Front. Cell Dev. Biol. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 2296-634X Frontiers Media S.A. 1258574 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258574 Cell and Developmental Biology Review Effects of clinical medications on male fertility and prospects for stem cell therapy Mo et al. 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258574 Mo Peiting Zhao Ziran Ke Xinpeng Fan Yong * Li Chaohui * Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Edited by: Bin Jiang, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, China

Reviewed by: Dejin Zheng, Michigan State University, United States

Xufeng Fu, Ningxia Medical University, China

Li Yan, University of Maryland, College Park, United States

 *Correspondence: Yong Fan, yongfan011@gzhmu.edu.cn; Chaohui Li, chaohuili2021@gzhmu.edu.cn 18 09 2023 2023 11 1258574 14 07 2023 07 09 2023 Copyright © 2023 Mo, Zhao, Ke, Fan and Li. 2023 Mo, Zhao, Ke, Fan and Li

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An increasing number of men require long-term drug therapy for various diseases. However, the effects of long-term drug therapy on male fertility are often not well evaluated in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the development of stem cell therapy and exosomes treatment methods may provide a new sight on treating male infertility. This article reviews the influence and mechanism of small molecule medications on male fertility, as well as progress of stem cell and exosomes therapy for male infertility with the purpose on providing suggestions (recommendations) for evaluating the effect of drugs on male fertility (both positive and negative effect on male fertility) in clinical application and providing strategies for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

 male fertility clinical medications spermatogenesis stem cell therapy exosomes therapy 3210060082 2020A1515010877 National Natural Science Foundation of China10.13039/501100001809 Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province10.13039/501100021171 section-at-acceptance Stem Cell Research 1 Introduction

In clinical practice, many reproductive-aged men require long-term drug therapy for various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, tumor and chemoradiotherapy, hyperlipemia, depressive disorder and so on. However, the effects of drug therapy on male fertility are often not well evaluated. Drugs may affect male fertility by direct gonadal toxicity, altering the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing sexual dysfunction, and negative effects on libido. Whereas, some small molecule drugs may have a positive protective effect on germ cell genesis and fertility maintenance during use. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the reproductive effects before drugs approved for clinical use. Stem cell therapy and exosomes therapy are promising treatment options for male infertility. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes have attracted much attention due to their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, trophic properties, and anti-apoptotic properties, as well as their easy availability. This article mainly discussed the direct effect of drugs on male germ cell and its mechanism and summarized the therapeutic effect of stem cells and extracellular vesicles in this regard.

 2 Discussion

Different small molecule medications have different pharmacological mechanisms and have varying effects on male fertility. Among the effects on male fertility, small molecule medications may affect male fertility by influencing testicular microenvironment, spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, fertilization. The mechanism may not be singular. This article attempts to review the research on the mechanisms of action of small molecule medications at different stages of sperm development to fertilization, and to summarize the prospects and obstacles of stem cell therapy and exosomes in male fertility.

 3 Conclusion

The influence of clinical drugs on male fertility is complex and needs comprehensive evaluation. Further researches are needed to better understand the impact of drugs on male fertility and provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical use. Although there are many problems that remains to be solved when using MSCs and exosomes in clinical practice, the continuous deepening of research and treatment methods may become emerging methods for treating male infertility and fertility preservation.

 4 Main text 4.1 The effects of small molecule medications on male fertility

Fertility is defined as the capacity to establish clinical pregnancy. According to WHO, infertility refers to the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (Zegers-Hochschild et al., 2017). Between 8% and 12% of reproductive-aged couples are affected by infertility. 50% of couples have male factors in infertility (Vander and Wyns., 2018). The cause of male infertility can be divided into congenital, acquired, and idiopathic. The use of small molecule medications is one of the causes of male infertility (Agarwal et al., 2021). Long term drug treatment may damage spermatogenesis, change semen parameters, and lead to sexual dysfunction (Fode et al., 2021). The quantity and quality of sperm are important indicators for evaluating male fertility (Goossens and Tournaye., 2014), so reproductive history and semen analysis are necessary for the initial evaluation of male fertility. For males with initial evaluation abnormalities, further comprehensive evaluation by reproductive experts may be required (Agarwal et al., 2021). The main methods for treating male infertility include medication to improve sperm quality, application of assisted reproductive technology, treatment of diseases that lead to infertility, and the therapeutic effect of stem cells and their extracellular vesicles on male infertility (Agarwal et al., 2021).

4.1.1 The effect of small molecule medications on testicular microenvironment

The main function of the scrotum-located testicles is to produce sperm and androgens. Spermatogenesis is a complex process of producing sperm, while the testicular microenvironment is crucial to the normal development of spermatogenesis (Horvath-Pereira et al., 2023). It regulates the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of germ cell (Miyaso et al., 2022). The testicular microenvironment is composed of testicular cells and intercellular substance. Changes in immune homeostasis (Miyaso et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2018), somatic cells in testis (Zhao et al., 2020), blood–testis barrier, temperature, and the paracrine factors may all contribute to changes in the testicular microenvironment.

