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Mohammadi A, Bashiri Z, Rafiei S, Asgari H, Shabani R, Hosseini S, Koruji M. Testicular niche repair after gonadotoxic treatments: Current knowledge and future directions. Biol Cell 2024; 116:e2300123. [PMID: 38470182 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202300123] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The testicular niche, which includes the germ cells, somatic cells, and extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functions of the testis. Gonadotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have significantly improved the survival rates of cancer patients but have also been shown to have adverse effects on the testicular microenvironment. Therefore, repairing the testicular niche after gonadotoxic treatments is essential to restore its function. In recent years, several approaches, such as stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, growth factor therapy, and pharmacological interventions have been proposed as potential therapeutic strategies to repair the testicular niche. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of testis damage and repair mechanisms. We will cover a range of topics, including the mechanism of gonadotoxic action, repair mechanisms, and treatment approaches. Overall, this review highlights the importance of repairing the testicular niche after gonadotoxic treatments and identifies potential avenues for future research to improve the outcomes for cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Mohammadi
- 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
| | - Zahra Bashiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Sara Rafiei
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, 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
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - SeyedJamal Hosseini
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - 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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Aden NL, Bleeke M, Kordes UR, Brunne B, Holstermann B, Biemann R, Ceglarek U, Soave A, Salzbrunn A, Schneider SW, von Kopylow K. Germ Cell Maintenance and Sustained Testosterone and Precursor Hormone Production in Human Prepubertal Testis Organ Culture with Tissues from Boys 7 Years+ under Conditions from Adult Testicular Tissue. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030415. [PMID: 36766757 PMCID: PMC9913959 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human prepubertal testicular tissues are rare, but organ culture conditions to develop a system for human in vitro-spermatogenesis are an essential option for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys subjected to gonadotoxic therapy. To avoid animal testing in line with the 3Rs principle, organ culture conditions initially tested on human adult testis tissue were applied to prepubertal samples (n = 3; patient ages 7, 9, and 12 years). Tissues were investigated by immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the collected culture medium was profiled for steroid hormones by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Culture conditions proved suitable for prepubertal organ culture since SSCs and germ cell proliferation could be maintained until the end of the 3-week-culture. Leydig cells (LCs) were shown to be competent for steroid hormone production. Three additional testis tissues from boys of the same age were examined for the number of germ cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia (SPG). Using TEM micrographs, eight tissues from patients aged 1.5 to 13 years were examined, with respect to the sizes of mitochondria (MT) in undifferentiated SPG and compared with those from two adult testicular tissues. Mitochondrial sizes were shown to be comparable between adults and prepubertal boys from approximately 7 years of age, which suggests the transition of SSCs from normoxic to hypoxic metabolism at about or before this time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neels Lennart Aden
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Bleeke
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe R. Kordes
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bianka Brunne
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Holstermann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Biemann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Ceglarek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Armin Soave
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Salzbrunn
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan W. Schneider
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrein von Kopylow
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Andrological Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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Testicular Tissue Vitrification: a Promising Strategy for Male Fertility Preservation. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1687-1700. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cheng H, Shang D, Zhou R. Germline stem cells in human. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:345. [PMID: 36184610 PMCID: PMC9527259 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline cells are essential for the propagation of human beings, thus essential for the survival of mankind. The germline stem cells, as a unique cell type, generate various states of germ stem cells and then differentiate into specialized cells, spermatozoa and ova, for producing offspring, while self-renew to generate more stem cells. Abnormal development of germline stem cells often causes severe diseases in humans, including infertility and cancer. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) first emerge during early embryonic development, migrate into the gentile ridge, and then join in the formation of gonads. In males, they differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells, which give rise to spermatozoa via meiosis from the onset of puberty, while in females, the female germline stem cells (FGSCs) retain stemness in the ovary and initiate meiosis to generate oocytes. Primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) can be induced in vitro from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on current advances in these embryonic and adult germline stem cells, and the induced PGCLCs in humans, provide an overview of molecular mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of the germline stem cells and outline their physiological functions, pathological implications, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dantong Shang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
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Kabiri D, Safrai M, Gropp M, Hidas G, Mordechai-Daniel T, Meir K, Revel A, Imbar T, Reubinoff B. Establishment of a controlled slow freezing-based approach for experimental clinical cryopreservation of human prepubertal testicular tissues. F S Rep 2022; 3:47-56. [PMID: 35386499 PMCID: PMC8978083 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Doron Kabiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Myriam Safrai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Gropp
- The Sydney and Judy Swartz Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center of The Goldyne Savad Institution of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Guy Hidas
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Karen Meir
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ariel Revel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Imbar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- IVF unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin Reubinoff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Sydney and Judy Swartz Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center of The Goldyne Savad Institution of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- IVF unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Reprint requests: Benjamin Reubinoff, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Delgouffe E, Braye A, Goossens E. Testicular Tissue Banking for Fertility Preservation in Young Boys: Which Patients Should Be Included? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:854186. [PMID: 35360062 PMCID: PMC8960265 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.854186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the growing number of young patients at risk of germ cell loss, there is a need to preserve spermatogonial stem cells for patients who are not able to bank spermatozoa. Worldwide, more and more clinics are implementing testicular tissue (TT) banking programs, making it a novel, yet indispensable, discipline in the field of fertility preservation. Previously, TT cryopreservation was predominantly offered to young cancer patients before starting gonadotoxic chemo- or radiotherapy. Nowadays, most centers also bank TT from patients with non-malignant conditions who need gonadotoxic conditioning therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Additionally, some centers include patients who suffer from genetic or developmental disorders associated with prepubertal germ cell loss or patients who already had a previous round of chemo- or radiotherapy. It is important to note that the surgical removal of TT is an invasive procedure. Moreover, TT cryopreservation is still considered experimental as restoration methods are not yet clinically available. For this reason, TT banking should preferably only be offered to patients who are at significant risk of becoming infertile. In our view, TT cryopreservation is recommended for young cancer patients in need of high-risk chemo- and/or radiotherapy, regardless of previous low-risk treatment. Likewise, TT banking is advised for patients with non-malignant disorders such as sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and bone marrow failure, who need high-risk conditioning therapy before HSCT/BMT. TT retrieval during orchidopexy is also proposed for patients with bilateral cryptorchidism. Since patients with a medium- to low-risk treatment generally maintain their fertility, TT banking is not advised for this group. Also for Klinefelter patients, TT banking is not recommended as it does not give better outcomes than a testicular sperm extraction later in life.
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Qamar AY, Hussain T, Rafique MK, Bang S, Tanga BM, Seong G, Fang X, Saadeldin IM, Cho J. The Role of Stem Cells and Their Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Restoring Female and Male Fertility. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092460. [PMID: 34572109 PMCID: PMC8468931 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a globally recognized issue caused by different reproductive disorders. To date, various therapeutic approaches to restore fertility have been attempted including etiology-specific medication, hormonal therapies, surgical excisions, and assisted reproductive technologies. Although these approaches produce results, however, fertility restoration is not achieved in all cases. Advances in using stem cell (SC) therapy hold a great promise for treating infertile patients due to their abilities to self-renew, differentiate, and produce different paracrine factors to regenerate the damaged or injured cells and replenish the affected germ cells. Furthermore, SCs secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing biologically active molecules including nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. EVs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes and show promising non-cellular therapeutic uses to combat infertility. Several studies have indicated that SCs and/or their derived EVs transplantation plays a crucial role in the regeneration of different segments of the reproductive system, oocyte production, and initiation of sperm production. However, available evidence triggers the need to testify the efficacy of SC transplantation or EVs injection in resolving the infertility issues of the human population. In this review, we highlight the recent literature covering the issues of infertility in females and males, with a special focus on the possible treatments by stem cells or their derived EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (T.H.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Tariq Hussain
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (T.H.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Muhammad Kamran Rafique
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (T.H.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Bereket Molla Tanga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa 05, Ethiopia
| | - Gyeonghwan Seong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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The Therapeutic Potential of Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells on Busulfan-Induced Azoospermia in Adult Rats. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:279-295. [PMID: 33713308 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00309-w] [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: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Busulfan is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that is routinely prescribed for leukemic patients to induce myelo-ablation. However, it also results in azoospermia and infertility in cancer survivors. This research was constructed to explore the possible therapeutic role of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) in improving busulfan-induced azoospermia in adult rats. METHODS Forty two adult male albino rats were randomized into: (1) control group, (2) azoospermia group, (3) spontaneous recovery group, and (4) AFSCs-treated group, in which AFSCs were transplanted through their injection into the testicular efferent ducts. The assessment included a histo-pathological examination of the seminiferous tubules by the light and transmission electron microscopes. Additionally, the confocal laser scanning microscope was used for confirmation of homing of the implanted cells. Moreover, we conducted an immuno-fluorescence study for detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the spermatogenic cells, epididymal sperm count, and a histo-morphometric study. RESULTS AFSCs successfully homed over the basement membrane of the injured seminiferous tubules. They greatly attenuated busulfan-induced degenerative and oxidative changes. They also caused a re-expression of PCNA in the germ cells, leading to resumption of spermatogenesis and re-appearance of spermatozoa. CONCLUSION AFSCs could be a promising treatment modality for male infertility induced by chemotherapy, as they possess prominent regenerative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory potentials.
