Structural Integrity and Cellular Viability of Cryopreserved Allograft Heart Valves in Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction: Correlation of Histopathological Changes with Donor Characteristics and Preservation Times

Abstract Introduction: Cryopreserved allograft heart valves (CAHV) show longer event-free survival compared to other types of protheses. However, all patients develop early and/or late allograft failure. Negative predictors are clinical, and there is a lack of evidence whether they correspond with the microscopic structure of CAHV. We assessed histopathological signs of structural degeneration, degree of cellular preservation, and presence of antigen-presenting cells (APC) in CAHV and correlated the changes with donor clinical characteristics, cryopreservation times, and CAHV types and diameters. Methods: Fifty-seven CAHV (48 pulmonary, nine aortic) used for transplantation between November/2017 and May/2019 were included. Donor variables were age, gender, blood group, height, weight, and body surface area (BSA). Types and diameters of CAHV, cold ischemia time, period from decontamination to cryopreservation, and cryopreservation time were recorded. During surgery, arterial wall (n=56) and valvar cusp (n=20) samples were obtained from the CAHV and subjected to microscopy. Microscopic structure was assessed using basic staining methods and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Most of the samples showed signs of degeneration, usually of mild degree, and markedly reduced cellular preservation, more pronounced in aortic CAHV, correlating with arterial APC counts in both basic staining and IHC. There was also a correlation between the degree of degeneration of arterial samples and age, height, weight, and BSA of the donors. These findings were independent of preservation times. Conclusion: CAHV show markedly reduced cellular preservation negatively correlating with the numbers of APC. More preserved CAHV may be therefore prone to stronger immune rejection.

Processamento e conservação de enxertos de pele: uma abordagem com foco nos métodos de criopreservação, liofilização e glicerolização / Skin grafts processing and conservation: an approach focusing on cryopreservation, freeze-drying and glycerol conservation methods

Introdução: o uso de substitutos cutâneos para o tratamento de diversas feridas graves é uma forma eficiente de prevenir infecções e favorecer o processo de reepitelização. No entanto, tecidos biológicos estão suscetíveis a degradação e contaminação. Por isso, devem ser submetidos a rigorosos protocolos de processamento e testes que comprovem suas contribuições benéficas e segurança de aplicação. Objetivo: trazer uma abordagem sobre as principais características dos métodos de criopreservação, glicerolização e liofilização e sua consequencia nos aspectos imunológicos, microbiológicos e de viabilidade tecidual de enxertos de pele humana. Metodologia: foi realizada uma busca online utilizando as palavras chaves "criopreservação", "liofilização", "glicerolização", "enxertos", "processamento tecidual" e "engenharia dos tecidos" em múltiplas combinações nos bancos de dados PubMed, LILACS e ScienceDirect. Resultados: 200 artigos científicos foram obtidos, 26 excluídos por duplicidade, 92 selecionados para leitura integral a partir da leitura de seus resumos e 27 utilizados na construção desta revisão. A liofilização e a glicerolização são métodos semelhantes considerando a viabilidade tecidual. O uso de glicerol traz como principal desvantagem sua citotoxicidade quando comparado aos outros métodos. A criopreservação mantém os tecidos viáveis. Contudo, pode ser mais cara e trazer riscos de transmissão de microorganismos patogênicos. De modo geral, não é bem estabelecido quais os melhores métodos de conservação para uma adequada conservação da viabilidade dos enxertos de pele. Considerações Finais: os 3 métodos, liofilização, glicerolização e criopreservação, possuem aplicabilidade na conservação de enxertos. A falta de padronização na aplicação de enxertos apesar de sua frequente aplicação e a escassez de estudos recentes sobre o tema justificam o presente estudo.

Introduction: the use of skin substitutes for treatment of several wounds is an efficient way to prevent infections and allow the re-epithelialization process. However, biological tissues are susceptible to degradation and contamination. Therefore, they must undergo rigorous processing and testing protocols that prove their beneficial contributions and application security. Objective:to bring an approach on the main characteristics of cryopreservation, freeze-drying and glycerol conservation methods and their implications on immunological, microbiological and tissue viability aspects when applied to human skin grafts. Methodology:a mostly online search was performed using the keywords "cryopreservation", "freeze-drying", "glycerol conservation", "grafts", "tissue processing" and "tissue engineering" in multiple combinations in PubMed, LILACS and ScienceDirect databases. Results: 200 scientific articles were rescued, 26 excluded by duplicity, 92 selected for full reading from the reading of their abstracts and 27 used in the construction of this review. Freeze-drying and glycerol conservation are similar methods, with glycerol conservation having greater economic advantage. The use of glycerol presents cytotoxicity when compared to the other methods. Cryopreservation keeps tissues viable, however, is more expensive and carry risks of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Overall, there is a lack of clarity about the importance of viability in the performance of skin grafts. Final considerations: the 3 methods have applicability in graft conservation. The lack of standardization in graft application despite its frequent application and the scarcity of recent studies on the subject justify the present study.