4.1.1.1 Testicular weight

During long-term drug therapy for various diseases, some medications may cause significant changes in testicular weight. The changes in testicular weight are also an indicator for evaluating the impact of drugs on male fertility (Figure 1A). In animal experiments, it has been found that fluoxetine, amlodipine, acetaminophen and nifedipine can decrease testicular weight (de Oliveira et al., 2013; Iranloye et al., 2009; Latif et al., 2008; Vieira et al., 2013; Wiger et al., 1995). Benzodiazepines as a sedative hypnotic drug have a negative impact on male fertility (Cook et al., 1979; Kar and Das., 1983; Means et al., 1982; Sanbuissho et al., 1995; Taher et al., 2019), but their impact on testicular weight is uncertain. Some experiments have shown that they do not cause changes in testicular weight (Chengelis et al., 1986), while others have shown that they can cause a decrease in testicular weight (Cook et al., 1979; Kar and Das., 1983; Means et al., 1982; Sanbuissho et al., 1995; Taher et al., 2019). Indometacin which used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory reduces or does not change testicular weight (Bagoji et al., 2017; Saksena et al., 1975). Statins which have lipid-lowering effect can improve testicular weight loss caused by hyperlipidemia (Shalaby et al., 2004), while Köhler-Samouilidis et al. found that Captopril which used to treat hypertension can increase testicular weight, although the study found that it has a negative impact on male fertility (Köhler-Samouilidis et al., 1997). The change of testicular weight is an indicator to evaluate the effect of drugs on male fertility in animal experiments, but it is not accurate, and needs to be evaluated together with other indicators. Table 1.

Effects and mechanisms of small molecule medications on male fertility. Small molecule medications effects on testicular weight (A). testicular microenvironment (B). spermatogenesis (C). sperm capacitation and fertilization (D). The targeted stages of medications, medicine categories, effects mechanisms, etc. are detailed in Tables 1–4.

The effects of small molecule medications on testicular weight.

Medicine categories Relevant references Species Drug dosages Durations
Benzodiazepines Chengelis et al. (1986) Dogs 75 mg/kg/day 10 days
Chengelis et al. (1986) Rats 550 mg/kg/day 28 days
Cook et al. (1979) Rats 50 mg/kg 10 days
Kar and das (1983) Mice 0.5 mg/day 15 days
Means et al. (1982) Dogs 30/100/300 mg/kg 2 weeks
Sanbuissho et al. (1995) Rats 0/20/40/80 mg/kg 2/4/9 weeks
Taher et al. (2019) Rats 2/5/10 mg/kg/day 8 weeks
SSRIs fluoxetine de Oliveira et al. (2013) Rats 5/10/20 mg/kg from day 13 gestation to day 21 lactation
CCB amlodipine Latif et al. (2008) Rats 0.14 mg/kg 50 days
Nifedipine Iranloye et al. (2009) Rats 0.57 mg/kg 30 days
NSAIDs Acetaminophen Wiger et al. (1995) Mice 100–400 mg/kg 5 days

Abbreviation: SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; CCB, calcium channel blocker; NSAIDs, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs.

 4.1.1.2 Testicular microenvironment

Apart from the testicular weight changes, testicular microenvironment also has a series of impact on spermatogenesis (Figure 1B). The use of common clinical drugs may lead to changes in the testicular microenvironment and thus affect spermatogenesis. In animal studies, it was found that bupropion (Yardimci et al., 2019), paroxetine (Erdemir et al., 2014; Yakubu and Atoyebi., 2018; Yardimci et al., 2019), benzodiazepines (Chengelis et al., 1986; Means et al., 1982), nifedipine (Iranloye et al., 2009; Lee et al., 2006), ethosuximide (Lee et al., 2006), valproate (Alsemeh et al., 2022; Nishimura et al., 2000; RØste et al., 2001; Sukhorum and Lamsaard., 2017), pregabalin (Shokry et al., 2020; Taha et al., 2020), rosuvastatin (Leite et al., 2017), etc., had negative effects on the testicular microenvironment. Antidepressant bupropion can cause testicular structural damage and interstitial edema (Yardimci et al., 2019). As a kind of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), paroxetine can damage testicular structure, induce degeneration of seminiferous tubules, and cause vacuolization of germinal epithelium (Erdemir et al., 2014; Yakubu and Atoyebi, 2018; Yardimci et al., 2019). Meanwhile, there are differences in results among different studies on benzodiazepines. This may be related to the dosage used in animal experiments. When the dosage is 75 mg/kg body weight (Chengelis et al., 1986), it will cause spermatogenesis arrest and the germinal epithelium degeneration, but it will not cause abnormalities in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. However, when the dosage is 100 mg/kg (Means et al., 1982), it will cause degeneration and necrosis of seminiferous tubules, and vacuolization of interstitial cells.

