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Restoring Fertility with Cryopreserved Prepubertal Testicular Tissue: Perspectives with Hydrogel Encapsulation,
Maxime Vermeulen1, Jonathan Poels1,2, Francesca de Michele1,2
1Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
New and improved oncological therapies are now able to cure more than 80% of cancer-affected children in Europe. However, such treatments are gonadotoxic and result in fertility issues, especially in boys who are not able to provide a sperm sample before starting chemo/radiotherapy because of their prepubertal state. For these boys, cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is the only available option, aiming to preserve spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Both slow-freezing and vitrification have been investigated to this end and are now applied in a clinical setting for SSC cryopreservation. Research now has to focus on methods that will allow fertility restoration. This review discusses different studies that have been conducted on ITT transplantation, including those using growth factor supplementation like free molecules, or tissue encapsulation with or without nanoparticles, as well as the possibility of developing a bioartificial testis that can be used for in vitro gamete production or in vivo transplantation.
Insights
Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) offers hope for prepubertal boys undergoing cancer treatment. Future research focuses on ITT transplantation and bioartificial testes for fertility restoration.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Cancer therapies cure over 80% of childhood cancers in Europe.
- Treatments can cause gonadotoxicity, leading to fertility issues, particularly in prepubertal boys.
- Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is the sole option for preserving fertility in these cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on immature testicular tissue (ITT) transplantation for fertility restoration.
- To explore methods for utilizing cryopreserved ITT for future reproductive potential.
- To discuss the development of bioartificial testes for in vitro gamete production or in vivo transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on ITT transplantation techniques.
- Investigation of growth factor supplementation (free molecules) in ITT preservation and transplantation.
- Exploration of tissue encapsulation methods, including nanoparticles, for ITT.
- Discussion of bioartificial testis development for gamete production and transplantation.
Main Results:
- Slow-freezing and vitrification are established clinical methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) cryopreservation.
- Various ITT transplantation strategies are under investigation to restore fertility.
- Growth factors, encapsulation, and nanoparticles show potential in enhancing ITT viability and function.
- Bioartificial testis technology is emerging as a potential avenue for fertility restoration.
Conclusions:
- Fertility preservation through ITT cryopreservation is crucial for prepubertal boys undergoing cancer therapy.
- Further research into ITT transplantation and bioartificial testis development is essential for successful fertility restoration.
- Innovative approaches are needed to overcome the challenges of cryoinjury and ensure the viability of spermatogonial stem cells.