Isolation, culture and identification of mouse amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells / 器官移植

Objective To explore the isolation, culture and identification of mouse amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AF-MSC). Methods The uteruses of pregnant mice were obtained under sterile conditions. The amniotic fluid was collected, filtered and centrifuged, and the precipitated cell mass was cultured and passaged. The morphology of AF-MSC was observed and the proliferation characteristics of AF-MSC were analyzed. The surface markers of AF-MSC were identified by flow cytometry. The osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation capability of AF-MSC and cell vitality after cryopreservation and resuscitation were evaluated. Results The mouse AF-MSC was seen in typical spindle shape, and vortex structure could be observed when the cell confluency exceeded 80%. No evident latency was noted in the passage and culture of mouse AF-MSC. After 2-3 d culture, AF-MSC proliferated in the logarithmic growth stage with the fastest growth rate, which was slowed down and entered into the plateau period. AF-MSC expressed stem cell antigen (Sca)-1, CD29 and CD44 rather than CD34 and CD45. After the osteogenic differentiation of mouse AF-MSC, the mineralized crystals were stained in dark red spots by Alizarin red S staining. After chondrogenic differentiation, the secreted acid mucopolysaccharide was stained in light blue by Alcian blue. After adipogenic differentiation, cytoplasmic lipid droplets were stained in red by oil red O staining. After cryopreservation and resuscitation, the survival rate of AF-MSC exceeded 95%, and the growth status was excellent. The proliferation ability at 6 d was significantly better than that before cryopreservation (P < 0.05), and the proliferation ability at other time points did not significantly differ from that before cryopreservation (all P > 0.05). Conclusions Mouse AF-MSC may be successfully isolated with convenient procedure and the low cost. In addition, the isolated AF-MSC may be purified along with the increasing times of passage. Cryopreservation does not affect the proliferation ability of AF-MSC.

Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Biological Activity of Cryopreserved Schwann Cells and Nerve Regeneration After Allograft in Rat Sciatic Nerve / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 （G-Rg1） on the biological activity of cryopreserved Schwann cells （SCs） of the rat sciatic nerve and explore the feasibility of G-Rg1 in reducing the cryopreservation-induced injury in SCs. MethodBilateral sciatic nerves of SD rats were randomly divided into a fresh group， a blank group， and five G-Rg1 groups of different doses （1×10-7， 1×10-6， 1×10-5， 1×10-4， and 1×10-3 mol·L-1）. The nerves in the blank group and the G-Rg1 groups were preserved in liquid nitrogen solutions containing 0， 1×10-7， 1×10-6， 1×10-5， 1×10-4， and 1×10-3 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 for four weeks. The apoptosis of SCs was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL）/S100 immunofluorescence staining. The expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease （Caspase）-9， Caspase-3， major histocompatibility complex （MHC）-Ⅰ， and MHC-Ⅱ was detected by Western blot. Subsequently， all nerves were cultured in the incubator at 37 ℃ with 5% CO2 for 7 days. The expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） and nerve growth factor （NGF） was detected by Western blot. In addition， the above cryopreserved nerves in the blank group and the 1×10-6， 1×10-5， and 1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 groups were transplanted to the Wistar rats by allografting （blank transplantation group and the 1×10-6， 1×10-5， and 1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 transplantation groups）， and fresh sciatic nerve allograft and isograft control group were set up. Sixteen weeks after transplantation， compound muscle action potential （CMAP） and nerve conduction velocity （NCV） were measured by electrophysiology. Nerve filament （NF）200 immunofluorescence staining， transmission electron microscopy， and toluidine blue staining were used to analyze the histology of the regenerated nerves. ResultCompared with the fresh group， the blank group and the G-Rg1 groups showed increased expression of Caspase-9， Caspase-3， and the apoptosis of SCs （P<0.05，P<0.01） and decreased expression of GDNF， NGF， MHC-Ⅰ， and MHC-Ⅱ （P<0.01）. Compared with the results in the blank group， the expression of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 decreased in the 1×10-7， 1×10-6， 1×10-5，1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 groups （P<0.01）， and the apoptosis of SCs was reduced in the 1×10-7-1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 groups（P<0.05，P<0.01） and increased in the 1×10-3 mol·L-1 group （P<0.05）， while the expression of GDNF and NGF increased in the 1×10-7， 1×10-6， 1×10-5，1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 groups and decreased in the 1×10-3 mol·L-1 group （P<0.05）. There was no statistical significance in the expression of MHC-Ⅰ and MHC-Ⅱ between the blank group and the G-Rg1 groups. Compared with the 1×10-7 mol·L-1 and 1×10-3 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 groups， the 1×10-6 1×10-5， 1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 groups showed decreased expression of Caspase-3 and the apoptosis of SCs （P<0.05，P<0.01） and increased expression of GDNF and NGF （P<0.05，P<0.01）. There was no statistical significance in MHC-Ⅰ and MHC-Ⅱ expression among G-Rg1 groups. Sixteen weeks after transplantation， compared with the isograft group， the blank transplantation group and the G-Rg1 transplantation groups showed decreased CMAP， NCV， myelin sheath thickness， and number of myelinated nerve fibers （P<0.01）， and the 1×10-6 and 1×10-4 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 transplantation groups showed decreased NF200 （P<0.01）. Compared with the allograft group， the blank transplantation group and the G-Rg1 transplantation groups showed increased CMAP， NCV， NF200， myelin sheath thickness， and number of myelinated nerve fibers （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the blank transplantation group， the G-Rg1 transplantation groups showed increased CMAP， NCV， NF200， myelin sheath thickness， and number of myelinated nerve fibers （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Among all groups of G-Rg1 transplantation， each index of the 1×10-5 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 transplantation group was superior to that of the 1×10-4 and 1×10-6 mol·L-1 G-Rg1 transplantation group （P<0.05）. ConclusionG-Rg1 at a certain centration can maintain the biological activity of cryopreserved SCs of rat sciatic nerve， alleviate the cryopreservation-induced injury of rat sciatic nerve， and promote nerve regeneration after allograft.