Calcium channel blockers which used for cardiovascular diseases are commonly believed to cause male infertility (Drobnis and Nangia, 2017). Voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels can be divided into different types of voltage-gated channel according to pharmacology. As antihypertensive drugs, Calcium channel blockers include L-type and T-type voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitor (Elmslie, 2004). It found that L-type and T-type voltage-gated calcium channel exist in male germ cell. However, the specific regulatory mechanism for male germ cell is not clear. In a study on the effect of nifedipine on male reproductive function in rats, after continuous administration of 0.57 mg/kg nifedipine for 30 days, no significant effects were observed on testicular histology (Iranloye et al., 2009). However, another study on male mice showed that high doses (100 mg/kg) of nifedipine or ethosuximide could cause immature development of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenic stagnated in the elongating spermatid stage, and poorly developed lumen. In the study, it was found that the mRNA expression of the transcription factor cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) activator isoform in the testes of experimental mice was increased together with the mRNA expression of transition protein 2 and protamine 2. It is suggested that the spermatogenic disorders caused by calcium channel blockers may be related to the ectopic expression of CREM-dependent genes in the testes (Lee et al., 2006). The difference in these two study results may also be related to different drug doses and durations of use. As an Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), Valproic acid can lead to spermatogenic disorders (RØste et al., 2001), evidenced by degeneration of seminiferous tubules and loss and shedding of spermatogenic cells under microscopy (Nishimura et al., 2000). In addition, collagen deposition, widening of interstitial spaces, congestion of the tunica propria and interstitial ducts (Alsemeh et al., 2022), an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal acrosomes (Sukhorum and Lamsaard., 2017), and the generation of multinucleated giant cells have been observed (Iamsaard et al., 2017). Studies have shown that valproic acid can induce tissue pathological damage associated with autophagy by modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway (Alsemeh et al., 2022). And another type of AEDs Pregabalin can reduce the number of germ cells while increasing the number of interstitial cells, and cause a decrease in the number and diameter of convoluted tubules (Salem et al., 2020). It also induces cell apoptosis, increases caspase-3 expression in the testis (Shokry et al., 2020), upregulates pro-apoptotic genes BAX and p38 MAPK, and downregulates the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 (Taha et al., 2020). The reproductive toxicity of pregabalin may be related to the p38 MAPK and BAX/BCL2 signaling pathways (Taha et al., 2020).

 4.1.1.3 Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a cause of male infertility (Sharma et al., 2023). Increasing cellular oxidative stress is a pathway through which antiepileptic drugs damage male reproductive cells. Studies have shown that valproic acid, pregabalin, cannabidiol, and levetiracetam all increase oxidative stress in male reproductive cells (Baysal et al., 2017; Carvalho et al., 2022; Naderi et al., 2021; Ourique et al., 2016a; Ourique et al., 2016b; Shokry et al., 2020; Taha et al., 2020). Histologically, after administration of cannabidiol, the number of Sertoli cells will decrease (Carvalho et al., 2018), and testicular degeneration will occur (Patra and Wadsworth., 1991). The antidepressant drugs sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram also increase oxidative stress in the testes (Atli et al., 2017; Attia and Bakheet., 2013; Sakr et al., 2015). Taking fluoxetine during pregnancy and postpartum also has an impact on male reproductive health. Male offspring may exhibit reduced Sertoli cells in histology, decreased height of germinal epithelium, decreased diameter of seminiferous tubules, shorter epididymal tubules, and increased number of tubules without a lumen (de Oliveira et al., 2013; Ramos et al., 2015; Vieira et al., 2013). In animal experiments, it has been found that citalopram inhibits sperm production at different stages, leading to degeneration of seminiferous tubules, cell vacuolization, interstitial cell atrophy, and decreased sperm count in the lumen (Ilgin et al., 2017; Prasad et al., 2015). A 90-day animal study of long-term use of sertraline in rats showed that sertraline did not cause pathological changes in testicular tissue (Ghorbani et al., 2021). However, more animal studies have shown that long-term use of sertraline can cause histological damage to the testes (Atli et al., 2017; Hamdi, 2019). In animal studies, Antiviral drug such as lopinavir/ritonavir and nevirapine can increase oxidative stress in the testes (Adaramoye et al., 2012; 2015). Histologically, nevirapine causes extensive degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, necrosis and detachment of germ cells (Adaramoye et al., 2012). The animal study of Lopinavir/ritonavir found that the number of spermatogenic cells in the testis was reduced and the morphology was abnormal (Adaramoye et al., 2012; Adaramoye et al., 2015).

There are also some clinical drugs that can reduce testicular oxidative stress while treating diseases. For diabetic rats, antihypertensive drugs enalapril can reduce oxidative stress and downregulate the expression of NFκB and COX-2 (Kushwaha and Jena, 2012). Studies on experimental varicocele rats and rats with adjuvant arthritis have shown that celecoxib can reduce oxidative stress in testicular tissue and improve sperm quality (Darwish et al., 2014; Mazhari et al., 2018). In clinical studies of patients with hypercholesterolemia, statins have no effect on sperm quality (Bernini et al., 1998; Cai et al., 2008; Dobs et al., 2000; Purvis et al., 1992). In studies on rats fed a high-fat diet, statins have a protective effect on male reproductive function. They improve semen quality, increase serum testosterone levels, improve testicular weight loss caused by hyperlipidemia, and increase fertility index (Abdulwahab et al., 2021; Esmail et al., 2020; Shalaby et al., 2004). These reproductive protective effects may be achieved by enhancing the mTOR signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress (Cui et al., 2017; Farsani et al., 2018; Gurel et al., 2019). However, studies on statins have found that Rosuvastatin has a negative impact on male fertility. This may be related to the lower age of its research subjects. Rosuvastatin is commonly used in children with dyslipidemia (Leite et al., 2017). Its research focuses on pre-pubertal. Studies have shown that rosuvastatin reduces sperm quality, increases oxidative stress, increases DNA damage, damages testicular tissue, causes pathological changes in testicular and epididymal tissue, reduces testosterone levels, and damages the distribution of steroid receptors (Leite et al., 2019; Leite et al., 2017; Leite et al., 2018). Additionally, research on antihypertensive drugs has shown that irbesartan and carvedilol play a protective role in testicular injury caused by diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects (Abu-Risha et al., 2022; Eid et al., 2016; Eid et al., 2019; Kabel et al., 2020; Ramzy et al., 2014). Table 2.

