Teratoma mesentérico maduro en una mujer adulta: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Mature mesenteric teratoma in an adult women: Case report and literature

Introducción. Los teratomas son neoplasias que surgen a partir de células germinales pluripotenciales y derivan de dos o más capas de células. Se clasifican en tumores maduros, que contienen tejidos bien diferenciados, o inmaduros, que contienen estructuras inmaduras y embrionarias. Su localización más frecuente son las gónadas; la ubicación mesentérica es infrecuente y se han descrito aproximadamente 40 casos en la literatura mundial. Dentro del abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico, se emplea la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética nuclear para caracterizar la lesión, evaluar la extensión intraabdominal y la relación con otras estructuras. El diagnóstico debe confirmarse mediante el examen histopatológico. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 56 años, con antecedente de carcinoma ductal infiltrante de mama izquierda en remisión, en estudios de seguimiento con hallazgo incidental en tomografía de abdomen de lesión abdominopélvica dependiente del mesenterio, contornos lisos y nivel grasa-líquido. Estudios de extensión con marcadores tumorales negativos. Resultados. Por la alta sospecha clínica e imagenológica de teratoma, fue llevada a resección quirúrgica de la lesión. El examen histopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de teratoma quístico maduro del mesenterio. Conclusión. El teratoma mesentérico es una entidad clínica rara, que debe ser considerado como uno de los diagnósticos diferenciales de una masa abdominal con efecto compresivo. El diagnóstico se basa principalmente en el examen clínico y los hallazgos imagenológicos. La escisión quirúrgica temprana es el pilar del tratamiento; el abordaje laparoscópico o abierto depende de las características clínicas y la experiencia del cirujano.

Background. Teratomas are neoplasms that arise from pluripotent germ cells, derived from two or more layers of germ cells. They are classified as mature tumors (cystic or solid), which contain well-differentiated tissues, or as immature tumors, which contain immature and embryonic structures. Its most frequent location is the female and male gonads; the mesenteric location is rare and approximately 40 cases have been described in the world literature. Within the diagnostic and therapeutic approach, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to characterize the lesion, assess intra-abdominal extension and the relationship with other structures. The diagnosis must be confirmed by histopathological examination. Clinical case. A 56-year-old female patient with a history of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the left breast in remission. In follow-up studies, incidental abdominal tomography finding of an abdominopelvic lesion dependent on the mesentery at the level of the mesogastrium, smooth contours with fat-liquid level. Extension studies with negative tumor markers. Results. Due to high clinical and imaging suspicion of teratoma, the patient was taken to resection of the lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma of the mesentery. Conclusion. Mesenteric teratoma is a rare clinical entity and is considered one of the differential diagnoses of an abdominal mass with a compressive effect. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical examination and imaging findings. Early surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; laparoscopic or open approach depends on the clinical characteristics and the experience of the surgeon.

Tumor del seno endodérmico ovárico bilateral en adolescente / Bilateral ovarian yolk sac tumor in adolescent i: en

Se presenta el caso clínico de una adolescente de 15 años de edad, quien fue asistida en el Hospital Provincial Pediátrico Universitario José Luis Miranda de Villa Clara, remitida desde su área de salud, por presentar dolor pélvico intenso desde hacía 3 días, náuseas y fiebre de 38,5 °C. Luego de realizados el examen clínico y los estudios complementarios pertinentes, se decidió practicar la resección completa del tumor. Durante el procedimiento se tomó muestra para estudio histológico que confirmó la existencia de un tumor del seno endodérmico ovárico, por lo cual fue reintervenida para extirpar el ovario contralateral y el epiplón infiltrados. Posteriormente se indicó poliquimioterapia según el protocolo y la evolución postratamiento fue satisfactoria.

The case report of a 15-years-old adolescent is presented, who was assisted at José Luis Miranda University Pediatric Provincial Hospital from Villa Clara, referred from her health area due to an intense pelvic pain for 3 days, nausea and fever of 38.5 °C. After carrying out the clinical exam and the pertinent laboratory tests, it was decided to practice the complete tumor resection. During the procedure a sample for histologic study was taken that confirmed the existence of an ovarian yolk sac tumor, reason why she was operated again to extirpate the contralateral ovary and the infiltrated omentum. Later on polychemotherapy was indicated according to the protocol and the post-treatment clinical course was satisfactory.