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Yasmin E, Mitchell R, Lane S. Preservation of fertility in teenagers and young adults treated for haematological malignancies. LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2021; 8:e149-e160. [PMID: 33513374 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(20)30324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
As survival rates in teenagers and young adults diagnosed with haematological malignancies now exceed 70%, it is important that long-term quality of life, including measures to protect future fertility, are considered and discussed with patients and their families. Although discussion on the effect of planned cancer treatment on fertility is standard of care, knowledge of potential fertility treatment options and when they should be offered in haematological malignancies is not always so clear. In each case, the advice on the appropriate preservation of fertility depends upon a complex interplay of factors, weighing out the risk of future infertility against the risk of fertility preservation treatment, and recommendations must be made on a case-by-case basis. The aim of this Review is to evaluate the gonadotoxicity of treatments of prevalent haematological malignancies in teenagers and young adults, and provide an evidence-based framework to help with fertility discussion and management at the time of diagnosis, relapse or resistant disease, and in long-term follow-up settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephia Yasmin
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Rod Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sheila Lane
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Gul M, Hildorf S, Dong L, Thorup J, Hoffmann ER, Jensen CFS, Sønksen J, Cortes D, Fedder J, Andersen CY, Goossens E. Review of injection techniques for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:368-391. [PMID: 32163572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prognosis of childhood cancer survivors has increased dramatically during recent years, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer and other conditions may lead to permanent infertility in prepubertal boys. Recent developments have shown that spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation may be a hope for restoring fertility in adult survivors of childhood cancers. For this reason, several centres around the world are collecting and cryopreserving testicular tissue or cells anticipating that, in the near future, some patients will return for SSC transplantation. This review summarizes the current knowledge and utility of SSC transplantation techniques. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the currently used experimental injection techniques for SSC transplantation in animal and human testes. This is crucial in understanding and determining the role of the different techniques necessary for successful transplantation. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed publications on this topic was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search was limited to English language work and studies between 1994 (from the first study on SSC transplantation) and April 2019. Key search terms included mouse, rat, boar, ram, dog, sheep, goat, cattle, monkey, human, cadaver, testes, SSC transplantation, injection and technique. OUTCOMES This review provides an extensive clinical overview of the current research in the field of human SSC transplantation. Rete testis injection with ultrasonography guidance currently seems the most promising injection technique thus far; however, the ability to draw clear conclusions is limited due to long ischemia time of cadaver testis, the relatively decreased volume of the testis, the diminishing size of seminiferous tubules, a lack of intratesticular pressure and leakage into the interstitium during the injection on human cadaver testis. Current evidence does not support improved outcomes from multiple infusions through the rete testes. Overall, further optimization is required to increase the efficiency and safety of the infusion method. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Identifying a favourable injection method for SSC transplantation will provide insight into the mechanisms of successful assisted human reproduction. Future research could focus on reducing leakage and establishing the optimal infusion cell concentrations and pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, 42250 Konya, Turkey
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Sønksen
- Department of Urology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, 2930 Herlev, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology & Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Dumont L, Rives-Feraille A, Delessard M, Saulnier J, Rondanino C, Rives N. Activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 by the agonist JWH133 promotes the first wave of in vitro spermatogenesis. Andrology 2020; 9:673-688. [PMID: 33112479 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncological procedures have irreversible side effects on germ cells for childhood cancer survival boys. In vitro culture of prepubertal testicular tissue has been proposed to restore fertility; however, recent data on animal models showed that meiotic and post-meiotic progression was impaired. OBJECTIVES As potential key inducers of the mitosis-meiosis switch, type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2 ) has been proposed to play a central role in the meiotic entry of male germ cells. Herein, the in vitro first spermatogenesis wave in mice was used to understand the impact of CB2 activation on the differentiation of spermatogonia until elongated spermatids. MATERIALS AND METHODS A first set of cultured testicular explants of 6.5 days post-partum (dpp) mice was performed to assess the impact of a range of JWH133 supplementation (10 nm, 100 nm, 1 µm, 10 µm). Then, the progressive development of germ cells at key timepoints of spermatogenesis was evaluated throughout (i) in vitro culture (day 2 [D2], D3, D6, D10, D18, and D30) coupled with (ii) in vivo counterparts (8.5, 9.5, 12.5, 16.5, 24.5, and 36.5 dpp). RESULTS CB2 was detected at the plasma membrane of cells, and a successful completion of spermatogenesis was obtained in vitro. One day after the activation of CB2 by 1 μm of the agonist JWH133, percentage of zygotene spermatocyte I increased. CONCLUSION After 30 days of culture, (i) an enrichment of haploid germ cells detected by flow cytometry, (ii) a reduced necrotic area, and (iii) an increase in the density of post-meiotic germ cells were observed. We showed that the activation of CB2 improves in vitro entry into meiosis and differentiation of spermatogonia, mimicking physiological meiotic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Dumont
- Department of Reproductive Biology - CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Department of Reproductive Biology - CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
| | - Marion Delessard
- Department of Reproductive Biology - CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
| | - Justine Saulnier
- Department of Reproductive Biology - CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Department of Reproductive Biology - CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Department of Reproductive Biology - CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
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13
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Histologic Analysis of Testes from Prepubertal Patients Treated with Chemotherapy Associates Impaired Germ Cell Counts with Cumulative Doses of Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide, Cytarabine, and Asparaginase. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:603-613. [PMID: 33150486 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue is an experimental strategy for the preservation of fertility in prepubertal boys that will be subjected to a gonadotoxic onset, as is the case of oncologic patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of chemotherapeutic treatments on the testicular histologic phenotype in prepubertal patients. A total of 56 testicular tissue samples from pediatric patients between 0 and 16 years old (28 with at least one previous chemotherapeutic onset and 28 untreated controls) were histologically analyzed and age-matched compared. At least two 5-μm sections from testis per patient separated by a distance of 100 μm were immunostained for the germ cell marker VASA, the spermatogonial markers UTF1, PLZF, UCHL1, and SALL4, the marker for proliferative cells KI67, and the Sertoli cell marker SOX9. The percentage of tubule cross-sections positive for each marker and the number of positive cells per tubule cross-section were determined and association with the cumulative dose received of each chemotherapeutic drug was statistically assessed. Results indicated that alkylating agents, cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, but also the antimetabolite cytarabine and asparaginase were associated with a decreased percentage of positive tubules and a lower number of positive cells per tubule for the analyzed markers. Our results provide new evidences of the potential of chemotherapeutic agents previously considered to have low gonadotoxic effects such as cytarabine and asparaginase to trigger a severe testicular phenotype, hampering the potential success of future fertility restoration in experimental programs of fertility preservation in prepubertal boys.
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14
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Delessard M, Saulnier J, Dumont L, Rives-Feraille A, Rives N, Rondanino C. Paradoxical risk of reduced fertility after exposure of prepubertal mice to vincristine or cyclophosphamide at low gonadotoxic doses in humans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17859. [PMID: 33082498 PMCID: PMC7576200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74862-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment can have long-term side effects in cured patients and infertility is one of them. Given the urgency of diagnosis in children with cancer, the toxicity of treatments on the gonad was overshadowed for a long time. In the present study, prepubertal mice were treated by vincristine or cyclophosphamide commonly used in acute leukaemia treatment. The prepubertal exposure to cyclophosphamide, at a low gonadotoxic dose in humans (< 3.5 g/m2), led to morphological alterations of prepubertal testicular tissue. An increased proportion of spermatozoa with hypocondensed chromatin and oxidized DNA associated with decreased fertility were uncovered at adulthood. Short- and long-term morphological alterations of the testicular tissue, disturbed progression of spermatogenesis along with increased proportions of isolated flagella and spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were evidenced in vincristine-treated mice. Moreover, the fertility of mice exposed to vincristine was severely affected despite being considered low-risk for fertility in humans. Paternal exposure to vincristine or cyclophosphamide before puberty had no impact on offspring development. Contrary to the current gonadotoxic risk classification, our results using a mouse model show that vincristine and cyclophosphamide (< 3.5 g/m2) present a high gonadotoxic risk when administered before the initiation of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Delessard
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Justine Saulnier
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, 76000, Rouen, France.
