Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restore Fertility in Induced Azoospermic Rats Following Chemotherapy Administration

Abstract

3 Abstract: Impairment of spermatogenesis has been confirmed before treatment in patients with various malignancies. Also, testicular germinal epithelial damage resulting in azoospermia is a well-known consequence of certain chemotherapeutic agents. The chance of recovery of spermatogenesis following cytotoxic insult and also the extent and speed of recovery, are related to the agent used and the dose received. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are able to self-renew to maintain the stem cell population and activate the resident testicular stem cells, producing large numbers of differentiating cells of the spermatogenic line, eventually leading to mature spermatozoa that will transmit the genome to the next generation. This study was designed to assess the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to restore fertility in induced azoospermic rats following Busulfan administration. Forty male rats were divided randomly into four groups (10 rats each). Group1, representing control rats received phosphate buffer saline, group 2 including azoospermia induced rats by Busulfan, group 3 including azoospermic rats that undergo transplantation MSCs into the right testis after induction of azoospermia and group 4 for bone marrow MSCs donation. Testicular size androgen hormonal profile and histological assessment of testicular tissues were evaluated pre- and post- mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Results revealed that MSCs after 12 weeks of transplantation to induced azoospermic rats; are able to testicular size androgen hormonal profile levels and resuming spermatogenesis as verified by histological assessment of testicular tissues as compared to control groups and evaluated pre- and post- mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. In conclusion, MSCs have potentials for trans-differentiation into germ cells and sperms in vivo in testicular microenvironment. also, it able to restore testicular functions as well as increase testicular size.