Generation of male germ cells in vitro from the stem cells / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Infertility has become a serious disease since it affects 10%-15% of couples worldwide, and male infertility contributes to about 50% of the cases. Notably, a significant decrease occurs in the newborn population by 7.82 million in 2020 compared to 2016 in China. As such, it is essential to explore the effective methods of obtaining functional male gametes for restoring male fertility. Stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), possess the abilities of both self-renewal and differentiation into germ cells. Significantly, much progress has recently been achieved in the generation of male germ cells in vitro from various kinds of stem cells under the specified conditions, e.g., the coculturing with Sertoli cells, three-dimensional culture system, the addition of growth factors and cytokines, and/or the overexpression of germ cell-related genes. In this review, we address the current advance in the derivation of male germ cells in vitro from stem cells based on the studies of the peers and us, and we highlight the perspectives and potential application of stem cell-derived male gametes in reproductive medicine.

Presentación atípica de teratoma quístico maduro gigante en una paciente adolescente: a propósito de un caso / Atypical presentation of a giant mature cystic teratoma in an adolescent patient: A case report

Introducción: El teratoma quístico maduro es un tipo de tumor derivado de las células germinales que aparece en pacientes en edad fértil. La edad más frecuente de aparición de este tipo de tumores es entre los 20 y40 años.Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente adolescente de 18 años con masa abdominal gigante de crecimiento abrupto cuya presentación fue atípica dado el tamaño de esta, el cual se manifestó con dolor abdominal agudo.Tratamiento: Se realiza resección de la masa la cual confirma el diagnóstico histopatológico de teratoma quístico maduro.Conclusión: Este tipo de patologías rara vez se presentan con un crecimiento tan exagerado como el caso de la paciente en mención, y la resolución quirúrgica sigue siendo el gold estándar en cuanto al tratamiento.Palabras clave:DeCS: Teratoma, Células germinativas embrionarias, Adolescente, Neoplasias

Introduction: Mature cystic teratoma is a type of tumor derived from germ cells that appears in patients of childbearing age. The most common age at which this type of tumor appearsis 20 to40.Clinical case: The case of an 18-year-old adolescent patient with a giant abdominal mass of abrupt growth is presented, whose presentation was atypical given its size, which manifested with acute abdominal pain Treatment: Amass resection confirmedthehistopathological diagnosis of mature cystic ter-atoma.Conclusion: This type of pathology rarely presents with growth as exaggerated as in the case of the patient mentioned. Surgicalresolution continues to be the gold standard in terms of treatment

Metástasis gástrica de tumor de células germinales mixto primario testicular: reporte de caso / Gastric metastasis of primary testicular mixed germ cell tumor: A case report

RESUMEN El cáncer de testículo es el tumor sólido más común en los varones de 15 a 29 años. Puede producirse metástasis por vía hematógena o linfática a distintos órganos como pulmón e hígado (usuales) y estómago (inusual). Se presenta el caso de un varón de 30 años que cursa con hemorragia digestiva alta por dos úlceras en el cuerpo gástrico con histología de neoplasia maligna indiferenciada de células pequeñas. En las tomografías se observa tumor testicular derecho con implantes secundarios en cerebro, pulmón, hígado y bazo. Se estudia β-HCG (35 5354 mUI/ml), AFP (500 ng/mL) y DHL (1669 UI/L). Se realiza una orquiectomía radical derecha y se concluyeque es un tumor de células germinales primario de testículo derecho de estadio clínico IIIC por metástasis hepática, esplénica, pulmonar, gástrica y cerebral.