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15
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Goossens E, Jahnukainen K, Mitchell RT, van Pelt A, Pennings G, Rives N, Poels J, Wyns C, Lane S, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rives A, Valli-Pulaski H, Steimer S, Kliesch S, Braye A, Andres MM, Medrano J, Ramos L, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Bjarnason R, Orwig KE, Neuhaus N, Stukenborg JB. Fertility preservation in boys: recent developments and new insights †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa016. [PMID: 32529047 PMCID: PMC7275639 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is an important side effect of treatments used for cancer and other non-malignant conditions in males. This may be due to the loss of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and/or altered functionality of testicular somatic cells (e.g. Sertoli cells, Leydig cells). Whereas sperm cryopreservation is the first-line procedure to preserve fertility in post-pubertal males, this option does not exist for prepubertal boys. For patients unable to produce sperm and at high risk of losing their fertility, testicular tissue freezing is now proposed as an alternative experimental option to safeguard their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE With this review, we aim to provide an update on clinical practices and experimental methods, as well as to describe patient management inclusion strategies used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys at high risk of fertility loss. SEARCH METHODS Based on the expertise of the participating centres and a literature search of the progress in clinical practices, patient management strategies and experimental methods used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys at high risk of fertility loss were identified. In addition, a survey was conducted amongst European and North American centres/networks that have published papers on their testicular tissue banking activity. OUTCOMES Since the first publication on murine SSC transplantation in 1994, remarkable progress has been made towards clinical application: cryopreservation protocols for testicular tissue have been developed in animal models and are now offered to patients in clinics as a still experimental procedure. Transplantation methods have been adapted for human testis, and the efficiency and safety of the technique are being evaluated in mouse and primate models. However, important practical, medical and ethical issues must be resolved before fertility restoration can be applied in the clinic.Since the previous survey conducted in 2012, the implementation of testicular tissue cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys has increased. Data have been collected from 24 co-ordinating centres worldwide, which are actively offering testis tissue cryobanking to safeguard the future fertility of boys. More than 1033 young patients (age range 3 months to 18 years) have already undergone testicular tissue retrieval and storage for fertility preservation. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The review does not include the data of all reproductive centres worldwide. Other centres might be offering testicular tissue cryopreservation. Therefore, the numbers might be not representative for the entire field in reproductive medicine and biology worldwide. The key ethical issue regarding fertility preservation in prepubertal boys remains the experimental nature of the intervention. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The revised procedures can be implemented by the multi-disciplinary teams offering and/or developing treatment strategies to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys who have a high risk of fertility loss. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The work was funded by ESHRE. None of the authors has a conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.,Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh; and the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amm van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - N Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - J Poels
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Wyns
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Lane
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - K A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Section of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - H Valli-Pulaski
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S Steimer
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Braye
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M M Andres
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Medrano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - L Ramos
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynacology, Division Reproductive Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Bjarnason
- Children's Medical Center, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland and Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - K E Orwig
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - N Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J B Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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16
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Fend-Guella DL, von Kopylow K, Spiess AN, Schulze W, Salzbrunn A, Diederich S, El Hajj N, Haaf T, Zechner U, Linke M. The DNA methylation profile of human spermatogonia at single-cell- and single-allele-resolution refutes its role in spermatogonial stem cell function and germ cell differentiation. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:283-294. [PMID: 30892608 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSCs) have potential in fertility preservation of prepubertal boys or in treatment of male adults suffering from meiotic arrest. Prior to therapeutic application, in vitro propagation of rare hSSCs is mandatory. As the published data points to epigenetic alterations in long-term cell culture of spermatogonia (SPG), an initial characterisation of their DNA methylation state is important. Testicular biopsies from five adult normogonadotropic patients were converted into aggregate-free cell suspensions. FGFR3-positive (FGFR3+) SPG, resembling a very early stem cell state, were labelled with magnetic beads and isolated in addition to unlabelled SPG (FGFR3-). DNA methylation was assessed by limiting dilution bisulfite pyrosequencing for paternally imprinted (H19 and MEG3), maternally imprinted (KCNQ1OT1, PEG3, and SNRPN), pluripotency (POU5F1/OCT4 and NANOG), and spermatogonial/hSSC marker (FGFR3, GFRA1, PLZF, and L1TD1) genes on either single cells or pools of 10 cells. Both spermatogonial subpopulations exhibited a methylation pattern largely equivalent to sperm, with hypomethylation of hSSC marker and maternally imprinted genes and hypermethylation of pluripotency and paternally imprinted genes. Interestingly, we detected fine differences between the two spermatogonial subpopulations, which were reflected by an inverse methylation pattern of imprinted genes, i.e. decreasing methylation in hypomethylated genes and increasing methylation in hypermethylated genes, from FGFR3+ through FGFR3- SPG to sperm. Limitations of this study are due to it not being performed on a genome-wide level and being based on previously published regulatory gene regions. However, the concordance of DNA methylation between SPG and sperm implies that hSSC regulation and germ cell differentiation do not occur at the DNA methylation level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Lucia Fend-Guella
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kathrein von Kopylow
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Schulze
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Fertility Center Hamburg GmbH, Amedes Group, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Salzbrunn
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Diederich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Biocenter, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany.,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Biocenter, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Senckenberg Center of Human Genetics, Facharztzentrum Frankfurt-Nordend gGmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Matthias Linke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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17
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Portela JMD, Heckmann L, Wistuba J, Sansone A, van Pelt AMM, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Development and Disease-Dependent Dynamics of Spermatogonial Subpopulations in Human Testicular Tissues. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010224. [PMID: 31947706 PMCID: PMC7019285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy and conditioning treatments of non-malignant diseases affect spermatogonial function and may lead to male infertility. Data on the molecular properties of spermatogonia and the influence of disease and/or treatment on spermatogonial subpopulations remain limited. Here, we assessed if the density and percentage of spermatogonial subpopulation changes during development (n = 13) and due to disease and/or treatment (n = 18) in tissues stored in fertility preservation programs, using markers for spermatogonia (MAGEA4), undifferentiated spermatogonia (UTF1), proliferation (PCNA), and global DNA methylation (5mC). Throughout normal prepubertal testicular development, only the density of 5mC-positive spermatogonia significantly increased with age. In comparison, patients affected by disease and/or treatment showed a reduced density of UTF1-, PCNA- and 5mC-positive spermatogonia, whereas the percentage of spermatogonial subpopulations remained unchanged. As an exception, sickle cell disease patients treated with hydroxyurea displayed a reduction in both density and percentage of 5mC- positive spermatogonia. Our results demonstrate that, in general, a reduction in spermatogonial density does not alter the percentages of undifferentiated and proliferating spermatogonia, nor the establishment of global methylation. However, in sickle cell disease patients’, establishment of spermatogonial DNA methylation is impaired, which may be of importance for the potential use of this tissues in fertility preservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M. D. Portela
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Laura Heckmann
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Braye A, Tournaye H, Goossens E. Setting Up a Cryopreservation Programme for Immature Testicular Tissue: Lessons Learned After More Than 15 Years of Experience. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 13:1179558119886342. [PMID: 31798308 PMCID: PMC6868573 DOI: 10.1177/1179558119886342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Young boys undergoing gonadotoxic treatments are at high risk of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) loss and fertility problems later in life. Stem cell loss can also occur in specific genetic conditions, eg, Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Before puberty, these boys do not yet produce sperm. Hence, they cannot benefit from sperm banking. An emerging alternative is the freezing of testicular tissue aiming to preserve the SSCs for eventual autologous transplantation or in vitro maturation at adult age. Many fertility preservation programmes include cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue, although the restoration procedures are still under development. Until the end of 2018, the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel has frozen testicular tissues of 112 patients between 8 months and 18 years of age. Testicular tissue was removed in view of gonadotoxic cancer treatment (35%), gonadotoxic conditioning therapy for bone marrow transplantation (35%) or in boys diagnosed with KS (30%). So far, none of these boys had their testicular tissue transplanted back. This article summarizes our experience with cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue over the past 16 years (2002-2018) and describes the key issues for setting up a cryopreservation programme for immature testicular tissue as a means to safeguard the future fertility of boys at high risk of SSC loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Braye
- Biology of the Testis (BITE), Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis (BITE), Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Oliver E, Stukenborg JB. Rebuilding the human testis in vitro. Andrology 2019; 8:825-834. [PMID: 31539453 PMCID: PMC7496374 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Increasing rates of male infertility have led to a greater need for relevant model systems to gain further insight into male fertility and its failings. Spermatogenesis and hormone production occur within distinct regions of the testis. Defined by specialized architecture and a diverse population of cell types, it is no surprise that disruption of this highly organized microenvironment can lead to infertility. To date, no robust in vitro system has facilitated full spermatogenesis resulting in the production of fertilization‐competent human spermatozoa. Here, we review a selection of current in vitro systems available for modelling the human testis microenvironment with focus on the progression of spermatogenesis and recapitulation of the testis microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Oliver
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - J-B Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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20
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Oblette A, Rondeaux J, Dumont L, Delessard M, Saulnier J, Rives A, Rives N, Rondanino C. DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications in the mouse germline following in-vitro maturation of fresh or cryopreserved prepubertal testicular tissue. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:383-401. [PMID: 31315814 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do cryopreservation and in-vitro culture procedures affect the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and histone-modifying enzymes, as well as the establishment of DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications (PTM) in germ cells in prepubertal mouse testicular tissue? DESIGN This study investigated the expression of epigenetic modification enzymes, DNA methylation and histone PTM, and the spermatogenic progression after in-vitro maturation of fresh or cryopreserved mouse prepubertal testicular tissue. Fresh or cryopreserved testicular fragments from 6-7 days post-partum mice were cultured for 30 days in the presence of retinol with or without FSH. RESULTS The in-vitro maturation of fresh or cryopreserved tissue allowed the differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa. Differences in the levels of transcripts encoding epigenetic modification enzymes (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Jarid1b, Src1, Sirt1, Hdac1) were found between 30-day tissue cultures and age-matched in-vivo controls. DNMT1/DNMT3a expression and the presence of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) were detected in spermatogonia and leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes in cultures. The relative 5mC fluorescence intensity was similar in spermatozoa produced in cultures of cryopreserved tissues or in vivo. H3K4me3, H3K9ac and H4K8ac were present in all germ cell types but differences in the proportion of germ cells containing these epigenetic marks were found after cultures. CONCLUSIONS Despite differences with the in-vivo situation, DNA methylation and histone methylation and acetylation occur in the mouse germline in in-vitro matured fresh or cryopreserved mouse prepubertal testicular tissue, and the expression of the enzymes catalysing these epigenetic modifications are maintained in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Oblette
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Julie Rondeaux
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Marion Delessard
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Justine Saulnier
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Aurélie Rives
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France.