The effects of small molecule medications on testicular microenvironment.

Medicine categories Effects and mechanisms Relevant references Species Drug dosages Durations
SSRIs bupropion damage testicular structural and interstitial edema Yardimci et al. (2019) Rat 17 mg/kg 70 days
paroxetine damage testicular structure induce degeneration of seminiferous tubules vacuolization of germinal epithelium Erdemir et al. (2014) Rat 20 mg/kg 2 months
Yakubu and Atoyebi, (2018) Rat 10 mg/kg 21 days
Yardimci et al. (2019) Rat 3.6 mg/kg 70 days
sertraline increase oxidative stress Atli et al. (2017) Rat 5/10/20 mg/kg 28 days
histological damage to the testes Hamdi, 2019 Rat 15.63 mg/kg 28 days
fluoxetine sertoli cells↓(male offspring) height of germinal epithelium、diameter of seminiferous tubules↓(male offspring) shorter epididymal tubules (male offspring) number of tubules without a lumen↑(male offspring) Sakr et al., 2015 de Oliveira et al., 2013 Rat Rat Rat Rat 10 mg/kg/day 5/10/20 mg/kg 7.5 mg/kg 7.5 mg/kg 28 days from day 13 gestation to day 21 lactation from the day 1 of pregnancy until 21 dab during pregnancy and lactation
Ramos et al. (2015)
Vieira et al. (2013)
citalopram sperm production↓sperm count in the lumen↓ Attia and Bakheet, (2013) Mice Rat zebrafish 6/12/24 mg/kg/day 4/8 weeks
degeneration of seminiferous tubules Ilgin et al. (2017) 5/10/20 mg/kg/day 28 days
cell vacuolization, interstitial cell atrophy Prasad et al. (2015) 4/40/100 μg/L 2/4 weeks
benzodiazepines arrest of spermatogenesis Chengelis et al. (1986) Dogs Rat Dog 75 mg/kg/day 550 mg/kg/day 30/100/300 mg/kg 10 days 28 days 2 weeks
degeneration of the germinal epithelium, degeneration and necrosis of seminiferous tubules, vacuolization of interstitial cells Means et al. (1982)
CCB Nifedipine immature development of seminiferous tubules spermatogenic stagnated in the elongating spermatid stage poorly developed lumen Iranloye et al. (2009) Rat 0.57 mg/kg 30 days
Lee et al. (2006) Mice 1/10/100 mg/kg 7 days
ethosuximide Lee et al. (2006) Mice 1/10/100 mg/kg 7 days
AEDs valproic acid the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal acrosomes↑ Alsemeh et al. (2022) Rat 100/300/500 mg/kg/day 8 days
increase oxidative stress Nishimura et al. (2000) Rat 250/500/1000 mg/kg/day 4/7/10 weeks
spermatogenic disorders, histological damage to the testes RØste et al. (2001) Rat 200/400 mg/kg bid 90 days
generate multinucleated giant cells Sukhorum and Iamsaard (2017) Rat 500 mg kg/day 10 days
modulate the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway Iamsaard et al. (2017) Rat 500 mg/kg 10 days
pregabalin increase oxidative stress and cell apoptosis Shokry et al. (2020) Rat 300 mg/kg 60 days
germ cells↓interstitial cells↑convoluted tubules↓ Taha et al. (2020) Rat 300 mg/kg/day 90 days
caspase-3 expression↑pro-apoptotic genes BAX and p38 MAPK↑the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2↓ Salem et al. (2020) Rat 62 mg/kg/day 2 months
cannabidiol number of sertoli cells↓ testicular degeneration Carvalho et al. (2018) Mice Mice Mouse/human 15/30 mg/kg/day 50 mg/kg ∼100 μM 34 days 15/35 days 4/24 h
Patra and Wadsworth (1991)
Li et al. (2022)
levetiracetam increase oxidative stress Baysal et al. (2017) Rat 50/150/300 mg/kg 70 days
LLD rosuvastatin increase oxidative stress and DNA damage, sperm quality↓testosterone levels↓damage testicular tissue, distribution of steroid receptors Leite et al. (2017) Rat 3/10 mg/kg/day 30 days
PIR lopinavir/ritonavir spermatogenic cells↓increase oxidative stress, abnormal morphology spermatogenic cells Adaramoye et al. (2015) Rat 8.3/16.6 mg/kg 21 days
NNRTIs nevirapine increase oxidative stress, extensive degeneration of seminiferous tubules, necrosis detachment of germ cells Adaramoye et al. (2012) Rat 18/36 mg/kg 4 weeks
LLD rosuvastatin increase oxidative stress and DNA damage, sperm quality↓, testosterone levels↓ Leite et al. (2017) Rat 3/10 mg/kg/day 30 days
pathological changes in testicular and epididymal tissue Leite et al. (2018) Rat 3/10 mg/kg/day 49 days
damages the distribution of steroid receptors Leite et al. (2019) Rat 3/10 mg/kg/day 30 days
LLD statins decrease oxidative stress the mTOR signaling pathway↑ Cui et al. (2017) Rat 6 mg/kg/day 8 weeks
Farsani et al. (2018) Rat 20 mg/kg 8 weeks
Gurel et al. (2019) Rat 6 mg/kg 7 days
improve semen quality and serum testosterone levels Abdulwahab et al. (2021) Rat 1 mg/kg 65 days
improve testicular weight loss caused by hyperlipidemia Esmail et al. (2020) Rat 5 mg/kg/day 2 weeks
improve fertility index Shalaby et al. (2004) Rat 1 mg/kg 65 days
AT2R irbesartan anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic Abu-Risha et al. (2022) Rat 100 mg/kg/day 15 days
NSBBs/α1receptor blocker carvedilol anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic Eid et al. (2016) Rat 10 mg/kg 2 weeks
Eid et al. (2019) Rat 10 mg/kg/day 20 days
Kabel et al. (2020) Rat 10 mg/kg/day 45 days
Ramos et al. (2015) Rat 1/10 mg/kg/day 4 weeks
ACEI enalapril decrease oxidative stress, the expression of NFκB and COX-2↓ Kushwaha and Jena. (2012) Rat 10 mg/kg 4/8 weeks
NSAIDs celecoxib decrease oxidative stress Darwish et al. (2014) Rat 5 mg/kg 21 days
sperm quality↑ Mazhari et al. (2018) Rat 10 mg/kg 60 days