ABSTRACT Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor in men between ages 15 and 29. It can metastasize through the hematogenous or lymphatic routes to different organs such as the lung and liver (common) and the stomach (uncommon). We present the case of a 30-year-old male patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to two ulcers in the stomach body with histology of unspecified small-cell malignant neoplasm. CT scans showed a right testicular tumor with secondary implants in the brain, lung, liver and spleen. β-HCG (35,5354 mIU/mL), AFP (500 ng/mL) and LDH (1,669 IU/L) tests were conducted. A right radical orchiectomy was performed. It is concluded that this was a clinical stage IIIC primary germ cell tumor of the right testis due to liver, spleen, lung, gastric and brain metastases.

Gonadal differentiation during embryonic and fetal development of male New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Diferenciación gonadal durante el desarrollo embrionario y fetal de conejos machos neozelandeses (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

SUMMARY: The rabbit is considered an ideal animal model for studies that describe abnormalities in the testicles due to the similar morphogenetic mechanisms of sexual development and diseases commonly found in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the male sexual differentiation of the New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) through development. The gestational age was estimated and classified as 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23 and 28 gestational days. The morphological and sexual determination were performed by histological analysis of the reproductive tract in the embryos and fetuses (9-28 days) as well as by immunohistochemistry- Desert hedgehog-Dhh- (testis-specific protein on Y chromosome- 16, 20, 23 days and adult rabbits). Gonads were observed from the 14th day in an undifferentiated stage and with homogeneous aspect. Sexual differentiation was observed from the 16th day with presence of cells forming gonadal cords and Dhh+ cells in the gonadal parenchyma. From the 18th gestational day testicular cords were observed, which evolved into organized seminiferous tubules. The formation of the efferent ducts and ductus deferens and epididymis was observed on the 20th and 23rd days, respectively. The differentiation of the external genitalia occurred from the 23rd days from the anogenital distance and was identified to identify the penile structures. In summary, the features of the sexual differentiation were determined by observation of the Dhh+ protein in embryos from the 16th day to adulthood, and the morphological particularities observed from the 18th gestational day, determined by differentiation of the external genitalia from the 23rd day.

RESUMEN: El conejo se considera un modelo animal ideal para estudios que describen anomalías a nivel testícular debido a que presenta mecanismos morfogenéticos similares al desa- rrollo sexual y enfermedades que se encuentran comúnmente en los seres humanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la diferenciación sexual masculina del conejo de Nueva Zelanda (Oryctolagus cuniculus) a través del desarrollo. La edad gestacional se estimó y clasificó en 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23 y 28 días gestacionales. La determinación morfológica y sexual se realizó mediante análisis histológico del tracto reproductivo en los embriones y fetos (9 - 28 días) así como mediante inmunohistoquímica -Desert hedgehog-Dhh- (proteína testicular específica en el cromosoma Y- 16, 20, 23 días y conejos adultos). Las gónadas se observaron a partir del día 14 en un estadio indiferenciado y con aspecto homogéneo. Se observó diferenciación sexual a partir del día 16 con presencia de células formadoras de cordones gonadales y células Dhh+ en el parénquima gonadal. A partir del día 18 de gestación se observaron cordones testiculares, que evolucionaron a túbulos seminíferos organizados. La formación de los conductos eferentes, deferentes y del epidídimo se observó a los 20 y 23 días, respectivamente. La diferenciación de los genitales externos ocurrió a partir del día 23 desde la distancia anogenital y se utilizó para identificar las estructuras del pene. En conclusión, las características de la diferenciación sexual se determinaron mediante la observación de la proteína Dhh en embriones desde el día 16 hasta la edad adulta, y las particularidades morfológicas observadas a partir del día 18 de gestación, determinadas por diferenciación de los genitales externos a partir del día 23.

