Table 2.
Use of mesenchymal stem cells in male reproduction and ART.
| Mesenchymal Stem Cells | Form | Species | Treatment Type | Effects on Sperm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adipose-derived MSCs | Cells | Canine | Cryopreservation | Protected post-thaw sperm motility, viability, membrane, and acrosome and chromatin integrity [171]. |
| Cells | Rats | Infertility | Reestablishment of spermatogenesis, and restoration of fertility [166]. | |
| Cells | Rats | Testicular injury | Protected progressive motility and vitality. Activated Akt/GSK3 axis and stimulated glucolysis [179]. | |
| Exosomes | Canine | Cryopreservation | Protected post-thaw sperm plasma membrane and chromatin integrity, motility, and viability [170]. | |
| Amniotic-membrane-derived MSCs | Conditioned medium | Canine | Cryopreservation | Protected post-thaw sperm plasma membrane integrity, motility, mitochondrial activity, and viability [173]. |
| Exosomes | Canine | Cryopreservation | No effects on post-thaw sperm quality-related parameters [172]. | |
| Bone-marrow-derived MSCs | Cells | Rats | Infertility | Restoration of fertility [180]. |
| Microvesicles | Rats | Cryopreservation | Protected post-thaw sperm viability, progressive motility, and antioxidant capacity. Reduced levels of necrosis, and apoptosis. Increased expression of surface adhesion molecules [174]. |
MSC, mesenchymal stem cells; AKT, protein kinase B; GSK3, glycogen synthase kinase 3.