Abbreviation: SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; CCB, calcium channel blocker; AEDs, Antiepileptic drugs; LLD, lipid-lowering drugs; PIR, protease inhibitors; NNRTIs, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; AT2R, Angiotensin II, Receptor Blockers; NSBBs, non-selective beta-blockers; ACEI, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; NSAIDs, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs; dab:days after birth; bid, twice a day; ↓: decline; ↑: improve.

 4.1.2 The effect of small molecule medications on spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is through the proliferation of spermatogonia and differentiation to spermatocytes. After Meiosis, the spermatocytes that produce spermatozoa undergo round spermatids maturation, and finally form spermatozoa (Neto et al., 2016). Spermatogenesis is influenced by multiple factors, such as genetic disorders, environmental conditions, immune factors, etc. (Diemer and Desjardins, 1999; Chen et al., 2016; Gabrielsen and Tanrikut., 2016). For evaluating male fertility, semen analysis is an important indicator.

Small molecule medications can affect various germ cell during spermatogenesis (Figure 1C). The Angiotensin I-converting enzyme competitive inhibitor captopril reduces the proliferation rate of spermatogonial stem cells (Gao et al., 2018). Topiramate which used to patients with epilepsy can cause a decrease in the number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes (Otoom et al., 2004), resulting in the degeneration of spermatogenic cells and the formation of multinucleated giant cells (El et al., 2019), interstitial edema, and interstitial cell necrosis. Studies have found that topiramate downregulates the VEGFA gene, which promotes hormone entry into the vascular system in spermatogonia, and the SYCP3 gene, which plays an important role in meiosis in spermatocytes. Cannabidiol which used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders can impair spermatogenesis, affect the mitosis and meiosis of germ cells (Patra and Wadsworth., 1991), inhibit the G1/S phase cell cycle transition, inhibit DNA synthesis, and downregulate key cell cycle proteins (Li et al., 2022).

Drugs can cause damage to male fertility by damaging DNA. Antiviral drug abacavir and etravirine (Matuszewska et al., 2021), lipid-lowering drugs rosuvastatin (Leite et al., 2017), paracetamol (Smarr et al., 2017) will increase DNA damage. Several studies have shown that various antidepressants have a damaging effect on sperm DNA. Some scholars have found that antidepressants promote DNA damage centered on telomeres in germ cells (Sołek et al., 2021). Paroxetine causes abnormal DNA fragmentation in sperm (Tanrikut et al., 2010). Sertraline and escitalopram increase DNA damage (Akasheh et al., 2014; Atli et al., 2017; Ilgin et al., 2017; Hamdi, 2019). In vitro studies of sertraline have found that it negatively affects fertilization by inhibiting specific calcium ion channels in sperm, which affect calcium influx (Rahban et al., 2021). In the molecular mechanism study of reproductive cell toxicity of antidepressants, scholars have found that the mechanism is mediated by oxidative-reductive balance disorder, enzyme and non-enzyme cell protection mechanism failure, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Antidepressants can cause defects in spindle assembly and improper organelle segregation during in vitro cell division (Solek et al., 2021). For diabetic rats, enalapril can reduce sperm DNA damage caused by the disease (Kushwaha and Jena., 2012).