Seminoma mixto testicular / Mixed Testicular Seminoma

Introducción: El cáncer de testículo es una neoplasia rara a pesar de ser el tumor sólido más frecuente en hombres de 15 a 35 años de edad. Objetivo: Describir la presentación de un caso atendido en el Hospital General de Cienfuegos. Caso clínico: Se trata de un varón de 21 años sin factores de riesgo, que acude con masa escrotal, ginecomastia y adenopatías, los exámenes complementarios demostraron un seminoma clásico con áreas de anaplásico y una diseminación notable que lo clasifica como estadio III. Conclusiones: La mortalidad por cáncer de testículo es en gran medida prevenible, el examen físico constituye la piedra angular del diagnóstico precoz, es imprescindible tener presente su posibilidad diagnóstica sobre todo en adultos jóvenes. A pesar de la disminución de la letalidad por esta enfermedad, el diagnóstico tardío y en etapas avanzadas, como en este caso, ensombrecen el pronóstico(AU)

Introduction: Testicular cancer is a rare neoplasm, despite being the most frequent solid tumor in men aged 15-35 years. Objective: To describe the case of a patient who received attention at the General Hospital of Cienfuegos. Clinical case: This is the case of a 21-year-old man without risk factors who presents with a scrotal mass, gynecomastia and adenopathies. The complementary texts showed a classic seminoma with anaplastic areas and notable spread, which allowed to classify it as a stage-III neoplasm. Conclusions: Mortality from testicular cancer is largely preventable. The physical examination is the cornerstone of early diagnosis. It is essential to bear in mind its diagnostic possibility, particularly in young adults. Despite the decrease in mortality from this disease, late diagnosis or in advanced stages, as in this case, hides prognosis(AU)

Comparison of the spermatogenic process in three different mice strains: Swiss, Balb/C and C57BL/6

Many studies have been trying to establish standard protocols for animal experimentation, especially for animal species or strains, to master research variables with high precision. The main mouse strains used in the field of the biology of reproduction are Swiss, Balb/c, and C57BL/6. Since some of the strains show reproduction limitations, such as the size of the litter, the present study aimed to compare their spermatogenic processes to verify differences regarding the testicular parenchyma and germ cell populations, which could explain low offspring production. In addition, the present study provides additional information concerning the testicular parenchyma of such strains, which consequently would help researchers to choose the most suitable strain for reproductive studies. Six adult male mice were used for each of the strains. After euthanasia, the testes were weighed, fixated with Karnovsky fixative, embedded in methacrylate, sectioned, and stained with toluidine blue/sodium borate 1%. Morphometrical analyses from the testicular parenchyma (seminiferous tubules and interstitium) were made using the software ImageJ. Germ and Sertoli cells populations were counted in seminiferous tubules cross-sections at stage I of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. The lowest body and testicular weights were observed in C57BL/6 animals, followed by Balb/c and Swiss, however, the relative testes, parenchyma, and albuginea weights were significantly lower only in C57BL/6. Despite the seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium proportions were lower in Swiss animals, their relative amount related to the body weight was the same among strains. The total number of germ cells was higher in Swiss animals, reflecting higher spermatogenic yield and daily sperm production. Due to the lower relative number of Sertoli cells, the Swiss animals showed the highest Sertoli cell index and support capacity. On the other hand, the lowest pathological indexes regarding the germ cells were observed in Balb/c animals, followed by Swiss and C57BL/6. In the interstitium, the proportion of blood vessels was lower in Swiss mice, while the lymphatic cell proportion was lower in C57BL/6 animals. Moreover, the highest proportions of Leydig cells and macrophages were noticed in Swiss mice, which may indicate increased testosterone levels. Altogether, such observations must be taken into account when choosing any of the studied strains for reproduction studies.

Therapeutic Potential of Apium graveolens on the Reproductive System of Cadmium Treated Male Rats.

