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Sung ZY, Liao YQ, Hou JH, Lai HH, Weng SM, Jao HW, Lu BJ, Chen CH. Advancements in fertility preservation strategies for pediatric male cancer patients: a review of cryopreservation and transplantation of immature testicular tissue. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:47. [PMID: 38637872 PMCID: PMC11025181 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01219-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been increasing emphasis on the gonadotoxic effects of cancer therapy in prepubertal boys. As advances in oncology treatments continue to enhance survival rates for prepubertal boys, the need for preserving their functional testicular tissue for future reproduction becomes increasingly vital. Therefore, we explore cutting-edge strategies in fertility preservation, focusing on the cryopreservation and transplantation of immature testicular tissue as a promising avenue. The evolution of cryopreservation techniques, from controlled slow freezing to more recent advancements in vitrification, with an assessment of their strengths and limitations was exhibited. Detailed analysis of cryoprotectants, exposure times, and protocols underscores their impact on immature testicular tissue viability. In transplantation strategy, studies have revealed that the scrotal site may be the preferred location for immature testicular tissue grafting in both autotransplantation and xenotransplantation scenarios. Moreover, the use of biomaterial scaffolds during graft transplantation has shown promise in enhancing graft survival and stimulating spermatogenesis in immature testicular tissue over time. This comprehensive review provides a holistic approach to optimize the preservation strategy of human immature testicular tissue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zih-Yi Sung
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yong-Qi Liao
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jung-Hsiu Hou
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hong-Hsien Lai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sung-Ming Weng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hai-Wei Jao
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Buo-Jia Lu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi-Huang Chen
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Tran KTD, Valli-Pulaski H, Colvin A, Orwig KE. Male fertility preservation and restoration strategies for patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:382-405. [PMID: 35403667 PMCID: PMC9382377 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical treatments for cancers or other conditions can lead to permanent infertility. Infertility is an insidious disease that impacts not only the ability to have a biological child but also the emotional well-being of the infertile individuals, relationships, finances, and overall health. Therefore, all patients should be educated about the effects of their medical treatments on future fertility and about fertility preservation options. The standard fertility preservation option for adolescent and adult men is sperm cryopreservation. Sperms can be frozen and stored for a long period, thawed at a later date, and used to achieve pregnancy with existing assisted reproductive technologies. However, sperm cryopreservation is not applicable for prepubertal patients who do not yet produce sperm. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys is testicular tissue cryopreservation. Next-generation technologies are being developed to mature those testicular cells or tissues to produce fertilization-competent sperms. When sperm and testicular tissues are not available for fertility preservation, inducing pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, such as blood or skin, may provide an alternative path to produce sperms through a process call in vitro gametogenesis. This review describes standard and experimental options to preserve male fertility as well as the experimental options to produce functional spermatids or sperms from immature cryopreserved testicular tissues or somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kien T D Tran
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hanna Valli-Pulaski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Colvin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Correspondence: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Tel: 412-641-2460; E-mail:
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Kanbar M, Delwiche G, Wyns C. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: are we ready for autologous grafting of cryopreserved immature testicular tissue? ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2022; 83:210-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wei YL, She ZY, Huang T, Zhang HT, Wang XR. Male reproductive systems of Macaca mulatta: Gonadal development, spermatogenesis and applications in spermatogonia stem cell transplantation. Res Vet Sci 2021; 137:127-137. [PMID: 33965833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.04.033] [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: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is widely applied in animal model construction of infertility, spermatogonia stem cell transplantation and male reproductive diseases. In this review, we describe the seasonal changes of the reproductive system in rhesus macaques, the regular pattern of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation, and the differentiation of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The duration of the M. mulatta spermatogenesis is approximately 10 days and seminiferous epithelium cycles mainly consist of 12 stages, which provide a suitable model for reproductive studies in non-human primates. Here, we summarize the features of gonadal development and sperm maturation in the rhesus monkeys, which provide important information in the studies of reproductive biology. Rhesus macaque is an excellent animal model in spermatogonia stem cell transplantation. We discuss the applications and progresses of assisted reproductive technologies in sperm liquefaction, semen cryopreservation and spermatogonia stem cell transplantation of rhesus macaques. Besides, we sort out recent proteomic analyses of male reproductive systems and semen samples in rhesus macaques. This review mainly focuses on male reproductive biology and application studies using M. mulatta, which would promote the development of new therapeutic interventions on assisted reproduction and reproductive disease studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350011, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China.