Small molecule drugs can also affect sperm quality by regulating gene expression. In research on antiepileptic drugs, it has been shown that they have a negative impact on sperm quality, but the mechanisms involved may vary. With the regard to carbamazepine, research has found that it downregulates the expression of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11) in the testis, upregulates microRNA let-7a expression, and is statistically correlated with decreased sperm motility and increased sperm tail defects. Conversely, it upregulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and microRNA 27a expression and is positively correlated with sperm tail defects (Tektemur et al., 2021). Previous studies have shown that decreased CFTR expression in sperm is associated with decreased sperm quality (Li et al., 2010). The authors speculate that the results contradicting previous research may be due to CFTR mRNA upregulation caused by CFTR channel dysfunction. The expression of CFTR and microRNA is related to sperm quality, but further experimental research is needed to confirm whether carbamazepine causes sperm damage through KCNJ11 or CFTR channels. Regarding valproic acid, research has found that the decreased expression of phosphorylated protein and Ki67 in the testis may affect the formation of the acrosome during sperm generation, leading to premature acrosome reactions and abnormal sperm heads. In clinical studies, the novel AED oxcarbazepine has been shown to increase sperm motility, concentration, and vitality (Guo et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2018). The authors speculate that this may have a positive effect on sperm production and maturation by raising FSH and LH levels. In addition to affecting sperm quality, small molecule drugs may also affect male fertility by affecting testosterone levels. Beta receptor antagonists such as propranolol and atenolol, also known as beta blockers, have been shown to reduce sperm motility, increase sperm abnormality rate, and lower testosterone levels, but they do not cause changes in the histology of the reproductive organs (El-Sayed et al., 1998; Fogari et al., 2002; Rosen et al., 1988; Suzuki et al., 1988). Studies on atenolol suggest that the reduction in testosterone levels may be due to the inhibition of testosterone release by reducing cAMP production in interstitial cells, rather than affecting steroidogenic enzyme activity (Khan et al., 2004). In vitro studies have shown that atenolol can increase sperm motility, and this increase in movement rate is downregulated by calcium channel blockers. Researchers speculate that this may be due to the fact that sperm adrenaline regulation may be calcium-dependent (Nelson and Cariello., 1989). Studies on propranolol have shown that it has a negative effect on male reproductive function. In the study on the mechanism of Propranolol inhibiting sperm motility, it was found that the isomer D-propranolol, which does not have beta receptor blocking activity, has a significant inhibitory effect on human sperm motility. Researchers speculate that propranolol’s inhibitory effect on sperm motility is due to its local anesthetic properties rather than beta receptor blockade (White et al., 1995). Other studies on propranolol have shown that it reduces sperm motility, increases sperm abnormality rate, lowers sperm concentration, reduces sperm count, inhibits sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, and fertilization (De Turner et al., 1978; Khaled et al., 2020; Nusier et al., 2007; White et al., 1995). However, it does not cause chromosomal aberrations in germ cells (Aruna and Krishnamurthy, 1986). Table 3.

The effects of small molecule medications on spermatogenesis.

Medicine categories Effects Mechanisms Relevant references Species Drug dosages Durations
ACEI captopril affect various germ cell during spermatogenesis the proliferation rate of spermatogonial stem cells↓ Gao et al. (2018) Mice 0.001 M/0.01 M ∼4 days
AEDs topiramate spermatogonia and spermatocytes↓histological damage to the testes Otoom et al. (2004) Rat 100 mg/kg 60 days
downregulate the VEGFA gene and the SYCP3 gene El et al. (2019) Mice 100/200/400 mg/kg 4 weeks
cannabidiol impair spermatogenesis, affect the mitosis and meiosis of germ cells Patra and WAdsworth (1991) Mice 50 mg/kg 15/35 days
inhibit the G1/S phase cell cycle transition and DNA synthesis Li et al. (2022) Mice/human ∼100 μM 4/24 h
NRTIs abacavir cause damage to male fertility by damaging DNA increase DNA damage Matuszewska et al. (2021) Rat 60 mg/kg 16 weeks
NNRTIs etravirine Matuszewska et al. (2021) Rat 40 mg/kg 16 weeks
LLD rosuvastatin Leite et al. (2017) Rat 3/10 mg/kg/day 30 days
NSAIDs paracetamol Smarr et al. (2017) Human not mentioned not mentioned
SSRIs paroxetine abnormal DNA fragmentation in sperm Tanrikut et al. (2010) Human not mentioned 5 weeks
sertraline increase DNA damage Akasheh et al. (2014) Human 25/50 mg/days 1 weeks/3 months
Atli et al. (2017) Rat 5/10/20 mg/kg 28 days
Hamdi (2019) Rat 15.63 mg/kg 28 days
escitalopram Ilgin et al. (2017) Rat 5/10/20 mg/kg 28 days
ACEI enalapril reduce sperm DNA damage caused by the disease Kushwaha and Jena (2012) Rat 10 mg/kg 4/8 weeks
AEDs carbamazepine affect sperm quality by regulating gene expression the expression of KCNJ11 in the testes↓microRNA let-7a, CFTR, and microRNA 27a↑ Tektemur et al. (2021) Rat 25 mg/kg/day 60 days
valproic acid negative effects of acrosome formation during spermatogenesis (expression of phosphorylated proteins and Ki67↓) premature acrosome reactions and abnormal sperm heads Alsemeh et al. (2022) Rat 100/300/500 mg/kg/day 8 days
Nishimura et al. (2000) Rat 250/500/1000 mg/kg/day 4/7/10 weeks
RØste et al. (2001) Rat 200/400 mg/kg bid 90 days
Sukhorum and Iamsaard (2017) Rat 500 mg/kg 10 days
oxcarbazepine positive effect on sperm production and maturation by raising FSH and LH levels Guo et al. (2021) Human 706 ± 182 mg/day ≥6 months
Wu et al. (2018) Human 300–900 mg/day ≥6 months
β-receptor antagonists affect testosterone levels reduce sperm motility increase sperm abnormality rate lower testosterone levels El-Sayed et al. (1998) Rat atenolol:9/18 mg/kg 60 days
El-Sayed et al. (1998) Rat metoprolol:3.5/7 mg/kg 60 days
El-Sayed et al. (1998) Rat propranolol:7.5/15 mg/kg 60 days
Fogari et al. (2002) Human valsartan:80 mg/day 16 weeks
Fogari et al. (2002) Human atenolol:50 mg/day 16 weeks
Rosen et al. (1988) Human propranolol:80 mg bid 1 week
Rosen et al. (1988) Human metoprolol:100 mg bid 1 week
Rosen et al. (1988) Human atenolol:100 mg/day 1 week
Rosen et al. (1988) Human pindolol:10 mg bid 1 week
Suzuki et al. (1988) Human atenolol:50–100 mg 1 years