Cadmium (Cd) is a well - known environmental toxin that is naturally present in air, water and soil. The reproductive system is most vulnerable to oxidative damage and therefore most affected by Cd. Zinc (Zn) is an essential antioxidant and a chelating agent that is capable of protecting the testis from Cd induced toxicity. Apium graveolens commonly known as Celery is a herbal plant rich in antioxidants and it improves various sperm parameters. MethodsMale Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. Control received 0.5 % Carboxy-Methyl Cellulose (CMC) in distilled water; the experimental groups namely Cd received 10 mg / Kg body weight of CdCl2; Cd + Zn received 10 mg / Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 40 mg / Kg body weight of ZnCl2; Cd + AG 200 received 10 mg/Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 200 mg / Kg body weight of Apium graveolens; Cd + AG400 received 10 mg/Kg body weight of CdCl2 + 400 mg / Kg body weight of Apium graveolens; Cd + AG 200 + Zn received 10 mg / Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 200 mg / Kg body weight of Apium graveolens + 40 mg / Kg body weight of ZnCl2; Cd + AG 400 + Zn received 10 mg / Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 400 mg/Kg body weight of Apium graveolens + 40 mg / Kg body weight of ZnCl2 all in 0.5% CMC. Hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens was used in this experiment. The experiment was conducted for a duration of 56 days. Histopathology, sperm analysis, lipid peroxidation and hormone assays were performed. The therapeutic potential of Apium graveolens at two doses (200 and 400 mg / Kg body weight) with and without Zn supplementation was evaluated in this experiment. ResultsRats treated with Cd showed severe testicular damages. Zn offered protection from the damages done by cadmium. The hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens at doses of 200 mg / Kg body weight showed better protective effect than 400 mg / Kg body weight and the protecting nature was enhanced by zinc supplementation.

Postnatal germ cell development in cryptorchid boys / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Cryptorchidism is associated with infertility in adulthood. Early orchiopexy is suggested to reduce the risk. Information is lacking on the potential link between infant germ cell maturation and the risk of future infertility. The objective of the study was to evaluate age-related germ cell development in cryptorchidism. Immunostaining for markers of germ cell development (octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 [OCT3/4], placental alkaline phosphatase [PLAP], KIT proto-oncogene [C-KIT], podoplanin [D2-40], Lin-28 homolog A [LIN28], and G antigen 7 [GAGE-7]) was performed in testicular biopsies from 40 cryptorchid boys aged 4-35 months. Germ cell numbers and distributions were evaluated in cross sections of seminiferous tubules, with and without immunostaining. OCT3/4, D2-40, and LIN28 were generally expressed in the early stages of germ cell development, as shown by positive expression in germ cells in the central region of seminiferous tubules. In contrast, PLAP and GAGE-7 were expressed in both central and peripheral parts of the tubules in the early stages of development and expressed mainly in a peripheral position with advancing age. Germ cell maturation was delayed in this study population as compared with that observed in our previous study on germ cell markers in a healthy population. The number of GAGE-7-positive germ cells per tubular cross section obtained by immunostaining was significantly higher than that obtained by standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. Double immunostaining revealed heterogeneity in germ cell development in cryptorchid testes. These results shed light on the pathophysiology of germ cell development in boys with cryptorchidism.

Teratocarcinoma gigante de mediastino anterosuperior / Giant teratocarcinoma of anterosuperior mediastinum

RESUMEN Los tumores de células germinales no son tan frecuentes, dentro de ellos se encuentra el teratoma como el más usual en ubicación mediastinal, es más habitual en hombres jóvenes cuando es maligno (teratocarcinoma), con una relación por género de 13,5:1, y una edad promedio de 26 años. Se describe la evolución de un hombre de 19 años de edad con un tumor mediastinal, con metástasis pulmonares e infiltración intracardíaca, resecado satisfactoriamente, cuyos síntomas más frecuentes fueron: disnea, dolor retroesternal, fiebre, tos, pérdida de peso y síndrome de vena cava superior. El diagnóstico se realizó por radiografía de tórax y tomografía axial computarizada. Se logró realizar la excéresis total del tumor y las metástasis, así como la tumoración intracardíaca, con reparación de la válvula tricúspide. El paciente ha tenido una evolución satisfactoria durante el primer año de seguimiento.

ABSTRACT Germ cell tumors are not so frequent; among them, teratomas are most common in the mediastinal location. Teratomas in young men are usually malignant (teratocarcinoma), with a gender ratio of 13.5:1, and an average age of 26 years. We describe the evolution of a 19-year-old man with a mediastinal tumor, with pulmonary metastases and intracardiac infiltration, successfully removed; whose most frequent symptoms were: dyspnea, retrosternal pain, fever, cough, weight loss and superior vena cava syndrome. The diagnosis was made by chest x-ray and computed tomography. Total removal of the tumor and metastases was achieved, as well as the intracardiac tumor, with tricuspid valve repair. The patient had a satisfactory outcome during the first follow-up year.