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21
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Beaud H, Tremblay AR, Chan PTK, Delbes G. Sperm DNA Damage in Cancer Patients. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:189-203. [PMID: 31301053 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fertility is a growing healthcare issue for a rising number of cancer survivors. In men, cancer itself and its treatment can negatively affect spermatogenesis by targeting the dividing spermatogonia and their cellular environment, ultimately leading to a reduction of testicular germ cells and sperm count. Experimental data and prospective longitudinal studies have shown that sperm production can recover after cancer treatment. But despite this, yet unpredictable, recovery in sperm production, cancer survivors are more at risk to produce sperm with aneuploidy, DNA damage, abnormal chromatin structure, and epigenetic defects even 2 years post-treatment. Sperm DNA alteration is of clinical concern, as these patients may father children or seek assisted reproduction technologies (ART) using gametes with damaged genome that could result in adverse progeny outcomes. Interestingly, large cohort studies revealed lower birth rate but no significant impact on the health of the children born from male cancer survivors (naturally or using ART). Nevertheless, a better understanding of how cocktail of chemotherapy and new anticancer agents affect spermatogenesis and sperm quality is needed to reduce side effects. Moreover, developing new fertility preservation strategies is essential as sperm cryopreservation before treatment is currently the only option but does not apply for prepubertal/young postpubertal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermance Beaud
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, QC, Canada
| | - Amelie R Tremblay
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, QC, Canada
| | - Peter T K Chan
- Division of Urology, McGill University Health Center, QC, Canada
| | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, QC, Canada.
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22
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Michailov Y, Lunenfeld E, Kapelushnik J, Huleihel M. Leukemia and male infertility: past, present, and future. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 60:1126-1135. [PMID: 30501544 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1533126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) to generate sperm. Leukemia patients show impairment in some of the endocrine hormones that are involved in spermatogenesis. They also show a decrease in semen parameters before and after thawing of cryopreserved samples compared to a control. The mechanisms behind these effects have not yet been described. This review summarizes the effect of leukemia on semen parameters from adult patients and highlights feasible suggested mechanisms that may affect impairment of spermatogenesis in these patients. We suggest the possible involvement of leukemia in disturbing hormones involved in spermatogenesis, and the imbalance in testicular paracrine/autocrine factors involved in the formation of SSC niches that control their proliferation and differentiation. Understanding the mechanisms of leukemia in the impairment of spermatogenesis may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies mainly for prepubertal boys who do not yet produce sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Michailov
- a The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,b The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER) , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,c Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,d IVF Unit , Barzilai Medical Center , Ashkelon , Israel
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- b The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER) , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,c Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,e Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Soroka Medical Center , Beer-Sheva , Israel
| | - Joseph Kapelushnik
- b The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER) , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,c Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,f Department of Pediatric Oncology and Department of Hematology , Soroka Medical Center , Beer-Sheva , Israel
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- a The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,b The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER) , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,c Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.,g The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
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23
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de Michele F, Poels J, Vermeulen M, Ambroise J, Gruson D, Guiot Y, Wyns C. Haploid Germ Cells Generated in Organotypic Culture of Testicular Tissue From Prepubertal Boys. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1413. [PMID: 30356879 PMCID: PMC6190924 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While in mice various studies have described the completion of spermatogenesis in vitro using either organotypic culture of prepubertal testicular tissue or 3D culture of isolated cells, in humans it has not been possible to achieve germ cell differentiation from immature testicular tissue (ITT). In our study, we evaluated the ability of human ITT to differentiate via a long-term organotypic culture of frozen–thawed 1 mm3 testicular fragments from five prepubertal boys in two different culture media. Tissue and supernatants were analyzed at regular intervals up to day 139. Sertoli cell (SC) viability and maturation was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SOX9, GDNF, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androgen receptor (AR), and AMH concentration in supernatants. Spermatogonia (SG) and proliferating cells were identified by MAGE-A4 (for SG) and Ki67 (for proliferating cells) via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Apoptotic cells were studied by active caspase 3. To evaluate Leydig cell (LC) functionality testosterone was measured in the supernatants and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) IHC was performed. Germ cell differentiation was evaluated on Hematoxylin-Eosin histological sections, via IHC for synaptonemal complex 3 (SYCP3) for spermatocytes, Protein boule-like (BOLL) for spermatocytes and round spermatids, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), protamine 2 and transition protein 1 (for elongated spermatids) and via chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). We reported the generation of meiotic and postmeiotic cells after 16 days of culture, as shown by the histological analyses, the presence of differentiation markers and the increase of haploid germ cells. We showed SC viability and maturation by a decrease of AMH secretion in the supernatants (p ≤ 0.001) while the number of SOX9 positive cells did not show any variation. A decrease of spermatogonia (p ≤ 0.001) was observed. The number of apoptotic cells did not vary. LC functionality was shown by the increase in STAR expression (p ≤ 0.007) and a peak in testosterone secretion, followed by a reduction (p ≤ 0.001) with stabilization. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of generation of haploid cells in human ITT. Differentiating germ cells have to be further evaluated for their ability to complete differentiation, their fecundability and epigenetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca de Michele
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Vermeulen
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Ambroise
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Centre de Technologies Moléculaires Appliquées (CTMA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Guiot
- Department of Anatomopathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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24
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Stukenborg JB, Alves-Lopes JP, Kurek M, Albalushi H, Reda A, Keros V, Töhönen V, Bjarnason R, Romerius P, Sundin M, Norén Nyström U, Langenskiöld C, Vogt H, Henningsohn L, Mitchell RT, Söder O, Petersen C, Jahnukainen K. Spermatogonial quantity in human prepubertal testicular tissue collected for fertility preservation prior to potentially sterilizing therapy. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1677-1683. [PMID: 30052981 PMCID: PMC6112575 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does chemotherapy exposure (with or without alkylating agents) or primary diagnosis affect spermatogonial quantity in human prepubertal testicular tissue? SUMMARY ANSWER Spermatogonial quantity is significantly reduced in testes of prepubertal boys treated with alkylating agent therapies or with hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells, followed by transplantation into the testis after treatment, is a proposed clinical option for fertility restoration in children. The key clinical consideration behind this approach is a sufficient quantity of healthy cryopreserved spermatogonia. However, since most boys with malignancies start therapy with agents that are not potentially sterilizing, they will have already received some chemotherapy before testicular tissue cryopreservation is considered. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined histological sections of prepubertal testicular tissue to elucidate whether chemotherapy exposure or primary diagnosis affects spermatogonial quantity. Quantity of spermatogonia per transverse tubular cross-section (S/T) was assessed in relation to treatment characteristics and normative reference values in histological sections of paraffin embedded testicular tissue samples collected from 32 consecutive boy patients (aged 6.3 ± 3.8 [mean ± SD] years) between 2014 and 2017, as part of the NORDFERTIL study, and in 14 control samples (from boys aged 5.6 ± 5.0 [mean ± SD] years) from an internal biobank. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Prepubertal boys in Sweden, Finland and Iceland who were facing treatments associated with a very high risk of infertility, were offered the experimental procedure of testicular cryopreservation. Exclusion criteria were testicular volumes >10 ml and high bleeding or infection risk. There were 18 patients with a diagnosis of malignancy and 14 patients a non-malignant diagnosis. While 20 patients had the testicular biopsy performed 1-45 days after chemotherapy, 12 patients had not received any chemotherapy. In addition, 14 testicular tissue samples of patients with no reported testicular pathology, obtained from the internal biobank of the Department of Pathology at Karolinska University Hospital, were included as control samples in addition to reference values obtained from a recently published meta-analysis. The quantity of spermatogonia was assessed by both morphological and immunohistochemical analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The main finding was a significant reduction in spermatogonial cell counts in boys treated with alkylating agents or with hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease. The mean S/T values in boys exposed to alkylating agents (0.2 ± 0.3, n = 6) or in boys with sickle cell disease and exposed to hydroxyurea (0.3 ± 0.6, n = 6) were significantly lower (P = 0.003 and P = 0.008, respectively) than in a group exposed to non-alkylating agents or in biobank control samples (1.7 ± 1.0, n = 8 and 4.1 ± 4.6, n = 14, respectively). The mean S/T values of the testicular tissue samples included in the biobank control group and the patient group exposed to non-alkylating agents were within recently published normative reference values. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Normal testicular tissue samples included in this study were obtained from the internal biobank of Karolinska University Hospital. Samples were considered normal and included in the study if no testicular pathology was reported in the analysed samples. However, detailed information regarding previous medical treatments and testicular volumes of patients included in this biobank were not available. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study summarizes, for the first time, spermatogonial quantity in a prepubertal patient cohort just before and after potentially sterilizing treatments. Boys facing cancer and cytotoxic therapies are regarded as the major group who will benefit from novel fertility preservation techniques. There are no previous reports correlating spermatogonial quantity to cumulative exposure to alkylating agents and anthracyclines (non-alkylating agents) and no information about the timing of cytotoxic exposures among this particular patient cohort. For prepubertal boys in whom fertility preservation is indicated, testicular tissue should be obtained before initiation of chemotherapy with alkylating agents, whilst for those with sickle cell disease and treated with hydroxyurea, this approach to fertility preservation may not be feasible. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from The Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation (PR2016-0124; TJ2016-0093; PR2015-0073, TJ2015-0046) (J.-B.S. and K.J.), the Jane and Dan Olssons Foundation (2016-33) (J.-B.S.), the Finnish Cancer Society (K.J.), the Foundation for Paediatric Research (J.-B.S.), Kronprinsessan Lovisas Förening För Barnasjukvård/ Stiftelsen Axel Tielmans Minnesfond, Samariten Foundation (J.-B.S.), the Väre Foundation for Paediatric Cancer Research (K.J.) and the Swedish Research Council (2012-6352) (O.S.). R.T.M. was supported by a Wellcome Trust Fellowship (09822). J.P.A.-L. and M.K. were supported by the ITN Marie Curie program 'Growsperm' (EU-FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN 603568). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-B Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J P Alves-Lopes
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Kurek
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - H Albalushi
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - A Reda
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - V Keros
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - V Töhönen
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Bjarnason
- Clinic and University, Children's Medical Center, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - P Romerius
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M Sundin
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Blood Disorders, Immunodeficiency and Stem Cell Transplantation, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - U Norén Nyström
- Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - C Langenskiöld
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - H Vogt
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - L Henningsohn
- Division of Urology, Institution for Clinical Science Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- The Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - O Söder
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Petersen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Paediatric Oncology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children´s Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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25
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Burns LJ, Abbetti B, Arnold SD, Bender J, Doughtie S, El-Jawahiri A, Gee G, Hahn T, Horowitz MM, Johnson S, Juckett M, Krishnamurit L, Kullberg S, LeMaistre CF, Loren A, Majhail NS, Murphy EA, Rizzo D, Roche-Green A, Saber W, Schatz BA, Schmit-Pokorny K, Shaw BE, Syrjala KL, Tierney DK, Ullrich C, Vanness DJ, Wood WA, Denzen EM. Engaging Patients in Setting a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Agenda in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2018; 24:1111-1118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Onofre J, Faes K, Kadam P, Vicini E, van Pelt AMM, Goossens E. What is the best protocol to cryopreserve immature mouse testicular cell suspensions? Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:6-17. [PMID: 29776850 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION From a clinical perspective, which parameters grant optimal cryopreservation of mouse testicular cell suspensions? DESIGN We studied the effect of different cryopreservation rates, the addition of sugars, different vessels and the addition of an apoptotic inhibitor on the efficiency of testicular cell suspension cryopreservation. After thawing and warming, testicular cell suspensions were transplanted to recipient mice for further functional assay. After selecting the optimal cryopreservation procedure, a second experiment compared the transplantation efficiency between the selected freezing protocol and fresh testicular cell suspensions. RESULTS Multiple- and single-step freezing did not differ significantly in terms of recovered viable cells (RVC) (33 ± 28% and 38 ± 25%). The addition of sucrose did not result in a higher RVC (33 ± 20%). Cells frozen in vials recovered better than those frozen in straws (52 ± 20% versus 33 ± 20%; P = 0.0049). The inclusion of an apoptosis inhibitor (z-VAD[Oe]-FMK) significantly increased the RVC after thawing (61 ± 18% versus 50 ± 17%; P = 0.0480). When comparing the optimal cryopreservation procedure with fresh testicular cell suspensions, a lower RVC (63 ± 11% versus 92 ± 4%; P < 0.0001) and number of donor-derived spermatogonial stem cell colonies per testis (34.04 ± 2.34 versus 16.78 ± 7.76; P = 0.0051) were observed. CONCLUSION Upon freeze-thawing or vitrification-warming, and assessment of donor-derived spermatogenesis after transplantation, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 1.5M dimethyl-sulphoxide, 10% fetal calf serum and 60 µM of Z-VAD-(OMe)-FMK in vials at a freezing rate of -1°C/min was optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Onofre
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Faes
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Via A. Scarpa, 14 00161 Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
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27
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In vitro study of doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress in spermatogonia and immature Sertoli cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 348:32-42. [PMID: 29660436 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric chemotherapy treatments can impair long-term male fertility. Unfortunately, no fertility preservation solution is available for pre-pubertal boys. Studies suggest that doxorubicin, used against pediatric cancers, induces oxidative stress in the testis. However, the targeted testicular cell types remain unknown. The goal of this study was to determine whether doxorubicin can induce oxidative stress in rat spermatogonia (GC-6Spg) and immature Sertoli (Ser-W3) cell lines, and to assess their protection by antioxidants. Using the MTT assay, we have shown that doxorubicin induces a time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in these two cell lines, Ser-W3 being more sensitive than GC-6Spg. After 3 h of treatment, reactive oxygen species and nuclear 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine increase in Ser-W3, but not in GC-6Spg. Moreover, after 6 h of treatment, intracellular reduced glutathione levels decrease significantly in Ser-W3 cells. These results show that doxorubicin induces oxidative stress in the Ser-W3 cell line. However, a depletion in glutathione does not affect their survival, and supplementation only offers a weak protection after exposure to doxorubicin, suggesting that the glutathione system is not essential for Ser-W3 cell line's defense against doxorubicin. On the other hand, among four antioxidants selected from the literature, none reduces the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in Ser-W3 cells. Together, our data suggest that oxidative stress may not be a major pathway for doxorubicin's cytotoxicity in GC-6Spg and Ser-W3 lines. This study provides new insights in the mechanisms by which chemotherapies affect the pre-pubertal testis, with the long-term goal to help improve the quality of life of pediatric cancer survivors.