Effect of low-density lipoproteins and trehalose on the quality of cryopreserved bovine semen / Efecto de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la trehalosa en la calidad del semen bovino criopreservado / Efeito das lipoproteínas de baixa densidade e trealose na qualidade do sêmen bovino criopreservado

Abstract Background: In artificial insemination, chicken egg yolk is added to bovine semen to protect it during the cryopreservation process, although it contains substances that can affect the microbiological quality and metabolism of sperm. Objective: To evaluate post-thaw quality of bovine cryopreserved semen added with centrifuged and non-centrifuged egg yolk, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and trehalose (T). Methods: Ten ejaculates from five bulls were cryopreserved under the treatments T1: pure egg yolk (PEY) at 20% v/v, T2: centrifuged egg yolk (CEY) at 20% v/v, T3: LDL at 8% v/v, T4: T at 100 mM, and T5: T at 100 mM plus LDL at 8% v/v (TLDL). Spermatic motility and kinetics, functional membrane integrity (FMI), structural membrane integrity (SMI), sperm vitality (SV) and abnormal morphology (AM) were assessed using the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®) system, hypoosmotic test (HOST), SYBR/PI probes, and eosin-nigrosin staining, respectively. A completely randomized design was used. Normal distribution of the variables was validated through the Kolmogórov- Smirnov test. A generalized linear model was used to determine sources of variation. Means were compared using the Tukey test. Results: Inclusion of CEY or LDL had a similar effect on sperm protection, and were superior for motility, kinetics and membrane integrity compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). CEY was superior for progressive motility (p<0.05). The cryoprotective action of LDL was similar to TLDL for motility and kinetics, SMI, SV, and AM (p<0.05). Inclusion of PEY and T resulted in the lowest semen quality (p<0.05). The use of T resulted in a reduction in FMI and SMI (p<0.05). No differences in AM between treatments were found (p>0.05). Conclusions: Egg yolk can be replaced by centrifuged egg yolk or low-density lipoproteins in the freezing extender used for bovine semen used in artificial insemination.

Resumen Antecedentes: la yema de huevo de gallina se agrega al semen bovino usado en inseminación artificial para protegerlo durante el proceso de criopreservación, aunque ésta tiene sustancias que pueden afectar el metabolismo espermatico y la calidad microbiológica del semen. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad post-descongelación del semen bovino criopreservado agregado con yema de huevo centrifugada y no centrifugada, lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) y trehalosa (T). Métodos: diez eyaculados de cinco toros se criopreservaron bajo los tratamientos, T1: yema de huevo pura (PEY) al 20% v/v, T2: yema de huevo centrifugada (CEY) al 20% v/v, T3: LDL al 8% v/v, T4: T a 100 mM, y T5: T a 100 mM más LDL al 8% v/v (TLDL). La movilidad y la cinética espermática, la integridad funcional de la membrana (FMI), la integridad estructural de la membrana (SMI), la vitalidad espermática (SV) y la morfología anormal (AM), se determinaron mediante el sistema Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®), la prueba hipoosmótica (HOST), las sondas SYBR/PI y la tinción con eosina-nigrosina, respectivamente. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar. La normalidad de las variables se validó mediante la prueba de Kolmogórov-Smirnov. Se utilizó un modelo lineal generalizado para determinar las fuentes de variación. Las medias de los tratamientos se compararon mediante la prueba de Tukey. Resultados: CEY y LDL tuvieron un efecto similar en la protección de los espermatozoides, siendo superiores a los demás tratamientos respecto a movilidad, cinética e integridad de la membrana (p<0,05). CEY fue superior para la movilidad progresiva (p<0,05). La acción crioprotectora de LDL fue similar a TLDL para movilidad y cinética, SMI, AM y SV (p<0,05). PEY y T resultaron en la más baja calidad seminal (p<0,05). El uso de T redujo la FMI y la SMI (p<0,05). No se encontraron diferencias en AM entre los tratamientos (p>0,05). Conclusiones: la yema de huevo puede reemplazarse por yema de huevo centrifugada o por lipoproteinas de baja densidad en el diluyente de congelación usado para semen bovino destinado a inseminacion artificial.

Resumo Antecedentes: a gema de ovo de galinha tem sido utilizada com a finalidade de proteger o sêmen bovino durante o processo de criopreservação, embora tenha substâncias que possam afetar o metabolismo dos espermatozóides e a qualidade microbiológica do sêmen utilizado para a inseminação artificial. Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade pós-descongelamento do sêmen bovino criopreservado com gema de ovo centrifugada e não centrifugada, lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL) e trealose (T). Métodos: dez ejaculados de cinco touros foram criopreservados sob os tratamentos, T1: gema de ovo pura (PEY) 20% v/v, T2: gema de ovo centrifugada (CEY) 20% v/v, T3: LDL 8% v/v, T4: T 100 mM e T5: T 100 mM mais LDL 8% v/v (TLDL). Mobilidade e cinética espermática, integridade funcional da membrana (FMI), integridade estrutural da membrana (SMI), vitalidade espermática (SV) e morfologia anormal (AM) foram determinadas por o sistema Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®), teste hiposmótico (HOST), coloração com SYBR/PI e eosina-nigrosina, respectivamente. Um design completamente aleatoriedade foi usado. A normalidade das variáveis foi validada pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Um modelo linear generalizado foi utilizado para determinar as fontes de variação. As médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Resultados: T2 (CEY) e T3 (LDL) tiveram efeito similar na proteção espermática, sendo superior aos demais tratamentos para mobilidade, cinética e integridade da membrana (p<0,05). T2 (CEY) foi superior para mobilidade progressiva (p<0,05). A ação crioprotetora de T3 (LDL) foi semelhante à T5 (TLDL) para motilidade e cinética, SMI, SV e AM (p<0,05). T1 (PEY) e T4 (T) tiveram a menor qualidade seminal (p<0,05). O uso de T4 (T) produziu uma redução na SMI e FMI (p<0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças na AM entre os tratamentos (p>0,05). Conclusões: a gema de ovo pode ser substituída por gema de ovo centrifugada ou lipoproteínas de baixa densidade no diluente de congelamento de sêmen bovino.