Germ cell tumors in dysgenetic gonads

This review describes the germ cell neoplasms that are malignant and most commonly associated with several types of gonadal dysgenesis. The most common neoplasm is gonadoblastoma, while others including dysgerminomas, yolk-sac tumors and teratomas are rare but can occur. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the incidences of these abnormalities and the circumstances surrounding these specific tumors. According to well-established methods, a PubMed systematic review was performed, to obtain relevant studies published in English and select those with the highest-quality data. Initially, the first search was performed using gonadal dysgenesis as the search term, resulting in 12,887 PubMed papers, published, from 1945 to 2017. A second search using ovarian germ cell tumors as the search term resulted in 10,473 papers, published from 1960 to 2017. Another search was performed in Medline, using germ cell neoplasia as the search term, and this search resulted in 7,560 papers that were published between 2003 to 2016, with 245 new papers assessing gonadoblastomas. The higher incidence of germ cell tumors in gonadal dysgenesis is associated with a chromosomal anomaly that leads to the absence of germ cells in these gonads and, consequently, a higher incidence of neoplasms when these tumors are located inside the abdomen. Several hypotheses suggest that increased incidence of germ cell tumors involves all or part of the Y chromosome or different genes.

C-Type Natriuretic Peptide/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 Is Involved in Cell Proliferation and Testosterone Production in Mouse Leydig Cells

PURPOSE: This study investigated the role of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) on cell proliferation and testosterone secretion in mouse Leydig cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse testis of different postnatal stages was isolated to detect the expression C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor NPR2 by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Leydig cells isolated from mouse testis were cultured and treated with shNPR2 lentiviruses or CNP. And then the cyclic guanosine monophosphate production, testosterone secretion, cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells were analyzed by ELISA, RT-qPCR, Cell Counting Kit-8, and flow cytometry. Moreover, the expression of NPR2, cell cycle, apoptosis proliferation and cell cycle related gene were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Knockdown of NPR2 by RNAi resulted in S phase cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis, and decreased testosterone secretion in mouse Leydig cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides more evidences to better understand the function of CNP/NPR2 pathway in male reproduction, which may help us to treat male infertility.

The review of ionizing radiation model studies using Caenorhabditis elegans / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

With the increasing prominence of radiotherapy in the treatment of tumors,how to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy has become a hot research topic gradually.Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans) has become a good model for studying ionizing radiation due to its unique advantages.In recent years,there's increasing study on ionizing radiation by using nematode model.In this paper,the effects of ionizing radiation on nematode and underlying mechanisms are reviewed briefly.

Protective effects of Tribulus terrestris hydroalcoholic extract against cisplatin-induced germ cell apoptosis in male mice / Efectos protectores del extracto hidroalcohólico Tribulus terrestris contra la apoptosis de células germinales inducida por cisplatino en ratones machos

SUMMARY: Toxic effects of anti-cancer and other drugs on the normal tissues could be reduced by the herbal plants and their fractions. This study investigated the protective effect of Tribulus terrestris (TT) on Cisplatin- induced cytotoxicity germ cell apoptosis in male mice. In this experimental study, thirty male Balb/c mice were divided randomly into 5 groups (n=6). A single dose of Cisplatin (5.5 mg/kg) and differ-ent concentrations of Tribulus terrestris were administrated for 14 consecutive days. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of apoptosis-re-lated genes was performed with RNA extracted from testes of the mice. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA. In the Cisplatin group, there was a significant increase in mRNA expression of p53 (P=0.008), bax (P=0.004) and the ratio of bax/Bcl-2 (P=0.000), whereas there was an decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 (P=0.003), as compared to control group. In Cis+TT groups, the data showed that different concentrations of TT could improve the harmful effects caused by the Cisplatin. The best protective effects were achieved in Cis+TT (300 mg/kg). Tribulus terrestris protects testicular germ cell against Cisplatin induced apoptosis by affecting related genes regulation.

