Spermatogonial Stem Cells: A Current Update in the Management of Azoospermic Infertile Men

Abstract

One of the management of azoospermia is utilizing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) by Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) with sperm obtained from the epididymis or directly from testis. In some conditions such as hypogonadism or undescended testis, the sperm are not successfully obtained. Thus, it is considered to perform Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) culture to restore men fertility. The objective of this work was to systematically review and discuss articles dealing with the subject of SSCs as a current update of azoospermic management. To this purpose, a computerized search of PubMed database was performed on the general term such as “male infertility”, “azoospermia” and “human spermatogonial stem cells” and the articles obtained were evaluated and collected. SSCs are adult stem cells which capable to self-renewal, differentiate, transmit the material genetic to offspring. SSCs have a vital role in spermatogenesis and in vitro proliferation which could be utilized for azoospermic management. Some alternative of SSCs utilization followed by ICSI in men with azoospermia, the formation of artificial sperms and auto-transplantation of in vitro proliferated SSCs, are under the preclinical phase of development. SSCs utilization is the proper approach to manage the azoospermic infertile men who sperm couldn’t be obtained. The procedure of SSCs utilization such as culture method, including isolation, identification and tumor forming, should be investigated prior to clinical application.