Examination of clinical data and semen analysis results of patients undergoing orchiectomy for testicular tumor

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Testicular tumor constitutes 1% of male neoplasms. Infertility can be determined in patients with testicular tumors before orchiectomy due to the deterioration of spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to show the clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics and spermiogram results of patients with testicular tumor and their relationship with each other. METHODS: The data of patients who underwent orchiectomy due to testicular tumor between 2016 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. These data included sociodemographic data of the patients, pretreatment spermiogram characteristics, level of serum tumor markers, characteristics of the ultrasonography, type of orchiectomy, and histopathological examination. RESULTS: This study included 53 male patients, with a mean age of 33.51±12.86 years. The mean levels of all tumor markers were above the reference levels. The mean tumor size was 34.68±23.32 mm. Multiple localizations and microlithiasis were detected in 11.3 and 13.2% of the tumors, respectively. The most common masses were hypoechoic (n=37; 69.8%) and hypervascular (n=47; 81%). Spermiogram and cryopreservation were performed in 29 (54.7%) of 53 patients preoperatively. The mean sperm concentration before orchiectomy was 24.21×106 /mL and group A sperm motility 0.79%, group B sperm motility 39.10%, group C sperm motility 9.83%, and group D sperm motility 22.69% in testicular tumors. CONCLUSION: Spermatogenesis adversely affected before the treatment due to local and systemic effects of testicular cancer. Fertility expectations can be increased in the subsequent years by semen analysis and referral to cryopreservation.

Ex vivo retrieval of mature oocytes for fertility preservation in a patient with bilateral borderline ovarian tumor / Recuperação ex vivo de oócitos maduros para preservação da fertilidade em paciente com tumor ovariano borderline bilateral

Abstract We report a case of ultrasound-guided ex vivo oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation in a woman with bilateral borderline ovarian tumor, for whom conventional transvaginal oocyte retrieval was deemed unsafe because of the increased risk of malignant cell spillage. Ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins was performed. Surgery was scheduled according to the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropic stimulation; oophorectomized specimens were obtained by laparoscopy, and oocyte retrieval was performed ~ 37 hours after the ovulatory trigger. The sum of 20 ovarian follicles were aspirated, and 16 oocytes were obtained.We performed vitrification of 12 metaphase II oocytes and 3 oocytes matured in vitro. Our result emphasizes the viability of ex vivo mature oocyte retrieval after controlled ovarian stimulation for those with high risk of malignant dissemination by conventional approach.

Resumo Relatamos um caso de obtenção ex vivo de óvulos, guiada por ultrassonografia, para preservação da fertilidade em uma mulher com tumor ovariano borderline bilateral, para quem a recuperação transvaginal convencional foi considerada insegura, devido ao aumento do risco de disseminação de célulasmalignas. Foi realizada estimulação ovariana com gonadotrofinas. A cirurgia foi agendada de acordo com a resposta ovariana à estimulação gonadotrófica exógena; após ooforectomia por laparoscopia, ~ 37 horas após a maturação folicular, procedeu-se à recuperação extracorpórea de oócitos. Umtotal de 20 folículos ovarianos foi aspirado e 16 complexos cumulus foramobtidos, resultando na vitrificação de 12 oócitos maduros e de 3 oócitos imaturos amadurecidos in vitro. Nosso resultado enfatiza a viabilidade da recuperação ex vivo de oócitos maduros após estimulação ovariana controlada para mulheres com alto risco de disseminação maligna pela captação oocitária realizada convencionalmente pela via transvaginal.

Freeze-all policy for in vitro fertilization in women with normal response to ovarian stimulation / Congelamento de todos os embriões em ciclos de fertilização in vitro em mulheres com resposta normal à estimulação ovariana

ABSTRACT Objective To answer the question if the freeze-all strategy and subsequent frozen embryo transfer is preferable to fresh embryo transfer for patients with normal response to ovarian stimulation (4 to 15 oocytes recovered) during in vitro fertilization treatments. Methods A retrospective cohort from two human reproduction centers between 2013 and 2017. A total of 471 frozen embryo transfers from freeze-all cycles, and 3,208 fresh transfers were included. Results After propensity score matching adjustment for age and number of eggs, 467 freeze-all cycles and 934 fresh cycles were analyzed, revealing no statistically significant difference between groups in relation to clinical pregnancy rate (32.5% in the Freeze-all Group and 32.3% in the Fresh Group, p=0.936). For women aged 40 years and older, we observed a statistically significant higher clinical pregnancy rate when freeze-all strategy was used (29.3% in the Freeze-all Group and 19.8% in the Fresh Group, p=0.04). Conclusion Freeze-all strategy was not superior to fresh transfer for all patients with normal response to ovarian stimulation. However, women aged 40 years and older could benefit from this strategy. This deserves further investigation in future research, preferable in a prospective randomized study.

