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Anvari A, Movahedin M, Hamzeh M. Optimizing Immature Testicular Tissue and Cell Transplantation Results: Comparing Transplantation Sites and Scaffolds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 18:12-19. [PMID: 38041454 PMCID: PMC10692742 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.559999.1350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
For patients who had testicular tissue cryopreserved before receiving gonadotoxic therapies, transplantation of testicular tissues and cells has been recommended as a potential therapeutic option. There are no studies that indicate the generation of sperm after human immature testicular tissue (ITT) or spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation. The use of releasing scaffolds and localized drug delivery systems as well as the optimizing transplantation site can play an effective role in increasing the efficiency and improving the quality of testicular tissue and cell transplantation in animal models. Current research is focused on optimizing ITT and cell transplantation, the use of releasing scaffolds, and the selection of the right transplantation site that might restore sperm production or male infertility treatment. By searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, original and review papers were collected. Search terms were relevant for SSCs and tissue transplantation. In this review, we'll focus on the potential advantages of using scaffolds and choosing the right transplantation site to improve transplantation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Anvari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maedeh Hamzeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Zahiri M, Movahedin M, Mowla SJ, Noruzinia M, Koruji M, Nowroozi MR, Asgari F. Genetic and Epigenetic Evaluation of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells Isolated by MACS in Different Two and Three-Dimensional Culture Systems. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:481-490. [PMID: 36093808 PMCID: PMC9468724 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.7888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
<strong>Objective: </strong>Epigenetic and genetic changes have important roles in stem cell achievements. Accordingly, the aim of this<br />study is the evaluation of the epigenetic and genetic alterations of different culture systems, considering their efficacy in<br />propagating human spermatogonial stem cells isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS).<br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> In this experimental study, obstructive azoospermia (OA) patient-derived spermatogonial cells were divided into two groups. The MACS enriched and non-enriched spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were cultured in the control and treated groups; co-culture of SSCs with Sertoli cells of men with OA, co-culture of SSCs with healthy Sertoli cells of fertile men, the culture of SSCs on PLA nanofiber and culture of testicular cell suspension. Gene-specific methylation by MSP, expression of pluripotency (NANOG, C-MYC and OCT-4), and germ cells specific genes (Integrin α6, Integrin β1, PLZF) evaluated. Cultured SSCs from the optimized group were transplanted into the recipient azoospermic mouse.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The use of MACS for the purification of human stem cells was effective at about 69% with the culture of the testicular suspension, being the best culture system. Upon purification, the germ-specific gene expression was significantly higher in testicular cell suspension and treated groups (P≤0.05). During the culture time, gene-specific methylation patterns of the examined genes did not show any changes. Our data from transplantation indicated the homing of the donor-derived cells and the presence of human functional sperm.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Our in vivo and in vitro results confirmed that culture of testicular cell suspension and selection of<br />spermatogonial cells could be effective ways for purification and enrichment of the functional human spermatogonial cells. The epigenetic patterns showed that the specific methylation of the evaluated genes at this stage remained constant with no alteration throughout the entire culture systems over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zahiri
- Anatomical Science Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran,The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University
of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Anatomical Science Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran,P.O.Box: 14115-175Anatomical Science DepartmentFaculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Noruzinia
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nowroozi
- Department of Urology, Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Asgari
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Nekouei-Hedayati-Forghani Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
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Cellular Therapy via Spermatogonial Stem Cells for Treating Impaired Spermatogenesis, Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071779. [PMID: 34359947 PMCID: PMC8304133 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major health problem affecting about 8–12% of couples worldwide. Spermatogenesis starts in the early fetus and completes after puberty, passing through different stages. Male infertility can result from primary or congenital, acquired, or idiopathic causes. The absence of sperm in semen, or azoospermia, results from non-obstructive causes (pretesticular and testicular), and post-testicular obstructive causes. Several medications such as antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy could lead to impaired spermatogenesis and lead to a non-obstructive azoospermia. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis for spermatogenesis and fertility in men. SSCs are characterized by their capacity to maintain the self-renewal process and differentiation into spermatozoa throughout the male reproductive life and transmit genetic information to the next generation. SSCs originate from gonocytes in the postnatal testis, which originate from long-lived primordial germ cells during embryonic development. The treatment of infertility in males has a poor prognosis. However, SSCs are viewed as a promising alternative for the regeneration of the impaired or damaged spermatogenesis. SSC transplantation is a promising technique for male infertility treatment and restoration of spermatogenesis in the case of degenerative diseases such as cancer, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The process involves isolation of SSCs and cryopreservation from a testicular biopsy before starting cancer treatment, followed by intra-testicular stem cell transplantation. In general, treatment for male infertility, even with SSC transplantation, still has several obstacles. The efficiency of cryopreservation, exclusion of malignant cells contamination in cancer patients, and socio-cultural attitudes remain major challenges to the wider application of SSCs as alternatives. Furthermore, there are limitations in experience and knowledge regarding cryopreservation of SSCs. However, the level of infrastructure or availability of regulatory approval to process and preserve testicular tissue makes them tangible and accurate therapy options for male infertility caused by non-obstructive azoospermia, though in their infancy, at least to date.