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China
| | - Xin-Rui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China.
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Wyns C, Kanbar M, Giudice MG, Poels J. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: lessons learned from the past and update on remaining challenges towards clinical translation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:433-459. [PMID: 33326572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer incidence and survivorship are both on the rise. However, many lifesaving treatments threaten the prepubertal testis. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT), containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as a fertility preservation (FP) option for this population is increasingly proposed worldwide. Recent achievements notably the birth of non-human primate (NHP) progeny using sperm developed in frozen-thawed ITT autografts has given proof of principle of the reproductive potential of banked ITT. Outlining the current state of the art on FP for prepubertal boys is crucial as some of the boys who have cryopreserved ITT since the early 2000s are now in their reproductive age and are already seeking answers with regards to their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In the light of past decade achievements and observations, this review aims to provide insight into relevant questions for clinicians involved in FP programmes. Have the indications for FP for prepubertal boys changed over time? What is key for patient counselling and ITT sampling based on the latest achievements in animals and research performed with human ITT? How far are we from clinical application of methods to restore reproductive capacity with cryostored ITT? SEARCH METHODS An extensive search for articles published in English or French since January 2010 to June 2020 using keywords relevant to the topic of FP for prepubertal boys was made in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Original articles on fertility preservation with emphasis on those involving prepubertal testicular tissue, as well as comprehensive and systematic reviews were included. Papers with redundancy of information or with an absence of a relevant link for future clinical application were excluded. Papers on alternative sources of stem cells besides SSCs were excluded. OUTCOMES Preliminary follow-up data indicate that around 27% of boys who have undergone testicular sampling as an FP measure have proved azoospermic and must therefore solely rely on their cryostored ITT to ensure biologic parenthood. Auto-transplantation of ITT appears to be the first technique that could enter pilot clinical trials but should be restricted to tissue free of malignant cells. While in vitro spermatogenesis circumvents the risk linked to cancer cell contamination and has led to offspring in mice, complete spermatogenesis has not been achieved with human ITT. However, generation of haploid germ cells paves the way to further studies aimed at completing the final maturation of germ cells and increasing the efficiency of the processes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite all the research done to date, FP for prepubertal boys remains a relatively young field and is often challenging to healthcare providers, patients and parents. As cryopreservation of ITT is now likely to expand further, it is important not only to acknowledge some of the research questions raised on the topic, e.g. the epigenetic and genetic integrity of gametes derived from strategies to restore fertility with banked ITT but also to provide healthcare professionals worldwide with updated knowledge to launch proper multicollaborative care pathways in the field and address clinical issues that will come-up when aiming for the child's best interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wyns
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Effect of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor on testis tissue xenotransplants from prepubertal boys: a three-case study. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:119-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Shetty G, Mitchell JM, Lam TNA, Wu Z, Zhang J, Hill L, Tailor RC, Peters KA, Penedo MC, Orwig KE, Meistrich ML. Donor spermatogenesis in de novo formed seminiferous tubules from transplanted testicular cells in rhesus monkey testis. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2249-2255. [PMID: 30358843 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can transplanted primate testicular cells form seminiferous tubules de novo, supporting complete spermatogenesis? SUMMARY ANSWER Cryopreserved testicular cells from a prepubertal monkey can reorganize in an adult monkey recipient testis forming de novo seminiferous tubular cords supporting complete spermatogenesis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY De novo morphogenesis of testicular tissue using aggregated cells from non-primate species grafted either subcutaneously or in the testis can support spermatogenesis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two postpubertal rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were given testicular irradiation. One monkey was given GnRH-antagonist treatment from 8 to 16 weeks after irradiation, while the other received sham injections. At 16 weeks, cryopreserved testicular cells from two different prepubertal monkeys [43 × 106 viable (Trypan-blue excluding) cells in 260 μl, and 80 × 106 viable cells in 400 μl] were transplanted via ultrasound-guided injections to one of the rete testis in each recipient, and immune suppression was given. The contralateral testis was sham transplanted. Testes were analyzed 9 months after transplantation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Spermatogenic recovery was assessed by testicular volume, weight, histology and immunofluorescence. Microsatellite genotyping of regions of testicular sections obtained by LCM determined whether the cells were derived from the host or transplanted cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Transplanted testis of the GnRH-antagonist-treated recipient, but not the sham-treated recipient, contained numerous irregularly shaped seminiferous tubular cords, 89% of which had differentiating germ cells, including sperm in a few of them. The percentages of donor genotype in different regions of this testis were as follows: normal tubule, 0%; inflammatory, 0%; abnormal tubule region, 67%; whole interior of abnormal tubules, >99%; adluminal region of the abnormal tubules, 92%. Thus, these abnormal tubules, including the enclosed germ cells, were derived de novo from the donor testicular cells. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The de novo tubules were observed in only one out of the two monkeys transplanted with prepubertal donor testicular cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings may represent a promising strategy for restoration of fertility in male childhood cancer survivors. The approach could be particularly useful in those exposed to therapeutic agents that are detrimental to the normal development of the tubule somatic cells affecting the ability of the endogenous tubules to support spermatogenesis, even from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by research grants P01 HD075795 from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD/NIH) to K.E.O and Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016672 from NCI/NIH to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Truong Nguyen Anh Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuang Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lorraine Hill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ramesh C Tailor
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen A Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marvin L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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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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Sharma S, Sandhowe-Klaverkamp R, Schlatt S. Differentiation of Testis Xenografts in the Prepubertal Marmoset Depends on the Sex and Status of the Mouse Host. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:467. [PMID: 30210448 PMCID: PMC6123353 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of the endocrine milieu of immunodeficient mouse host (intact vs. castrated male, intact male vs. intact female) on prepubertal marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) testicular xenografts. Previous marmoset xenografting studies used castrated nude mouse hosts which did not support efficient graft survival and maturation. Due to the distinct endocrine milieu in marmosets with a deletion of exon 10 in the LH receptor, we wanted to explore whether the most efficient xenograft development occurs in intact male mouse hosts compared to intact females or castrated males. We xenografted freshly isolated tissue from prepubertal marmosets (age range 4-6 months) into the back skin of three groups of nude mice (intact male, castrated male, and intact female). We collected serum for endocrine determinations and grafts after 20 weeks and determined hormonal/reproductive status, graft survival, somatic cell development and initiation of germ cell differentiation. Graft development, tubular integrity, and germ cell differentiation status in the grafts retrieved from different hosts was scored by morphometric analysis. The influence of the different endocrine status was compared between groups of hosts. Endocrine readouts and histological endpoints in xenografts substantiate that grafts were exposed to different microenvironments and responded with host specific developmental patterns. The intact male hosts supported the most significant progression of germ cell development. Our data provide evidence for the important role of the host milieu on survival and differentiation of marmoset xenografts. The xenografting model offers innovative avenues to exploit development and endocrine effects in the primate marmoset testis using limited numbers of non-human primates for the experimental settings.
