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Published on: March 27, 2009
The effect of the melatonin on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells
Ghasem Saki1, Mehri Mirhoseini2, Masoud Hemadi3
1Cellular and Molecular research Center, School of Medicine. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
After improvements in various cancer treatments, life expectancy has been raised, but success in treatment causes loss of fertility in many of the survived young men. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissues or cells introduced as the only way to preserve fertility. However, freezing has some harmful effects. Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, has receptors in reproductive systems of different species. It is assumed that melatonin has free radical scavenger properties.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin on the cryopreserved testicular cells in mouse.
Materials And Methods:
Cells from 7- 10 days old NMRI mice testes were isolated using two step enzymatic digestion. The testicular cells were divided into two groups randomly and cryopreserved in two different freezing media with and without the addition of 100 µm melatonin. Finally, apoptosis of the cells was assayed by flow cytometry. Also, lactate dehydrogenase activity test was performed to assess the cytotoxicity.
Results:
The results of lactate dehydrogenase showed the nearly cytotoxic effect of melatonin. The results of flow cytometry showed increase in apoptosis in the cryopreserved cells in the media containing melatonin compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
The present study shows that melatonin has an apoptotic effect on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells.
Insights
Melatonin negatively impacts cryopreserved mouse testicular cells, increasing apoptosis and cytotoxicity. This finding is crucial for fertility preservation research involving testicular cell cryopreservation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Cancer treatments improve survival but can cause male infertility.
- Fertility preservation via testicular tissue or cell cryopreservation is vital.
- Melatonin, a hormone with antioxidant properties, is investigated for its role in reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of melatonin on cryopreserved testicular cells in mice.
- To assess melatonin's impact on cell viability and apoptosis during cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Testicular cells were isolated from young NMRI mice.
- Cells were cryopreserved in media with or without 100 µm melatonin.
- Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase assay.
Main Results:
- Melatonin exhibited a cytotoxic effect on testicular cells.
- Increased apoptosis was observed in cryopreserved cells treated with melatonin compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin demonstrates an apoptotic and cytotoxic effect on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells.
- These findings suggest melatonin may not be beneficial for testicular cell cryopreservation.

