP scaffold group revealed a significant increase as compared to other groups (***: p < 0.001). The number and diameter of colonies in the PRP-2D group showed a considerable increase (p < 0.01) as compared to the control group. In PRP- scaffold group, a significant increase (p < 0.01) was seen only in the number of colonies related to the control group. Our results suggested that PRP scaffold can reconstruct a suitable structure to the in vitro proliferation of SSCs.
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