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11
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Xenotransplantation as a model for human testicular development. Differentiation 2017; 97:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Arregui L, Dobrinski I. Xenografting of testicular tissue pieces: 12 years of an in vivo spermatogenesis system. Reproduction 2014; 148:R71-84. [PMID: 25150043 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic and complex process that involves endocrine and testicular factors. During xenotransplantation of testicular tissue fragments into immunodecifient mice, a functional communication between host brain and donor testis is established. This interaction allows for the progression of spermatogenesis and recovery of fertilisation-competent spermatozoa from a broad range of mammalian species. In the last few years, significant progress has been achieved in testis tissue xenografting that improves our knowledge about the factors determining the success of grafting. The goal of this review is to provide up to date information about the role of factors such as donor age, donor species, testis tissue preservation or type of recipient mouse on the efficiency of this technique. Applications are described and compared with other techniques with similar purposes. Recent work has demonstrated that testicular tissue xenografting is used as a model to study gonadotoxicity of drugs and to obtain sperm from valuable young males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Arregui
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin 2, Madrid 28049, SpainDepartment of Comparative Biology and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin 2, Madrid 28049, SpainDepartment of Comparative Biology and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Campos-Junior PHA, Costa GMJ, Avelar GF, Lacerda SMSN, da Costa NN, Ohashi OM, Miranda MDS, Barcelos LS, Jorge EC, Guimarães DA, de França LR. Derivation of sperm from xenografted testis cells and tissues of the peccary (Tayassu tajacu). Reproduction 2014; 147:291-9. [PMID: 24324205 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Because the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) has a peculiar Leydig cell cytoarchitecture, this species represents a unique mammalian model for investigating testis function. Taking advantage of the well-established and very useful testis xenograft technique, in the present study, testis tissue and testis cell suspensions from immature collared peccaries (n=4; 3 months old) were xenografted in SCID mice (n=48) and evaluated at 2, 4, 6, and 8 months after grafting. Complete spermatogenesis was observed at 6 and 8 months after testis tissue xenografting. However, probably due to de novo testis morphogenesis and low androgen secretion, functionally evaluated by the seminal vesicle weight, a delay in spermatogenesis progression was observed in the testis cell suspension xenografts, with the production of fertile sperm only at 8 months after grafting. Importantly, demonstrating that the peculiar testicular cytoarchitecture of the collared peccary is intrinsically programmed, the unique Leydig cell arrangement observed in this species was re-established after de novo testis morphogenesis. The sperm collected from the xenografts resulted in diploid embryos that expressed the paternally imprinted gene NNAT after ICSI. The present study is the first to demonstrate complete spermatogenesis with the production of fertile sperm from testis cell suspension xenografts in a wild mammalian species. Therefore, due to its unique testicular cytoarchitecture, xenograft techniques, particularly testis cell suspensions, may represent a new and very promising approach to evaluate testis morphogenesis and to investigate spermatogonial stem cell physiology and niche in the collared peccary.