RESUMO Objetivo Responder à pergunta se a estratégia freeze-all (congelamento de todos os embriões) e subsequente transferência de embriões congelados é preferível à transferência de embriões a fresco em pacientes com resposta normal à estimulação ovariana (4 a 15 ovócitos coletados) durante tratamentos de fertilização in vitro . Métodos Coorte retrospectiva de dois centros de reprodução humana entre 2013 e 2017. No total, foram incluídas 471 transferências de ciclos com congelamento de todos os embriões, e 3.208 transferências a fresco. Resultados Após o ajuste do escore de propensão para idade e número de óvulos, foram analisados 467 ciclos com congelamento de todos os embriões e 934 ciclos a fresco, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação à taxa de gravidez clínica (32,5% no Grupo Freeze-all e 32,3% no Grupo a Fresco, p=0,936). Para mulheres com 40 anos ou mais, observamos uma taxa de gravidez clínica estatisticamente maior quando foi utilizada a estratégia freeze-all (29,3% no Grupo Freeze-all e 19,8% no Grupo a Fresco, p=0,04). Conclusão A estratégia freeze-all não foi superior à transferência a fresco para todas as pacientes com resposta normal à estimulação ovariana. No entanto, mulheres com 40 anos ou mais podem ter algum benefício com essa estratégia. Isso justifica uma investigação mais aprofundada em pesquisas futuras e, de preferência, em estudos prospectivos randomizados.

Green tea extract as a cryoprotectant additive to preserve the motility and DNA integrity of human spermatozoa / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Cryopreservation impairs sperm quality and functions, including motility and DNA integrity. Antioxidant additives in sperm freezing media have previously brought improvements in postthawed sperm quality. Green tea extract (GTE) is widely considered as an excellent antioxidant, and its beneficial role has been proven in other human cells. This study aims to evaluate the GTE as a potential additive in cryopreservation media of human spermatozoa. In part one, the semen of 20 normozoospermic men was used to optimize the concentration of GTE that maintains sperm motility and DNA integrity against oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide (H

Clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh or cryopreserved sperm in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

We performed this study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (micro-TESE-ICSI) treatment that used fresh or cryopreserved sperm in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). A total of 338 NOA patients with 344 consecutive cycles received treatment in the reproductive medicine center of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China, from January 2014 to December 2017. Fresh oocytes and fresh sperm were used in 222 patients with 234 cycles (Group A). Fresh oocytes and cryopreserved sperm were used in 116 patients with 110 cycles (Group B). We compared patient characteristics, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes between Groups A and B. There was no statistical difference in the patient characteristics, and no differences were observed with fertilization or quality embryo rates between Groups A and B. The rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth were both higher for Group A than those for Group B (both P < 0.05). In conclusion, fresh testicular sperm appears to produce better ICSI outcomes than cryopreserved testicular sperm in patients with NOA.

Improving native human sperm freezing protection by using a modified vitrification method / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Slow freezing is the most commonly used technique for the cryopreservation of spermatozoa in clinical practice. However, it has been shown to have a negative impact on sperm function and structure. Vitrification as a successful alternative method has been proved to have better protective effects on human embryos, but vitrification of spermatozoa is still subject to low recovery rates. In this study, a modified vitrification method for native spermatozoa was developed. A total of 28 semen samples were included; each sample was divided into three equal parts and assigned to fresh, slow freezing, and vitrification groups. Sperm vitality, motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and acrosome reaction were assessed for each of the groups. The results showed that vitrification achieves better results for several sperm protection parameters than slow freezing; vitrification achieves a higher recovery rate (P < 0.05), motility (P <0.05), morphology (P <0.05), and curve line velocity (P <0.05) than slow freezing. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation was decreased (P <0.05) and better acrosome protection (P <0.05) was exhibited in the spermatozoa after vitrification. Principal component analysis of all sperm parameters revealed that the vitrification cluster was closer to the fresh cluster, indicating that spermatozoa are better preserved through vitrification. In conclusion, while both slow freezing and vitrification have negative effects on sperm function and structure, the vitrification protocol described here had a relatively better recovery rate (65.8%) and showed improved preservation of several sperm quality parameters compared with slow freezing.

Research progress of methods to promote the survival of cryopreserved ovarian tissue auto-transplantation / 器官移植

With the technology development of cancer treatment, the survival rate of patients with cancer has been significantly improved. However, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may lead to premature ovarian failure and infertility in young women with cancer. Cryopreserved ovarian tissue auto-transplantation is an effective method to preserve fertility of such female patients. At present, the biggest challenge of this technique is mass loss of follicles after transplantation. In this article, the influencing factors and improvement methods of survival of cryopreserved ovarian tissue auto-transplantation were reviewed.