RESUMEN: Los efectos tóxicos en los tejidos normales, de los medicamentos contra el cáncer al igual que otras medicamentos podrían mejorar con el uso de plantas medicinales y hierbas. Este estudio investigó el efecto protector de Tribulus terrestris (TT) sobre la apoptosis de células germinales por citotoxicidad inducida por cisplatino en ratones machos. En este estudio se dividieron treinta ratones Balb/c macho aleatoriamente en 5 grupos (n = 6). Se administró una sola dosis de cisplatino (5,5 mg / kg) y diferentes concentraciones de Tribulus terrestris durante 14 días consecutivos. La reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de transcripción reversa de los genes relacionados con la apoptosis, se realizó con ARN extraído de los testículos de los ratones. El análisis estadístico se realizó usando ANOVA de una vía. En el grupo cisplatino, hubo un aumento significativo en la expresión de mRNA de p53 (P = 0,008), bax (P = 0,004) y la relación de bax / Bcl-2 (P = 0.000), mientras que hubo una disminución en la expresión de Bcl-2 (P = 0,003), en comparación con el grupo control. En los grupos Cis + TT, los datos mostraron que las diferentes concentraciones de TT podrían mejorar los efectos nocivos causados por el cisplatino. Los mejores efectos protectores se lograron en Cis + TT (300 mg / kg). Tribulus terrestris protege las células germinales testiculares contra la apoptosis inducida por cisplatino al afectar la regulación de los genes relacionados.

Differentiation of human male germ cells from Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Recapitulation of the spermatogenesis process in vitro is a tool for studying the biology of germ cells, and may lead to promising therapeutic strategies in the future. In this study, we attempted to transdifferentiate Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) into male germ cells using all-trans retinoic acid and Sertoli cell-conditioned medium. METHODS: Human WJ-MSCs were propagated by the explant culture method, and cells at the second passage were induced with differentiation medium containing all-trans retinoic acid for 2 weeks. Putative germ cells were cultured with Sertoli cell-conditioned medium at 36℃ for 3 more weeks. RESULTS: The gene expression profile was consistent with the stage-specific development of germ cells. The expression of Oct4 and Plzf (early germ cell markers) was diminished, while Stra8 (a premeiotic marker), Scp3 (a meiotic marker), and Acr and Prm1 (postmeiotic markers) were upregulated during the induction period. In morphological studies, approximately 5% of the cells were secondary spermatocytes that had completed two stages of acrosome formation (the Golgi phase and the cap phase). A few spermatid-like cells that had undergone the initial stage of tail formation were also noted. CONCLUSION: Human WJ-MSCs can be transdifferentiated into more advanced stages of germ cells by a simple two-step induction protocol using retinoic acid and Sertoli cell-conditioned medium.

Preliminary study on adverse effects and mechanism of germ cells induced by Glyphosate / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To study the effects and mechanism of Glyphosate induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in mouse spermatogenic cells(GC-2).Methods Morphology of the GC-2 cells was observed by optical microscope and Transmission Electron Microscopy.Flow cytometry were used to detect cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Cell cycle arrcst and apoptosis related proteins were detected by Western blot.Results Glyphosate could inhibit cell proliferation and impair endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria significantly,which was associated with G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in GC-2 cells.Glyphosate lead to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by regulating the expressions of G1/S phase checkpoint regulatory factor proteins such as p21,CyclinD1,CyclinE and activating caspase3.Conclusion Glyphosate has adverse effects on male germ cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Caracterización y marcación de células germinales primordiales / Characterization and marking of primordial germ cells

Las células germinales primordiales (CGP) son los precursores de los ovocitos y espermatocitos. Se caracterizan por ser las únicas capaces de retener verdaderamente la capacidad de desarrollo pluripotencial luego de la gastrulación. Estas células provienen del epiblasto, diferenciándose del resto de las células somáticas gracias a señales emitidas por el ectodermo extraembrionario y endodermo visceral tempranamente a partir de los días 6,0 a 7,5 dpc. en la especie murina. Luego migran a través de intestino primitivo y mesenterio dorsal hasta llegar a las crestas genitales alrededor de los 10,5 dpc. Las células germinales primordiales tienen una variada morfología y expresión génica, por lo tanto presentan distintos marcadores según el estadío en el que se encuentren. Dentro de los marcadores más estudiados y caracterizados se encuentran fragillis, c-Kit, Stella, DAZ, Vasa, GCNA1, Blimp1 y SSEA-1.