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Heger NE, Hall SJ, Sandrof MA, McDonnell EV, Hensley JB, McDowell EN, Martin KA, Gaido KW, Johnson KJ, Boekelheide K. Human fetal testis xenografts are resistant to phthalate-induced endocrine disruption. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1137-43. [PMID: 22511013 PMCID: PMC3440087 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In utero exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), a proposed constellation of increasingly common male reproductive tract abnormalities (including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, hypospermatogenesis, and testicular cancer). Male rats exposed in utero to certain phthalate plasticizers exhibit multinucleated germ cell (MNG) induction and suppressed steroidogenic gene expression and testosterone production in the fetal testis, causing TDS-consistent effects of hypospadias and cryptorchidism. Mice exposed to phthalates in utero exhibit MNG induction only. This disparity in response demonstrates a species-specific sensitivity to phthalate-induced suppression of fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Importantly, ex vivo phthalate exposure of the fetal testis does not recapitulate the species-specific endocrine disruption, demonstrating the need for a new bioassay to assess the human response to phthalates. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a rat and mouse testis xenograft bioassay of phthalate exposure and examine the human fetal testis response. METHODS Fetal rat, mouse, and human testes were xenografted into immunodeficient rodent hosts, and hosts were gavaged with a range of phthalate doses over multiple days. Xenografts were harvested and assessed for histopathology and steroidogenic end points. RESULTS Consistent with the in utero response, phthalate exposure induced MNG formation in rat and mouse xenografts, but only rats exhibited suppressed steroidogenesis. Across a range of doses, human fetal testis xenografts exhibited MNG induction but were resistant to suppression of steroidogenic gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Phthalate exposure of grafted human fetal testis altered fetal germ cells but did not reduce expression of genes that regulate fetal testosterone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Heger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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15
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Rodriguez-Sosa JR, Costa GMJ, Rathi R, França LR, Dobrinski I. Endocrine modulation of the recipient environment affects development of bovine testis tissue ectopically grafted in mice. Reproduction 2012; 144:37-51. [PMID: 22550313 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Testis tissue xenografting is a powerful approach for the study of testis development and spermatogenesis, and for fertility preservation in immature individuals. In bovine testis xenografts, maturation and spermatogenesis are inefficient when compared to other species. To evaluate if exogenous modulation of the endocrine milieu in recipient mice will affect spermatogenic efficiency in xenografts from newborn calves, recipient mice were treated with the GnRH antagonist acyline (5 mg/kg s.c. every 2 weeks) to reduce testosterone production in xenografts, or with 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU, 0.1% in drinking water for 4 weeks), to induce transient hypothyroidism in recipient mice respectively. Both treatments altered developmental parameters of testis xenografts and reduced germ cell differentiation. While the effects of acyline treatment can be attributed to inhibition of GnRH and gonadotropin action, lower Sertoli cell numbers and decreased seminiferous tubule length observed after PTU treatment were opposite to effects reported previously in rats. Regardless of treatment, Sertoli cells underwent only partial maturation in xenografts as Müllerian inhibiting substance and androgen receptor expression were lower than in donor and adult tissue controls respectively. In conclusion, although treatments did not result in improvement of maturation of bovine testis xenografts, the current study demonstrates that exogenous modulation of the endocrine milieu to affect xenograft development in recipient mice provides an accessible model to study endocrine control of spermatogenesis in large donor species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose R Rodriguez-Sosa
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
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16
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Hermann BP, Sukhwani M, Salati J, Sheng Y, Chu T, Orwig KE. Separating spermatogonia from cancer cells in contaminated prepubertal primate testis cell suspensions. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:3222-31. [PMID: 22016413 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer and other diseases can cause male infertility. There are currently no options to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys who are not yet making sperm. Cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs, obtained via testicular biopsy) followed by autologous transplantation back into the testes at a later date may restore fertility in these patients. However, this approach carries an inherent risk of reintroducing cancer. METHODS To address this aspect of SSC transplantation safety, prepubertal non-human primate testis cell suspensions were inoculated with MOLT4 T-lymphoblastic leukemia cells and subsequently sorted for cell surface markers CD90 (THY-1) and CD45. RESULTS Cancer cells segregated to the CD90-/CD45+ fraction and produced tumors in nude mice. Nearly all sorted DEAD box polypeptide 4-positive (VASA+) spermatogonia segregated to the CD90+/CD45- fraction. In a preliminary experiment, a purity check of the sorted putative stem cell fraction (CD90+/CD45-) revealed 0.1% contamination with cancer cells, which was sufficient to produce tumors in nude mice. We hypothesized that the contamination resulted from mis-sorting due to cell clumping and employed singlet discrimination (SD) in four subsequent experiments. Purity checks revealed no cancer cell contamination in the CD90+/CD45- fraction from three of the four SD replicates and these fractions produced no tumors when transplanted into nude mouse testes. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that spermatogonia can be separated from contaminating malignant cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting prior to SSC transplantation and that post-sorting purity checks are required to confirm elimination of malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Hermann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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