Feasibility of cryopreservation of human corneal stromal lenticules / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To observe the transparency and tissue structure changes of human corneal stromal lenticules after long-term cryopreservation and explore a simple and feasible method for long-term effective preservation of corneal stromal lenticules.Methods:Two hundred samples of intact human corneal stromal lenticules from 200 eyes were obtained during femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in Hainan Eye Hospital, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from 2013 to 2020.The samples were divided into 1-month, 24-month, 60-month and 80-month group and were stored in an ultra-low temperature freezer for 1, 24, 60 and 84 months respectively at -80 ℃ according to grouping, with 50 samples in each group.Transmittance of the corneal lenticules at wavelength of 300-800 nm was measured with an ultra-micro spectrophotometer and every lenticule was measured for 10 times with a 50 nm interval.The histomorphology and collagen fiber structure of the corneal lenticules were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining, respectively.The arrangement of collagen fibers and ultrastructure changes of keratocytes in the samples were inspected with a transmission electron microscope.The apoptosis rate of keratocytes was determined by TUNEL staining.The study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of Hainan Eye Hospital at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (No.2013-003). This study complied with the Declaration of Helsinki.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before surgery.Results:The corneal lenticules were clear and intact in all groups and no significant difference in the transmittance within 450-800 nm wavelength was seen among the 4 groups (all at P>0.05). Masson staining revealed that the collagen fibers in the lenticules were neatly arranged and tightly packed in the 1-month group.In the 24-month group, interfibrous vacuoles were found in some collagen fibers.The arrangement of the collagen fibers was loose and more vacuoles were displayed in the 60-month group, and the loss of some collagen fibers appeared and the lenticules were thinned in the 84-month group.It was found through hematoxylin-eosin staining that the morphological changes of corneal stromal lenticules corresponded to the alterations of collagen fibers.Transmission electron microscopy showed that in the 1-month group, the collagen fibers of the corneal stroma lenticules were neatly arranged and regular, and the corneal stromal cells were elongated and spindle-shaped, and the nuclear membrane was intact and the cytoplasm was abundant.In the 24-month group, the collagen fibers showed slightly loose arrangement, and the corneal stromal cells were deformed with incomplete nuclear membrane.In the 60-month group, the collagen fibers were in loose and irregular arrangement, and the nuclei were atrophied and deformed.The 84-month group showed disorganized arrangement of collagen fibers, wrinkled and atrophied corneal stromal cells, discontinuous nucleus membrane and nucleoplasmic lysis.TUNEL staining showed that the percentage of apoptotic corneal cells in lenticules was (87.80±1.17)%, (89.50±1.05)%, (89.30±1.51)% and (90.20±1.47)% in the 1-month, 24-month, 60-month and 84-month groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference found in overall comparison ( F=4.525, P=0.053). Conclusions:The disorder of collagen fibers and apoptosis of keratocytes occur in the human corneal stromal lenticules till 84 months after cryopreservation, however, the transparency and integrity remain excellent.The ultra-low temperature preservation technique provides an effective and simple solution for long-term storage of human corneal stromal lenticule.

Sperm banking before gonadotoxic treatment: is it worth the effort? / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

We aimed to compare the sperm quality in different cancer types and benign diseases before gonadotoxic treatment, and assess the usage rate of cryopreserved sperm for assisted reproductive treatment (ART). This retrospective study was conducted at two university clinics between January 2008 and July 2018. A total of 545 patients suffering from cancer or benign diseases were included in the study. The pretreatment sperm analyses were based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Patients with testicular malignancy (TM) showed a significantly lower sperm count (median [interquartile range]: 18.7 × 10

Efeito da adição do ácido palmítico e da vitamina E ao diluidor Tris-gema na criopreservação de sêmen canino / Effect of addition of palmitic acid and Vitamin E to the Tris-egg yolk diluter in canine semen cryopreservation

Canine sperm is a very delicate cell that is quite susceptible to oxidative stress since the cytoplasm is restricted and features little antioxidant reserves. Furthermore, the sperm membrane has some polyunsaturated fatty acids sensitive to lipid peroxidation, which makes it important to addition antioxidant substances to the diluter aiming at decreasing such stress to the sperm cell, particularly during seminal cryopreservation. Several antioxidants have been used in this process in some domestic animal's species, however, the use of palmitic acid has been little reported in works on cryopreservation of semen of the canine species. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effect of addition antioxidants palmitic acid and vitamin E to the Tris-egg yolk diluter on the semen quality of dogs after thawing. Samples were collected from the ejaculates of 4 adult dogs, apparently healthy, of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed of kennels in the city of Teresina, PI, places where the pre-freezing procedures of the dog's semen were performed. The samples were diluted in Tris citric acid fructose (3.28 g Tris-hydroxymethyl-aminomethane, 1.78 g citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g D-fructose), dissolved in 100 mL distilled water, and added 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol, at the concentration of 100x106 sptz/mL. The semen samples were divided into 3 mL aliquots to form 3 experimental groups: G1 - Only Tris-egg yolk (Control group); G2 - Tris-egg yolk + 100 µM palmitic acid; and G3 - Tris-egg yolk + 116 µM vitamin E. Semen was collected weekly over a period of little over 2 months. After thawing, thermorresistance test (TTR) was carried out at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min to assess spermatics motility and vigor, in addition to analysis of integrity of plasma membrane, acrosomal membrane and mitochondrial activity of the sperm, using fluorescent probes. These assessments were performed out at the Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Laboratory (LBRA/UFPI). In the TTR, G2 and G3 didn't exhibit significant results for spermatics motility or vigor when compared with the control group. The palmitic acid and vitamin E also had no significant effects on the parameters of acrosomal membrane integrity or mitochondrial activity. However, sperm cryopreserved with the addition of palmitic acid exhibited significant differences for plasma membrane integrity, providing greater protection to the sperm cells in G2. The palmitic acid is one of the most saturated fatty acids in human semen, with reports of great proportions also in the seminal plasma of dogs. Its main role is to protect the plasma membrane from external damage, improving viability and fertility of the sperm after cryopreservation. Data is scarce in the literature on the composition of fatty acids in canine semen and regarding the use of palmitic acid as a seminal antioxidant in that species, which grants further studies aiming to investigate such valuable information for canine reproduction. It is concluded that addition palmitic acid at 100µM concentration to the Tris-egg yolk diluter was able to preserve the integrity of the plasma membrane during the process of cryopreservation of canine semen.(AU)