Abbreviation: ACEI, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; AEDs, Antiepileptic drugs; NRTIs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; NNRTIs, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; LLD:lipid-lowering drugs; NSAIDs, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs; SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; bid:twice a day; ↓: decline; ↑: improve.

 4.1.3 The effect of small molecule drugs on sperm capacitation and fertilization

Spermatozoa passing through female reproductive tract fertilizes egg and provides its genetic material. Before fertilization, spermatozoa require capacitation which is a process that sperm acquires the capacity to fertilize. This capacity includes hyperactivated movement, the acrosome reaction and fusion with oocytes (Bailey, 2010). The fertilization process is influenced by factors such as sperm motility and female reproductive tract environment (Fraser, 1992).

Male gametes must undergo the process of capacitation to meet the oocyte prior to fertilization (Figure 1D). Propranolol have shown a negative effect on male reproductive function as it inhibits sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, and fertilization (White et al., 1995). Animal experiments with ibuprofen have shown that it weaken the ability of sperm to fertilize in vitro and reduces adult fertility potential (Barbosa et al., 2020; Martini et al., 2008). In vitro studies of sertraline have found that it negatively affects fertilization by inhibiting specific calcium ion channels in sperm, which affect calcium influx (Rahban et al., 2021). Animal experiments have shown that lisinopril reduces zona pellucida penetration and acrosome reaction (Saha et al., 2000a). However, there are also animal experiments and clinical studies that suggest a positive effect of lisinopril on male reproductive function. It can increase the number and quality of sperm and improve fertility (Mbah et al., 2012; Okeahialam et al., 2006). Calcium ions are important ions that trigger the acrosome reaction (Hong et al., 1984). Nimodipine and verapamil can cause a decrease in sperm density and motility and a decrease in acrosome reaction (Juneja et al., 1990; Saha et al., 2000b). It was found that captopril inhibits the acrosome reaction and reduces the proportion of penetrating oocytes (Foresta et al., 1991).

There are also drugs that have a positive effect on sperm capacitation and fertilization (Figure 1E). Many clinical studies have shown that indomethacin can improve sperm production in patients with oligo asthenoter atozoospermia, increase sperm motility and sperm count, and enhance fertilization ability. However, it can decrease testosterone levels (Aydin et al., 1995; Barkay et al., 1984; Conte et al., 1985; Guo et al., 2015). In studies on the effect of sodium ions on sperm motility, amiloride was found to increase the acrosome reaction and decrease sodium-induced sperm motility (Peris et al., 2000; Rai and Nirmal., 2003; Wong et al., 1981). Table 4.

The effects of small molecule medications on sperm capacitation and fertilization.

Medicine categories Effects and mechanisms Relevant references Species Drug dosages Durations
β-blocker propranolol inhibit sperm capacitation、acrosome reaction and fertilization White et al. (1995) Human 5/50/500 μM 0–240 min
NSAIDs ibuprofen weak sperm fertilization ability in vitro Barbosa et al. (2020) Rat 0/2.4/7.2/14.3 mg/kg/day 30 days
Martini et al. (2008) Mice 5.6/11.2/16.8 mg/kg/day 35/60 days
SSRIs sertraline negatively affects fertilization by inhibiting specific calcium ion channels Rahban et al. (2021) Human 10/20 μM ∼60 min
CCB nimodipine decrease in sperm density and motility Saha & Bhargava et al., 2000 Rat 40 mg/60 mg/kg/day 2/6 weeks
verapamil inhibits the acrosome reaction Juneja et al. (1990) Pigs 1/5/10 mg/kg 4/12 weeks
ACEI lisinopril reduce zona pellucida penetration and acrosome reaction Saha & Garg et al., 2000 Rat 10/20 mg/kg/day 2/6 weeks
captopril inhibit the acrosome reaction Foresta et al. (1991) Human 10/50/100 nmol/L 0–18 h
NSAIDs indomethacin improve sperm production in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia increase sperm motility and sperm count enhance fertilization ability Aydin et al. (1995) Human 75 mg/day 12 weeks
Barkay et al. (1984) Human 25 mg bid/tid/qid; 50 mg tid 60 days
Conte et al. (1985) Human 100 mg 30 days
Guo et al. (2015) Human 25 mg bid 3 months
diuretic amiloride increase the acrosome reaction decrease sodium-induced sperm motility Peris et al. (2000) Ram 10–7∼10−4M 30 min
Rai and Nirmal (2003) Lizard 1–100 μM 1 h
Wong et al. (1981) Rat 10–5∼3*10−3M 3 h

Abbreviation: NSAIDs, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs; SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; CCB, calcium channel blocker; ACEI, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; bid, twice a day; tid, three times a day; qid, four times a day.