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Eyni H, Ghorbani S, Nazari H, Hajialyani M, Razavi Bazaz S, Mohaqiq M, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Sutherland DS. Advanced bioengineering of male germ stem cells to preserve fertility. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211060590. [PMID: 34868541 PMCID: PMC8638075 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211060590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern life, several factors such as genetics, exposure to toxins, and aging have resulted in significant levels of male infertility, estimated to be approximately 18% worldwide. In response, substantial progress has been made to improve in vitro fertilization treatments (e.g. microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and round spermatid injection (ROSI)). Mimicking the structure of testicular natural extracellular matrices (ECM) outside of the body is one clear route toward complete in vitro spermatogenesis and male fertility preservation. Here, a new wave of technological innovations is underway applying regenerative medicine strategies to cell-tissue culture on natural or synthetic scaffolds supplemented with bioactive factors. The emergence of advanced bioengineered systems suggests new hope for male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. To date, few studies aimed at in vitro spermatogenesis have resulted in relevant numbers of mature gametes. However, a substantial body of knowledge on conditions that are required to maintain and mature male germ cells in vitro is now in place. This review focuses on advanced bioengineering methods such as microfluidic systems, bio-fabricated scaffolds, and 3D organ culture applied to the germline for fertility preservation through in vitro spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Eyni
- Department of Anatomical Sciences,
School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Ghorbani
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center
(iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hojjatollah Nazari
- Research Center for Advanced
Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Hajialyani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research
Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah,
Iran
| | - Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering,
University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mahdi Mohaqiq
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine,
School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Duncan S Sutherland
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center
(iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Xu H, Yang M, Tian R, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhu Z, Yang S, Yuan Q, Niu M, Yao C, Zhi E, Li P, Zhou C, He Z, Li Z, Gao WQ. Derivation and propagation of spermatogonial stem cells from human pluripotent cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:408. [PMID: 32967715 PMCID: PMC7509941 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01896-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study is designed to generate and propagate human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). METHODS hPSCs were differentiated into SSC-like cells (SSCLCs) by a three-step strategy. The biological characteristics of SSCLCs were detected by immunostaining with antibodies against SSC markers. The ability of self-renewal was measured by propagating for a long time and still maintaining SSCs morphological property. The differentiation potential of SSCLCs was determined by the generation of spermatocytes and haploid cells, which were identified by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The transcriptome analysis of SSCLCs was performed by RNA sequencing. The biological function of SSCLCs was assessed by xeno-transplantation into busulfan-treated mouse testes. RESULTS SSCLCs were efficiently generated by a 3-step strategy. The SSCLCs displayed a grape-like morphology and expressed SSC markers. Moreover, SSCLCs could be propagated for approximately 4 months and still maintained their morphological properties. Furthermore, SSCLCs could differentiate into spermatocytes and haploid cells. In addition, SSCLCs displayed a similar gene expression pattern as human GPR125+ spermatogonia derived from human testicular tissues. And more, SSCLCs could survive and home at the base membrane of seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSION SSCLCs were successfully derived from hPSCs and propagated for a long time. The SSCLCs resembled their counterpart human GPR125+ spermatogonia, as evidenced by the grape-like morphology, transcriptome, homing, and functional characteristics. Therefore, hPSC-derived SSCLCs may provide a reliable cell source for studying human SSCs biological properties, disease modeling, and drug toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China. .,School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mengbo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Linhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shi Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Minghui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chenhao Zhou
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China. .,School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Mohaqiq M, Movahedin M, Mazaheri Z, Amirjannati N. In vitro transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells isolated from human frozen-thawed testis tissue can induce spermatogenesis under 3-dimensional tissue culture conditions. Biol Res 2019; 52:16. [PMID: 30917866 PMCID: PMC6438003 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0223-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm production is one of the most complex biological processes in the body. In vitro production of sperm is one of the most important goals of researches in the field of male infertility treatment, which is very important in male cancer patients treated with gonadotoxic methods and drugs. In this study, we examine the progression of spermatogenesis after transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells under conditions of testicular tissue culture. Results Testicular tissue samples from azoospermic patients were obtained and then these were freeze–thawed. Spermatogonial stem cells were isolated by two enzymatic digestion steps and the identification of these cells was confirmed by detecting the PLZF protein. These cells, after being labeled with DiI, were transplanted in azoospermia adult mice model. The host testes were placed on agarose gel as tissue culture system. After 8 weeks, histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and molecular studies were performed. The results of histomorphometric studies showed that the mean number of spermatogonial cells, spermatocytes and spermatids in the experimental group was significantly more than the control group (without transplantation) (P < 0.05) and most of the cells responded positively to the detection of DiI. Immunohistochemical studies in host testes fragments in the experimental group express the PLZF, SCP3 and ACRBP proteins in spermatogonial cells, spermatocyte and spermatozoa, respectively, which confirmed the human nature of these cells. Also, in molecular studies of PLZF, Tekt1 and TP1, the results indicated that the genes were positive in the test group, while not in the control group. Conclusion These results suggest that the slow freezing of SSCs can support the induction of spermatogenesis to produce haploid cells under the 3-dimensional testicular tissue culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Mohaqiq
- Anatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-331, Iran.,Stem Cell Department, Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Anatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-331, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, Histogenotech Company, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Amirjannati
- Department of Andrology and Embryology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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