Protein profile as a quality indicator of cryopreserved semen from Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818) / Perfil protéico como indicador qualitativo do semen criopreservado de Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between proteins in the seminal plasma of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818) with seminal quality indicators after thawing. The semen was cryopreserved with a dilution based on BTS with 8% DMSO. A 200 µL sample of semen from each animal was diluted in 800 µL BTS, centrifuged at 800 rpm, and the supernatant was cryopreserved to further analyze of the protein profile of seminal plasma through one-dimensional electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). After 15 days of cryopreservation, a cryopreserved semen straw was thawed to analyze both qualitative and quantitative parameters. When considering all collections, the SDS-PAGE identified 15 protein bands in the seminal plasma of tambaqui. When the interaction (presence or absence) between proteins observed in the seminal plasma and the post thawed spermatic parameters was evaluated, we observed a great influence of the presence of proteins on spermatic quality. A greater (P<0.05) fertilization rate was observed with the presence of proteins 12, 34, 44, 85, and 90 kDa. Proteins in seminal plasma of tambaqui influenced the spermatic quality after thawing, and thus, they can be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality, especially the proteins with a molecular weight ≤ 50 kDa.

Resumo O objetivo desse estudo foi de avaliar a associação entre a presença de proteínas no plasma seminal do tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818) com indicadores de qualidade seminal pós-descongelamento. O semen foi criopreservado com diluidor a base de BTS com 8% DMSO. Uma amostra de 200 µL de semen de cada animal foi diluída em 800 µL de BTS, e centrifugada em 800 rpm, e somente o sobrenadante foi criopreservado para posterior análise do perfil proteico do plasma seminal, através da eletroforese unidimensional (SDS-PAGE). Decorridos 15 dias da criopreservação, uma palheta com semen criopreservado foi descongelado para análise dos parâmetros quali-quantitativos. Considerando todas as coletas, o SDS-PAGE identificou 15 bandas proteicas no plasma seminal do tambaqui. Quando se avaliou a interação (presença ou ausência) das proteínas encontradas no plasma seminal, com os parâmetros espermáticos pós-descongelamento, observou-se grande influência da presença das proteínas na qualidade espermática. Observou-se maior taxa de fertilização (P<0,05) com a presença das proteínas 12, 34, 44, 85 e 90 kDa. As proteínas do plasma seminal de tambaqui influenciaram na qualidade espermática após descongelamento, podendo ser utilizadas como indicadores para a qualidade espermática após descongelamento, principalmente as proteínas com peso molecular ≤50 kDa.

Crioconservación seminal en peces de agua dulce: aspectos biotecnológicos, celulares y bioquímicos / Seminal Cryopreservation in Freshwater Fish: Biotechnological, Cellular and Biochemical Aspects / Criopreservação Seminal em Peixes de Água Doce: Aspectos Biotecnológicos, Celulares e Bioquímicos

Resumen La crioconservación es una herramienta biotecnológica que en peces está orientada principalmente a la conservación criogénica de semen como estrategia de preservación del recurso genético y a su uso para la producción de alevinos con fines diferentes. Actualmente, los protocolos de crioconservación seminal en peces de agua dulce establecen una amplia variedad de procedimientos cuya efectividad se basa en aspectos ligados a la calidad seminal post-descongelación y la fertilidad, así como su relación con el desarrollo de la progenie. El efecto de la conservación del semen en nitrógeno líquido por periodos amplios de tiempo también toma importancia en ésta biotecnología. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de la presente revisión es describir aspectos biotecnológicos, celulares y bioquímicos asociados al proceso de crioconservación seminal en peces dulceacuícolas, resaltando los avances, las limitaciones y sus perspectivas.

Abstract Cryopreservation is a biotechnological tool that in fish is mainly aimed at cryogenic conservation of semen as a strategy for preserving the genetic resource and its use for the production of fingerlings with different purposes. Currently, seminal cryopreservation protocols in freshwater fish establish a wide variety of procedures whose effectiveness is based on aspects linked to seminal post-thaw quality and fertility, as well as its relationship with the development of the progeny. The effect of preserving semen in liquid nitrogen for extended periods of time also plays an important role in this biotechnology. Therefore, the objective of this review is to describe biotechnological, cellular and biochemical aspects associated with the seminal cryopreservation process in freshwater fish, highlighting the advances, limitations and perspectives.

Resumo A criopreservação é uma ferramenta biotecnológica que em peixes visa principalmente a conservação criogênica do sêmen como estratégia para a preservação do recurso genético e sua utilização para a produção de alevinos para diferentes fins. Atualmente, os protocolos de criopreservação seminal em peixes de água doce estabelecem uma ampla variedade de procedimentos cuja eficácia se baseia em aspectos relacionados à qualidade e fertilidade pós-descongelamento seminal, bem como sua relação com o desenvolvimento da progênie. O efeito da preservação do sêmen no nitrogênio líquido por longos períodos de tempo também desempenha um papel importante nessa biotecnologia. Portanto, o objetivo desta revisão é descrever aspectos biotecnológicos, celulares e bioquímicos associados ao processo de criopreservação seminal em peixes de água doce, destacando os avanços, limitações e perspectivas.