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Rondanino C, Maouche A, Dumont L, Oblette A, Rives N. Establishment, maintenance and functional integrity of the blood-testis barrier in organotypic cultures of fresh and frozen/thawed prepubertal mouse testes. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:304-320. [PMID: 28333312 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the spatio-temporal formation of an intact blood-testis barrier (BTB), which is essential for the progression of spermatogenesis, be reproduced in cultures of fresh or frozen/thawed prepubertal mouse testes? SUMMARY ANSWER Organotypic cultures allow the establishment and maintenance of major BTB components and the formation of a functional BTB in mouse testicular tissues. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vitro maturation of prepubertal testicular tissues is a promising approach to restore fertility in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Although gametes can be successfully obtained from prepubertal mouse testes in organotypic cultures, the spermatogenic yield remains low compared to in vivo controls. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Mouse testicular tissues were frozen using controlled slow freezing (CSF) or solid surface vitrification (SSV) procedures. A total of 158 testes (fresh n = 58, CSF n = 58 or SSV n = 42) from 6 to 7 days postpartum (dpp) mice were cultured at 34°C in basal medium (α-MEM, 10% KnockOut Serum Replacement, 5 μg/ml gentamicin) at a gas-liquid interphase (under 20% O2), with or without 10-6 M retinol, for 9, 16 and 30 days. In addition, 32 testes from 6-7, 15-16, 22-23 and 36-37 dpp mice were used as in vivo controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The mRNA levels of BTB genes (Claudin 3, Claudin 11, Zonula occludens 1 and Connexin-43), germ cell-specific genes (Sal-like protein 4, Kit oncogene, Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8, Synaptonemal complex protein 3, Transition protein 1 and Protamine 2), markers of Sertoli cell immaturity/maturity (anti-Mullerian hormone, androgen receptor, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1b) and the androgen-regulated gene Reproductive homeobox 5 (Rhox5) were measured by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). The localization of BTB proteins in seminiferous tubules was studied by immunohistochemistry and spermatogenic progression was evaluated histologically. The integrity of the BTB was assessed using a biotin tracer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Modest differences in Claudin 11 (Cldn11), Zonula occludens 1 (Zo-1), Connexin-43 (Cx43) transcript levels and in the localization of the corresponding proteins were found between in vitro cultures of fresh or frozen/thawed testes and in vivo controls (P < 0.05). However, a 32-77-fold decrease in Claudin 3 (Cldn3) mRNA levels and a lack of CLDN3 immunolabelling in 36-44% of seminiferous tubules were observed in 30-day organotypic cultures (P < 0.05). Although Sertoli cell maturation and the completion of a full spermatogenic cycle were achieved after 30 days of culture, meiotic and postmeiotic progression was altered in cultured testicular tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, an increased BTB permeability and a decreased expression of Rhox5 were observed at the end of the culture period in comparison with in vivo controls (P < 0.05). Completion of spermatogenesis occurred in vitro in seminiferous tubules with an intact BTB, and in those expressing or lacking CLDN3. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further studies will be needed to determine whether the expression of other BTB components is altered and to decipher the reason for lower Cldn3 and Rhox5 mRNA levels in organotypic cultures. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This work contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms occurring in in vitro matured prepubertal testes. The organotypic culture system will have to be developed further and optimized for human tissue, before potential clinical applications can be envisaged. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Rouen University Hospital, Ligue contre le Cancer (to L.D.), and co-supported by European Union and Région Normandie (to A.O.). Europe gets involved in Normandie with European Régional Development Fund (ERDF). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rondanino
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - A Maouche
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - L Dumont
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - A Oblette
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - N Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
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Stukenborg JB, Jahnukainen K, Hutka M, Mitchell RT. Cancer treatment in childhood and testicular function: the importance of the somatic environment. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:R69-R87. [PMID: 29351905 PMCID: PMC5817964 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Testicular function and future fertility may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. Whilst survival of the germ (stem) cells is critical for ensuring the potential for fertility in these patients, the somatic cell populations also play a crucial role in providing a suitable environment to support germ cell maintenance and subsequent development. Regulation of the spermatogonial germ-stem cell niche involves many signalling pathways with hormonal influence from the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this review, we describe the somatic cell populations that comprise the testicular germ-stem cell niche in humans and how they may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. We also discuss the experimental models that may be utilized to manipulate the somatic environment and report the results of studies that investigate the potential role of somatic cells in the protection of the germ cells in the testis from cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab StockholmPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab StockholmPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell TransplantationChildren's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marsida Hutka
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick ChildrenEdinburgh, UK
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Del Vento F, Vermeulen M, de Michele F, Giudice MG, Poels J, des Rieux A, Wyns C. Tissue Engineering to Improve Immature Testicular Tissue and Cell Transplantation Outcomes: One Step Closer to Fertility Restoration for Prepubertal Boys Exposed to Gonadotoxic Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010286. [PMID: 29346308 PMCID: PMC5796232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their important contribution to the cure of both oncological and benign diseases, gonadotoxic therapies present the risk of a severe impairment of fertility. Sperm cryopreservation is not an option to preserve prepubertal boys’ reproductive potential, as their seminiferous tubules only contain spermatogonial stem cells (as diploid precursors of spermatozoa). Cryobanking of human immature testicular tissue (ITT) prior to gonadotoxic therapies is an accepted practice. Evaluation of cryopreserved ITT using xenotransplantation in nude mice showed the survival of a limited proportion of spermatogonia and their ability to proliferate and initiate differentiation. However, complete spermatogenesis could not be achieved in the mouse model. Loss of germ cells after ITT grafting points to the need to optimize the transplantation technique. Tissue engineering, a new branch of science that aims at improving cellular environment using scaffolds and molecules administration, might be an approach for further progress. In this review, after summarizing the lessons learned from human prepubertal testicular germ cells or tissue xenotransplantation experiments, we will focus on the benefits that might be gathered using bioengineering techniques to enhance transplantation outcomes by optimizing early tissue graft revascularization, protecting cells from toxic insults linked to ischemic injury and exploring strategies to promote cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Del Vento
- Gynecology-Andrology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.D.V.); (M.V.); (F.d.M.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Maxime Vermeulen
- Gynecology-Andrology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.D.V.); (M.V.); (F.d.M.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Francesca de Michele
- Gynecology-Andrology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.D.V.); (M.V.); (F.d.M.); (M.G.G.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Gynecology-Andrology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.D.V.); (M.V.); (F.d.M.); (M.G.G.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Anne des Rieux
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials Unit, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology-Andrology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.D.V.); (M.V.); (F.d.M.); (M.G.G.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-764-95-01
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31
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Alves-Lopes JP, Stukenborg JB. Testicular organoids: a new model to study the testicular microenvironment in vitro? Hum Reprod Update 2017; 24:176-191. [PMID: 29281008 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, a broad range of strategies have been applied to model the testicular microenvironment in vitro. These models have been utilized to study testicular physiology and development. However, a system that allows investigations into testicular organogenesis and its impact in the spermatogonial stem-cell (SSC) niche in vitro has not been developed yet. Recently, the creation of tissue-specific organ-like structures called organoids has resurged, helping researchers to answer scientific questions that previous in vitro models could not help to elucidate. So far, a small number of publications have concerned the generation of testicular organoids and their application in the field of reproductive medicine and biology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Here, we aim to elucidate whether testicular organoids might be useful in answering current scientific questions about the regulation and function of the SSC niche as well as germ cell proliferation and differentiation, and whether or not the existing in vitro models are already sufficient to address them. Moreover, we would like to discuss how an organoid system can be a better solution to address these prominent scientific problems in our field, by the creation of a rationale parallel to those in other areas where organoid systems have been successfully utilized. SEARCH METHODS We comprehensively reviewed publications regarding testicular organoids and the methods that most closely led to the formation of these organ-like structures in vitro by searching for the following terms in both PubMed and the Web of Science database: testicular organoid, seminiferous tubule 3D culture, Sertoli cell 3D culture, testicular cord formation in vitro, testicular morphogenesis in vitro, germ cell 3D culture, in vitro spermatogenesis, testicular de novo morphogenesis, seminiferous tubule de novo morphogenesis, seminiferous tubule-like structures, testicular in vitro model and male germ cell niche in vitro, with no restrictions to any publishing year. The inclusion criteria were based on the relation with the main topic (i.e. testicular organoids, testicular- and seminiferous-like structures as in vitro models), methodology applied (i.e. in vitro culture, culture dimensions (2D, 3D), testicular cell suspension or fragments) and outcome of interest (i.e. organization in vitro). Publications about grafting of testicular tissue, germ-cell transplantation and female germ-cell culture were excluded. OUTCOMES The application of organoid systems is making its first steps in the field of reproductive medicine and biology. A restricted number of publications have reported and characterized testicular organoids and even fewer have denominated such structures by this method. However, we detected that a clear improvement in testicular cell reorganization is recognized when 3D culture conditions are utilized instead of 2D conditions. Depending on the scientific question, testicular organoids might offer a more appropriate in vitro model to investigate testicular development and physiology because of the easy manipulation of cell suspensions (inclusion or exclusion of a specific cell population), the fast reorganization of these structures and the controlled in vitro conditions, to the same extent as with other organoid strategies reported in other fields. WIDER IMPLICATIONS By way of appropriate research questions, we might use testicular organoids to deepen our basic understanding of testicular development and the SSC niche, leading to new methodologies for male infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Alves-Lopes
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Tremblay A, Beaud H, Delbès G. [Transgenerational impact of chemotherapy: Would the father exposure impact the health of future progeny?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 45:609-618. [PMID: 29111290 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The number of cancer survivors is increasing and their quality of life is becoming a major public health issue. Cancer treatments reduce men's reproductive health by targeting spermatogenesis. Ultimately, DNA, chromatin and the epigenome of spermatozoa can be altered in cancer survivors. Knowing whether the history of cancer and the treatments received can have consequences on the health of their offspring is therefore a fundamental question for these patients. This review gathers the experimental and epidemiological evidences of the effects observed on the direct descendants and on several generations, and draws up the state of knowledge on the mechanisms potentially involved. Experimental data describe inter- and transgenerational effects of paternal exposure depending on the type of treatment, dose and time of exposure. In the human population, the analysis of the effects specifically due to chemotherapy is still limited because they are often combined with irradiation treatments. However, it appears that chemotherapy agents affect the birth rate but do not have a significant impact on the health of the children born. Nevertheless, the demonstration of modifications of the sperm epigenome in cancer survivors, even after a period of remission, as well as changes in the sperm of the progeny in animal models, suggests a possible transgenerational transmission that remains to be studied in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tremblay
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, centre INRS-institut Armand-Frappier, 531, boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval (Québec), Canada
| | - H Beaud
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, centre INRS-institut Armand-Frappier, 531, boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval (Québec), Canada
| | - G Delbès
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, centre INRS-institut Armand-Frappier, 531, boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval (Québec), Canada.
