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Published on: February 8, 2016
Endogenous Factors in the Recovery of Reproductive Function After Testicular Injury and Cancer
A M S Silva, S Correia, S Socorro1
1. ssocorro@fcsaude.ubi.pt.
Abstract:
The testes are one of the most delicate organs in the male body and highly susceptible to the exogenous influences capable of inducing cell damage. Cancer therapies are well known to negatively affect the male reproductive tract with a severe impairment of spermatogenesis and infertility. The present work aimed to systematically review the available information about the different endogenous factors (hormonal and nonhormonal) that may have protective or advantageous properties on the recovery of male reproductive function after gonadal injury. Furthermore, the perspective that these endogenous molecules could act as cryoprotectants to improve the quality of cryopreserved semen samples was also discussed. The knowledge reviewed herein allowed to identify promising factors able to mitigate the male fertility problems arising either from oncological treatments or other gonadal damage, and opened new possibilities to ameliorate the recovery of spermatogenesis or to preserve fertility.
Insights
This review identifies endogenous factors that protect male reproductive function after cancer therapy or other gonadal damage. These factors may also improve cryopreserved semen quality, aiding fertility preservation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Oncology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
Background:
- The male testes are highly sensitive to damage from external factors, including cancer therapies.
- Cancer treatments often lead to impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility.
- Existing knowledge on endogenous protective factors for male fertility is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review endogenous factors (hormonal and nonhormonal) that aid male reproductive function recovery after gonadal injury.
- To explore the potential of these endogenous molecules as cryoprotectants for semen preservation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of scientific articles.
- Analysis of endogenous factors influencing male reproductive recovery and cryopreservation.
Main Results:
- Identified several promising endogenous factors with protective properties for male fertility.
- These factors show potential in mitigating fertility issues caused by oncological treatments and other gonadal damage.
- Endogenous molecules may enhance the quality of cryopreserved semen samples.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous factors offer a promising avenue for ameliorating male fertility problems post-cancer treatment or gonadal injury.
- Further research into these molecules could lead to improved spermatogenesis recovery and fertility preservation strategies.
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