Avaliação morfológica do concentrado autólogo de plaquetas em cães sob refrigeração e criopreservação em DMSO 6% / [Morphological evaluation of the autologous platelet concentrate in dogs under refrigeration and criopreservation in 6% DMSO]

The morphological characteristics of the autologous platelet concentrate (APC) of 31 dogs were evaluated after cooling and freezing in 6% DMSO. Blood from the jugular vein of each patient was collected and centrifuged at 191g for six minutes to obtain APC. In the fresh sample, the platelet count, MPV, PDW and cell morphology were evaluated. Four samples of each animal were sent for storage, one refrigerated at 4°C for seven days, another for 30 days and two more stored in a freezer at -80°C in the same time interval, using 6% DMSO as cryoprotectant. The conserved samples were submitted to the same laboratory analysis as the fresh sample. There was a difference between fresh and preserved samples for platelet count, cell concentration, MPV and PDW (P<0.05), except in the 30-day refrigerated group, which showed severe morphological changes. In the frozen group for seven days, no difference was observed in the percentage of activation (P>0.05). The results obtained lead to the conclusion that cryopreservation with 6% DMSO at -80°C for seven days is a favorable option for the maintenance of platelet concentrations and the morphological characteristics of APC in dogs.(AU)

Insulina e IGF-1 no meio extensor de criopreservação seminal bovina / Insulin and IGF-I in extender medium for bovine semen cryopreservation

Objetivou-se avaliar a condição metabólica e estrutural das células espermáticas bovinas após congelação, com adição prévia de IGF-I e insulina no meio diluidor seminal. Os ejaculados de seis touros Nelore foram submetidos a quatro tratamentos: controle; insulina (100µUI/mL); IGF-I (150ng/mL) e insulina + IGF-I (50µUI/mL e 75ng/mL, respectivamente). Após a congelação, realizaram-se os testes de termorresistência rápida, coloração pelo corante azul de tripan e Giemsa, além da análise computadorizada da motilidade espermática, da integridade das membranas plasmática e acrossomal, e da peça intermediária por meio de sondas fluorescentes. O teste de termorresistência rápida apresentou efeito dentro do tempo de cada tratamento, mas não entre os tratamentos. Na análise computadorizada da motilidade espermática, foram observados movimento, motilidade e velocidade espermáticos; não houve efeitos dos tratamentos sobre qualquer uma dessas variáveis. Respostas iguais foram obtidas com as sondas fluorescentes e o corante azul de tripan/Giemsa. A adição de insulina e IGF-I, de forma isolada ou combinada, ao meio diluidor para congelação de sêmen não produziu efeitos sobre as condições metabólica e estrutural das células espermáticas.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and structural condition of the spermatic bovine cells after the freezing, with addition, previously, of IGF-I and Insulin in the seminal thinner medium. The semen of 6 Nellore bulls were submitted to four treatments: Control, Insulin (100µUI/mL); IGF-I (150ng/mL) and Insulin + IGF-I (50µUI/mL and 75ng/mL, respectively). After freezing, rapid resistance tests, Tripan and Giemsa Blue staining, and computerized analysis of sperm motility and integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes and the intermediate part were performed by fluorescent probes. The term rapid resistance test had effect within the time of each treatment, but not between treatments. In the computer analysis of sperm motility, sperm movement, motility and velocity no effects of treatments were observed on any of these variables. The same results were obtained with the fluorescent probes and the Blue dye Trypan / Giemsa. The addition of Insulin and IGF-I, alone or in combination, to the semen freezing dilution medium had no effect on the metabolic and structural condition of sperm cells.(AU)

Role of N-acetyl cysteine on bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell cryopreservation: Outcome on the oxidative stress-mediated cryodamage and repopulation Capacity into hematopoietic lineages

Cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) is associated with oxidative stress-mediatedcryodamage, hence compromising the therapeutic potency. The roles of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the oxidativestress-mediated cryodamage and repopulation capacity of HSPCs into myeloid, erythroid, and pre-B lymphoidprogenitors were investigated. Mice bone marrow-derived HSPCs were cultured for 24 hours, followed bycryopreservation at 1 × 106/ml cells in cryomedium containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide with NAC (0.25, 0.5, or 2.0µM) or without for 48 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks at −80°C. Cryopreservation significantly reduced cell viability atpost-thawed (p < 0.05) with long-term cryopreservation conferred a greater cell recovery. NAC improved the bonemarrow-derived HSPC viability (p < 0.05) at 0.5 and 2.0 µM after 48 hours of cryopreservation. Cryopreservationlowered the malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05) although glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and protein carbonyl levelswere not significantly affected. Repopulation capacity of HSPCs into myeloid–erythroid progenitors was greatlyreduced (p < 0.05) after 4 weeks of cryopreservation as compared to precryopreservation group. Meanwhile, NACsupplementation showed no remarkable effect on oxidative stress-mediated cryodamage and repopulation capacity ofHSPCs. Conclusively, the cryoprotective role of NAC on the cryopreservation of HSPCs deserves further investigation