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Oblette A, Rives N, Dumont L, Rives A, Verhaeghe F, Jumeau F, Rondanino C. Assessment of sperm nuclear quality after in vitro maturation of fresh or frozen/thawed mouse pre-pubertal testes. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:674-684. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Oblette
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - N Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - L Dumont
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - A Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - F Verhaeghe
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - F Jumeau
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
| | - C Rondanino
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 ‘Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality’, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology—CECOS, F 76000 Rouen, France
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Balduzzi A, Dalle JH, Jahnukainen K, von Wolff M, Lucchini G, Ifversen M, Macklon KT, Poirot C, Diesch T, Jarisch A, Bresters D, Yaniv I, Gibson B, Willasch AM, Fadini R, Ferrari L, Lawitschka A, Ahler A, Sänger N, Corbacioglu S, Ansari M, Moffat R, Dalissier A, Beohou E, Sedlacek P, Lankester A, De Heredia Rubio CD, Vettenranta K, Wachowiak J, Yesilipek A, Trigoso E, Klingebiel T, Peters C, Bader P. Fertility preservation issues in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: practical approaches from the consensus of the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of the EBMT and the International BFM Study Group. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 52:1406-1415. [PMID: 28737775 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is an urgent challenge in the transplant setting. A panel of transplanters and fertility specialists within the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the International BFM Study Group provides specific guidelines. Patients and families should be informed of possible gender- and age-specific cryopreservation strategies that should be tailored according to the underlying disease, clinical condition and previous exposure to chemotherapy. Semen collection should be routinely offered to all postpubertal boys at the diagnosis of any disease requiring therapy that could potentially impair fertility. Testicular tissue collection might be offered to postpubertal boys; nevertheless, its use has been unsuccessful to date. Oocyte collection after hormonal hyperstimulation should be offered to postpubertal girls facing gonadotoxic therapies that could be delayed for the 2 weeks required for the procedure. Ovarian tissue collection could be offered to pre-/post-pubertal girls. Pregnancies have been reported after postpubertal ovarian tissue reimplantation; however, to date, no pregnancy has been reported after the reimplantation of prepubertal ovarian tissue or in vitro maturation of pre-/post-pubertal ovarian tissue. Possible future advances in reproductive medicine could change this scenario. Health authorities should prioritize fertility preservation projects in pediatric transplantation to improve patient care and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balduzzi
- Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - J-H Dalle
- Hemato-Immunology Department, Robert-Debre Hospital, APHP and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - K Jahnukainen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M von Wolff
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Bern, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Lucchini
- Bone Marrow Transplant Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Ifversen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K T Macklon
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Poirot
- Adolescent and Young Adult Hematology Unit, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - T Diesch
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Jarisch
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - D Bresters
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - I Yaniv
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - B Gibson
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Royal Hospital for Children, Scotland, UK
| | - A M Willasch
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - R Fadini
- Centro di Medicina della Riproduzione Biogenesi, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | - L Ferrari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ospedale San Gerardo di Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - A Lawitschka
- St Anna Children's Hospital, UKKJ, MUW, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Ahler
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N Sänger
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, JW Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Corbacioglu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Ansari
- Department of Pediatrics, Hémato-Oncologie Pédiatrique, CANSEARCH Research Laboratory, Université de Médecine de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Moffat
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Dalissier
- EBMT Paris Office, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - E Beohou
- EBMT Paris Office, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - P Sedlacek
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - A Lankester
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C D De Heredia Rubio
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Vettenranta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Wachowiak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Yesilipek
- Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Trigoso
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Paediatric Transplant Unit, Polytechnic and University Hospital 'LA FE', Valencia, Spain
| | - T Klingebiel
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - C Peters
- St Anna Children's Hospital, UKKJ, MUW, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Bader
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
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35
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Current situation on fertility preservation in cancer patients in Spain: Level of knowledge, information, and professional involvement. ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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36
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State-of-the-art fertility preservation in children and adolescents undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a report on the expert meeting of the Paediatric Diseases Working Party (PDWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) in Baden, Austria, 29-30 September 2015. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 52:1029-1035. [PMID: 28287638 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a well-established treatment procedure and often the only cure for many patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. Decrease in short-term complications has substantially contributed to increased survival. Therefore long-term sequelae are reaching the focus of patient care. One of the most important risks of stem cell transplant survivors is infertility. As well as in the field of allo-HSCT also the field of reproductive medicine has achieved substantial advances to offer potential options for fertility preservation in both boys and girls. Access to these procedures as well as their financing differs significantly throughout Europe. As all European children and adolescents should have the same possibility, the Paediatric Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation organised an expert meeting in September 2015. This manuscript describes the recommendations for the diagnosis and pre-emptive procedures that should be offered to all children and adolescents in Europe who have to undergo an allo-HSCT.
