Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice
10:41

Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice

Published on: February 6, 2012

30.7K

Pubertal Development Following Paediatric Gonadotoxic Treatment and Immature Testicular Tissue Banking

Emily Delgouffe1, Marius Regin1,2, Veerle Vloeberghs3

  • 1Genetics, Reproduction and Development (GRAD) Research Group, Brussels Health Campus/Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Testicular tissue banking (TTB) is a safe fertility preservation method for prepubertal boys undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Studies show TTB does not harm testicular function or structure, enabling normal puberty and testosterone production.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Paediatric Oncology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Paediatric gonadotoxic treatments pose risks to male fertility.
  • Prospective data on pubertal development post-treatment are limited.
  • Immature testicular tissue banking (TTB) is an experimental fertility preservation option for prepubertal boys, but its long-term safety and interaction with treatments require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the long-term safety and effects of TTB on pubertal development in boys treated for malignant or non-malignant conditions.
  • To assess the impact of gonadotoxic treatments and TTB on testicular structure, function, and hormonal profiles.
  • To provide multidimensional data on pubertal development in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Single-centre prospective cohort study of 23 boys (2017-2025), with 15 undergoing TTB.
  • Repeated assessments included pubertal staging, testicular volumes, parenchymal integrity, reproductive hormones (luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone, testosterone), bone age, and bone density.
  • Median follow-up was 4.0 years.

Main Results:

  • Gonadotoxic treatments, especially myeloablative conditioning, were linked to reduced post-pubertal testicular volumes and altered hormone profiles (elevated LH/FSH, reduced inhibin B).
  • Anti-Müllerian hormone levels remained stable.
  • All patients experienced spontaneous puberty and preserved testosterone production.
  • Testicular parenchyma integrity was unaffected by biopsy; volume reductions were comparable between biopsied and non-biopsied testes.

Conclusions:

  • TTB appears safe, with no discernible adverse effects on testicular structure or function.
  • The procedure does not impede spontaneous puberty or testosterone production.
  • Larger multicentric prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings and confirm TTB safety in paediatric populations.

Keywords:
gonadal functionimmature testicular tissue bankingmale fertility preservationpubertal developmenttesticular growth

More Related Videos

Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation05:42

Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation

Published on: October 25, 2024

1.7K
Mouse Round Spermatid Injection08:41

Mouse Round Spermatid Injection

Published on: January 26, 2024

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation01:26

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
2.8K
Testes: Gross Anatomy01:19

Testes: Gross Anatomy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
7.7K
Spermatogenesis01:22

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
10.5K
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
1.8K
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
5.4K