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Cryobiology of ovarian and testicular tissue
1Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. outi.hovatta@klinvet.ki.se
Abstract:
Cryopreservation of ovarian and testicular tissue can be used in young individuals who are likely to lose their gonadal function prematurely because of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a known genetic condition causing gonadal failure. Tissue cryopreservation is relatively well established, but freezing techniques have still to be optimized. Slow programmed freezing using propanediol or dimethylsulphoxide as a cryoprotectant is the most established method. Tissue cryopreservation is highly experimental. No human pregnancies have been achieved as yet, although re-implantation experiments have been started. Maturation of gametes in vitro from cryopreserved tissue is far from being clinically applicable. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa and embryos is an established method, whenever applicable. Cryopreservation of oocytes is still experimental, but successful pregnancies have been achieved by several clinics. Cryopreservation of testicular spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an established method and should be performed whenever a testicular biopsy is being carried out.
Insights
Cryopreservation of ovarian and testicular tissue offers fertility preservation for young individuals facing premature gonadal failure. While established for sperm and embryos, tissue cryopreservation remains experimental, with ongoing research for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fertility preservation is crucial for young individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy that risk premature gonadal failure.
- Genetic conditions can also lead to early gonadal failure, necessitating fertility preservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and challenges of cryopreservation techniques for ovarian and testicular tissue.
- To highlight the established methods and experimental approaches in gamete and tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation.
Main Methods:
- Review of established cryopreservation protocols, including slow programmed freezing with cryoprotectants like propanediol and dimethylsulphoxide.
- Discussion of experimental approaches for ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation and gamete maturation in vitro.
Main Results:
- Cryopreservation of spermatozoa and embryos is an established and successful method.
- Oocyte cryopreservation has led to successful pregnancies, though still considered experimental.
- Testicular spermatozoa cryopreservation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a standard procedure.
Conclusions:
- Tissue cryopreservation is a promising but experimental field, with no human pregnancies achieved yet from cryopreserved tissue.
- Further optimization of freezing techniques is required for successful clinical application of ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
- Established methods like sperm and embryo cryopreservation, and ICSI with cryopreserved testicular sperm, should be utilized when applicable.