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Poganitsch-Korhonen M, Masliukaite I, Nurmio M, Lähteenmäki P, van Wely M, van Pelt AMM, Jahnukainen K, Stukenborg JB. Decreased spermatogonial quantity in prepubertal boys with leukaemia treated with alkylating agents. Leukemia 2017; 31:1460-1463. [PMID: 28270690 PMCID: PMC5467043 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Poganitsch-Korhonen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - I Masliukaite
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Nurmio
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - P Lähteenmäki
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - M van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Jahnukainen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, and Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J-B Stukenborg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, and Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Establishing reference values for age-related spermatogonial quantity in prepubertal human testes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1652-1657.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Reda A, Hou M, Winton TR, Chapin RE, Söder O, Stukenborg JB. In vitro differentiation of rat spermatogonia into round spermatids in tissue culture. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:601-12. [PMID: 27430551 PMCID: PMC5013872 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the organ culture conditions, previously defined for in vitro murine male germ cell differentiation, also result in differentiation of rat spermatogonia into post-meiotic germ cells exhibiting specific markers for haploid germ cells? SUMMARY ANSWER We demonstrated the differentiation of rat spermatogonia into post-meiotic cells in vitro, with emphasis on exhibiting, protein markers described for round spermatids. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Full spermatogenesis in vitro from immature germ cells using an organ culture technique in mice was first reported 5 years ago. However, no studies reporting the differentiation of rat spermatogonia into post-meiotic germ cells exhibiting the characteristic protein expression profile or into functional sperm have been reported. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Organ culture of testicular fragments of 5 days postpartum (dpp) neonatal rats was performed for up to 52 days. Evaluation of microscopic morphology, testosterone levels, mRNA and protein expression as measured by RT-qPCR and immunostaining were conducted to monitor germ cell differentiation in vitro. Potential effects of melatonin, Glutamax® medium, retinoic acid and the presence of epidydimal fat tissue on the spermatogenic process were evaluated. A minimum of three biological replicates were performed for all experiments presented in this study. One-way ANOVA, ANOVA on ranks and student's t-test were applied to perform the statistical analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Male germ cells, present in testicular tissue pieces grown from 5 dpp rats, exhibited positive protein expression for Acrosin and Crem (cAMP (cyclic adenosine mono phosphate) response element modulator) after 52 days of culture in vitro. Intra-testicular testosterone production could be observed after 3 days of culture, while when epididymal fat tissue was added, spontaneous contractility of cultured seminiferous tubules could be observed after 21 days. However, no supportive effect of the supplementation with any factor or the co-culturing with epididymal fat tissue on germ cell differentiation in vitro or testosterone production was observed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human testis is very different in physiology from the rat testis, further investigations are still needed to optimize the organ culture system for future use in humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The successful differentiation of undifferentiated spermatogonia using the testis explant culture system might be employed in future to produce sperm from human spermatogonia as a clinical tool for fertility preservation in boys and men suffering infertility. LARGE SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported financially by the Frimurare Barnhuset in Stockholm, the Paediatric Research Foundation, Jeanssons Foundation, Sällskåpet Barnåvard in Stockholm, Swedish Research Council/Academy of Finland, Emil and Wera Cornells Foundation, Samariten Foundation, the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation as well as through the regional agreement on medical training and clinical research (ALF) between Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet. All authors declare no conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Reda
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Hou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T R Winton
- Pfizer Worldwide R&D, Drug Safety R&D, MS-8274-1336 , Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - R E Chapin
- Pfizer Worldwide R&D, Drug Safety R&D, MS-8274-1336 , Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J-B Stukenborg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Garrido-Colino C, Lassaletta A, Vazquez MÁ, Echevarria A, Gutierrez I, Andión M, Berlanga P. [Current situation on fertility preservation in cancer patients in Spain: Level of knowledge, information, and professional involvement]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2016; 87:3-8. [PMID: 27255351 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The estimated risks of infertility in childhood cancer due to radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are well known. The involvement of professionals and advances in the different methods of preservation are increasing. However, many patients do not receive information or perform any method of preservation. MATERIAL Questionnaires to paediatric onco-haematology institutions throughout Spain. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions assessing their usual practices and knowledge about fertility preservation. RESULTS Fifty members of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, representing 24 of 43 centres, responded. These represented 82% of centres that treated higher numbers of patients. The effect of treatment on fertility was known by 78% of those who responded, with 76% admitting not knowing any guideline on fertility in children or adolescents. As for the ideal time and place to inform the patient and/or family, only 14% thought it should be done in the same cancer diagnosis interview. In clinical practice, 12% of those surveyed never referred patients to Human Reproduction Units, another 12% only did so if the patients showed interest, and 38% only refer patients in puberty. Just over one-third (34%) of those referrals were going to receive highly gonadotoxic treatment. CONCLUSIONS There are clear differences between pre-puberty and puberty patients. The frequency with which some method of fertility preservation is performed in patients is low. All respondents believe that the existence of national guidelines on the matter would be of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Garrido-Colino
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón IiSGM, Madrid, España.
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von Kopylow K, Schulze W, Salzbrunn A, Spiess AN. Isolation and gene expression analysis of single potential human spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:229-39. [PMID: 26792870 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS It is possible to isolate pure populations of single potential human spermatogonial stem cells without somatic contamination for down-stream applications, for example cell culture and gene expression analysis. STUDY FINDING We isolated pure populations of single potential human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSC) without contaminating somatic cells and analyzed gene expression of these cells via single-cell real-time RT-PCR. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The isolation of a pure hSSC fraction could enable clinical applications such as fertility preservation for prepubertal boys and in vitro-spermatogenesis. By utilizing largely nonspecific markers for the isolation of spermatogonia (SPG) and hSSC, previously published cell selection methods are not able to deliver pure target cell populations without contamination by testicular somatic cells. However, uniform cell populations free of somatic cells are necessary to guarantee defined growth conditions in cell culture experiments and to prevent unintended stem cell differentiation. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is a cell surface protein of human undifferentiated A-type SPG and a promising candidate marker for hSSC. It is exclusively expressed in small, non-proliferating subgroups of this spermatogonial cell type together with the pluripotency-associated protein and spermatogonial nuclear marker undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1). STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We specifically selected the FGFR3-positive spermatogonial subpopulation from two 30 mg biopsies per patient from a total of 37 patients with full spermatogenesis and three patients with meiotic arrest. We then employed cell selection with magnetic beads in combination with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter antibody directed against human FGFR3 to tag and visually identify human FGFR3-positive spermatogonia. Positively selected and bead-labeled cells were subsequently picked with a micromanipulator. Analysis of the isolated cells was carried out by single-cell real-time RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and live/dead staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Single-cell real-time RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR of pooled cells indicate that bead-labeled single cells express FGFR3 with high heterogeneity at the mRNA level, while bead-unlabeled cells lack FGFR3 mRNA. Furthermore, isolated cells exhibit strong immunocytochemical staining for the stem cell factor UTF1 and are viable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cell population isolated in this study has to be tested for their potential stem cell characteristics via xenotransplantation. Due to the small amount of the isolated cells, propagation by cell culture will be essential. Other potential hSSC without FGFR3 surface expression will not be captured with the provided experimental design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The technical approach as developed in this work could encourage the scientific community to test other established or novel hSSC markers on single SPG that present with potential stem cell-like features. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS The project was funded by the DFG Research Unit FOR1041 Germ cell potential (SCH 587/3-2) and DFG grants to K.v.K. (KO 4769/2-1) and A.-N.S. (SP 721/4-1). The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- K von Kopylow
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - W Schulze
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany MVZ Fertility Center Hamburg GmbH, amedes-group, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Salzbrunn
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - A-N Spiess
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Abstract
Abstract
An essential component of a cancer patient's comprehensive care is addressing potential threats to his or her reproductive health. Providers should discuss the risk of infertility with newly diagnosed patients and offer the chance to consult with a reproductive specialist as early as possible. Standard fertility preservation options include embryo or oocyte cryopreservation for women and sperm banking for men; all options for pre-pubertal children are experimental. Patients with hematologic malignancies are a distinct population in whom standard options may present special challenges, and alternative management strategies are being explored. Unique approaches in hematologic malignancy patients include experimental techniques, such as hormonal therapy, referrals to reproductive specialists after cancer treatment, or discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in appropriate chronic myelogenous leukemia patients. Importantly, expedited communication between hematologists and reproductive specialists may greatly enhance the quality of care for these patients. Facilitation of referrals will both improve the quality-of-life and expand the prospect of parenthood in survivors. There are ample opportunities to advance the field of oncofertility through additional research, especially in hematologic malignancy patients.
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Baert Y, Braye A, Struijk RB, van Pelt AMM, Goossens E. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue before long-term testicular cell culture does not alter in vitro cell dynamics. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1244-52.e1-4. [PMID: 26260199 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.07.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether testicular cell dynamics are altered during long-term culture after testicular tissue cryopreservation. DESIGN Experimental basic science study. SETTING Reproductive biology laboratory. PATIENT(S) Testicular tissue with normal spermatogenesis was obtained from six donors. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Detection and comparison of testicular cells from fresh and frozen tissues during long-term culture. RESULT(S) Human testicular cells derived from fresh (n = 3) and cryopreserved (n = 3) tissues were cultured for 2 months and analyzed with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Spermatogonia including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were reliably detected by combining VASA, a germ cell marker, with UCHL1, a marker expressed by spermatogonia. The established markers STAR, ACTA2, and SOX9 were used to analyze the presence of Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Sertoli cells, respectively. No obvious differences were found between the cultures initiated from fresh or cryopreserved tissues. Single or small groups of SSCs (VASA(+)/UCHL1(+)) were detected in considerable amounts up to 1 month of culture, but infrequently after 2 months. SSCs were found attached to the feeder monolayer, which expressed markers for Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and peritubular myoid cells. In addition, VASA(-)/UCHL1(+) cells, most likely originating from the interstitium, also contributed to this monolayer. Apart from Sertoli cells, all somatic cell types could be detected throughout the culture period. CONCLUSION(S) Testicular tissue can be cryopreserved before long-term culture without modifying its outcome, which encourages implementation of testicular tissue banking for fertility preservation. However, because of the limited numbers of SSCs available after 2 months, further exploration and optimization of the culture system is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoni Baert
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Aude Braye
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin B Struijk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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