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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Serial Enrichment of Spermatogonial Stem and Progenitor Cells SSCs in Culture for Derivation of Long-term Adult Mouse SSC Lines
Published on: February 25, 2013
Resveratrol changes spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) activity and ameliorates their loss in busulfan-induced
Chongyang Wu1, Ying Zhang1, Qiaoyan Shen1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
The decline of quantity and quality of sperm are correlated with the increasing age and some anti-cancer compounds such as busulfan. Previous studies have shown that Resveratrol (Res) inhibits tumorigenesis and metastasis of many cancers including mammary tumor, prostate and pancreatic cancers. It acts as anti-age in mouse and human, however, little is known about its protective effect on aged spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here, we investigated the effects of Res in vitro on SSCs using C18-4 cells and in vivo in busulfan-induced azoospermia mice model. The results showed that Res at different concentrations had different effects on C18-4 cells. Treatment with 2 μM of Res promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, but stimulates apoptosis with a higher concentration (20 μM) in C18-4 cells. Using busulfan-induced infertility mice model, we demonstrated that Res (30 mg/kg/d and 100 mg/kg/d) clearly ameliorated SSCs loss to recover the spermatogenesis. Taken together, our data suggest that Res might be an approach for therapeutic intervention to promote SSC proliferation and cease SSCs loss in azoospermia mice model induced by busulfan.
Insights
Resveratrol (Res) protects aged spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from busulfan-induced damage. This study shows Res promotes SSC proliferation and sperm production recovery in infertile mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sperm quality declines with age and exposure to anti-cancer drugs like busulfan.
- Resveratrol (Res) is known for anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.
- Its protective effects on aged spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Resveratrol on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro and in vivo.
- To evaluate Resveratrol's potential to protect against busulfan-induced azoospermia.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using C18-4 cells to assess Resveratrol's impact on proliferation and apoptosis.
- In vivo study using a busulfan-induced azoospermia mouse model to evaluate Resveratrol's therapeutic potential.
- Administration of Resveratrol at 30 mg/kg/d and 100 mg/kg/d.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol at 2 μM promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in C18-4 cells.
- Higher concentrations (20 μM) of Resveratrol stimulated apoptosis in C18-4 cells.
- Resveratrol treatment significantly ameliorated SSC loss and recovered spermatogenesis in busulfan-induced infertile mice.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol exhibits dose-dependent effects on SSCs.
- Resveratrol demonstrates therapeutic potential for promoting SSC proliferation and preventing SSC loss in azoospermia.
- Resveratrol may be a viable approach for treating infertility caused by busulfan exposure.
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