Primordial germ cells (PGC) are the precursors of oocytes and spermatocytes. They are characterized by being the only ones capable of accurately retaining pluripotent developmental ability after gastrulation. These cells come from the epiblast, they differ from somatic cells by signals from the extra-embryonic ectoderm and visceral endoderm, starting from day 6.0 to 7.5 dpc in murine species. Then migrate through the primitive gut and dorsal mesentery to reach genital ridges around 10.5 dpc. The primordial germ cells have a varied morphology and gene expression therefore have different markers according to the stage where they are. Among the most studied and characterized markers are Fragilis, c-Kit, Stella, DAZ, Vasa, GCNA1, Blimp1 and SSEA-1.

Effects of Subacute Exposure to Gold Nanoparticles on Germ Cells of Zebrafish (Danio rerio): An in vivo Study.

Although in vivo studies have been modeled using higher mammal systems, the lower vertebrate zebrafish (Danio rerio) has gained tremendous attention as a model system. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) attract the interest of scientists due to their promising potential applications in medicine and targeted drug delivery. The purpose to use GNPs in vivo is that gold in bulk form is nontoxic and apply the positive potentials of nanoparticles. Bulk gold is century-long accepted as a safeto- use metal. Gold in its nanoform has distinct chemical and physical properties and the large amount of surface atoms make GNPs reactive. Moreover, GNPs can potentially access many cellular or subcellular structures, which are unreachable by the larger compound and may induce toxic effects. This paper addresses effects of spherical GNPs of average size 15 nm on reproductive organs after subacute exposure in adult male and female zebrafish. Gold nanoparticles were chemically synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscope. The primary objective of this study was to determine if exposure to GNPs altered cellular morphology of gonads. The adult fish of both sexes were administered orally with these GNPs at a dose of 20 µg/gm. At the end of the study, quantification of gold content was estimated using two different tools: inductive coupled plasmon-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and inductive coupled plasmon-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). No gold metal accumulation was detected in treated group of male and female zebrafish at subacute exposures on estimation through ICP-AES. On analysis using ICP-MS, 0.44 ± 0.18 µg/gm organ weight was detected in ovaries and 4.6 ± 3.20 µg/gm organ weight was detected in testes of treated groups. However, the pattern of accumulation was found to be nonsignificant when compared with the control group at a p-value >0.05. Histopathological analysis of reproductive organs showed no significant changes in cellular morphology of testes and ovaries.

Cultivation and Biological Characterization of Chicken Primordial Germ Cells

The purpose of this work was to investigate the isolation, culture process of chicken gonadal primordial germ cells (PGCs) and study their biological characterization. PGCs were harvested from 5.5-day-old chicken embryonic genital ridges and explanted onto chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs). The results showed that the primary cultivation of chicken PGCs on their own gonadal stroma cells were better than CEFs at first two days for reproduction. The conditioned media supported the growth and colony formation of PGCs for a prolonged time in vitro and maintained a normal diploid karyotype, which were positively stained by alkaline phosphatase (AKP), periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and reacted with anti-SSEA-1, SSEA-3, Oct4, Blimp1 and Sox2. Real-time PCR showed that they expressed the stage specific genes CVH, Blimp1 and Dazl, the stem cell specific genes Sox2, Pouv and Nanog. They also formed the embryoid bodies (EBs). These results suggested that the chicken PGCs cultured in vitro not only had strong self-renewal ability, but also had the potential capability of multi-lineage differentiation.