 4.2 Stem cell therapy in male infertility

With the rapid development of stem cell therapy these years, its application in male infertility has also received many attentions. Stem cells have the ability to self-renew and can differentiate into other special cell types (Ismail et al., 2023). In the treatment of male infertility, stem cells mainly play a therapeutic role through two pathways. One is to improve the microenvironment of spermatogenesis to restore the function of the remaining spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The other is to form germ cells through stem cells and further form sperm. At present, research on stem cell therapy mainly focuses on the application of MSCs (Ganjibakhsh et al., 2022; Ismail et al., 2023; Qiu et al., 2023). In addition, the vesicle system produced by stem cells, such as exosomes, also plays an important role in the field of stem cell therapy (Balistreri et al., 2020). The treatment methods of MSCs and exosomes in male infertility are illustrated in Figure 2.

Application of stem cell therapy in male infertility. The separated MSCs can be divided into BM-MSCs, ADSC, AFSCs, USCs, UMSCs, etc., for therapy use. MSCs can improve testicular microenvironment and spermatogenesis by intravenous injection or testicular transplantation. Exosomes isolated from mesenchymal stem cells also have the same effect. Exosomes can also be isolated from ESCs and iPSCs, etc. Treatment may also be achieved through autologous transplantation of SSCs, autologous transplantation of testicular tissue and in vitro induction of spermatogenesis (culture testicular tissue or SSCs in vitro culture system to produce sperm). Abbreviations: Bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs), Urine-derived stem cells (USCs), umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), ↑: improve.

 4.2.1 MSCs in male infertility

MSCs are adult stem cells that can be isolated from many tissue such as adipose tissue, bone marrow or cord blood.It is still unclear whether the therapeutic effect of MSCs on male infertility is achieved by improving the testicular microenvironment or by differentiating into germ cell (Badawy et al., 2020). MSCs have the advantages of relatively easy access and low transplant rejection reaction. Many scholars have attempted to differentiate MSCs into male germ-like cells (Behzadi et al., 2019; Luo et al., 2019) and even haploid specialized like cells (Shlush et al., 2017). However, it has not yet been achieved to differentiate sperm from MSCs and produce offspring. Further investigation is still needed in this regard (Zhang et al., 2014). The different sources of MSCs can be divided into bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs), Urine-derived stem cells (USCs), umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs), etc., The research content mainly focuses on the improvement of MSCs on the damaged testicular microenvironment and spermatogenesis, and on the differentiation of MSCs into germ cell. In the research, the cells that have received much attention include BM-MSCs and UMSCs (Fazeli et al., 2018). However, obtaining BM-MSCs is more difficult compared to other types of MSCs. USCs and their exosomes isolated from the urine of healthy men have been found to promote the recovery of spermatogenesis in azoospermic mice (Deng et al., 2019). This non-invasive and simpler method of obtaining MSCs has advantages in widespread clinical applications.

In the study of mice, Co-transplantation of MSCs improves SSCs transplantation efficiency (Kadam et al., 2018). Transplantation of BM-MSCs alone can upregulate the expression of target genes related to spermatogenesis and improve fertility of azoospermic rats (Badawy et al., 2020) In vitro studies, it can also better maintain spermatogenesis in co-culture with SSCs (Önen et al., 2023). For the administration method, intravenous injection of MSCs can alleviate the testicular toxicity caused by gonadal toxic substances through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects (Abdelaziz et al., 2019; Elbaghdady et al., 2018; Sherif et al., 2018), and testicular injection also has an improvement effect (Hsiao et al., 2015; SM et al., 2017). ADSCs and AFSCs can reduce oxidative stress in the testes and promote sperm production, (Eliyasi et al., 2020; Ibrahim et al., 2021; Qian et al., 2020; Siregar et al., 2021), and can improve the damage of chemotherapy drugs to testes (Meligy et al., 2019). Intratesticular injection of ADSCs can improve the spermatogenesis of azoospermia (Ganjibakhsh et al., 2022; Hajihoseini et al., 2018; Karimaghai et al., 2018), while xenotransplantation of human umbilical cord blood derived MSCs into azoospermia mice also has the same effect (Abd et al., 2017). Animal experiments have shown that after transplantation of BM-MSCs into the testis, in addition to influencing male reproductive function through paracrine action, they will also relocate to a new niche to form colonies, thus realizing the reconstruction of the damaged testicular germinal epithelium (Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei et al., 2016; Monsefi et al., 2013). Scholars try to differentiate different types of MSCs into germ cell, hoping that they can become a source of germ cell for the treatment of male infertility (Dissanayake et al., 2018; Ghaem et al., 2018; Kumar et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2018; Shlush et al., 2017). However, this goal has not yet been achieved. Table 5.

Clinical trials on stem cell therapy for male infertility (U. S. National Library of Medicine).

Nct number Stem cell type Sex Phases Study status Study results
NCT02025270 BM-MSCs MALE PHASE1|PHASE2 COMPLETED NO
NCT02641769 BM-MSCs MALE PHASE1|PHASE2 UNKNOWN NO
NCT02041910 BM-MSCs MALE PHASE1|PHASE2 UNKNOWN NO
NCT03762967 ADSCs/SVF MALE PHASE2 UNKNOWN NO
NCT02008799 BM-MSCs MALE NA UNKNOWN NO
NCT05158114 UC-MSCs ALL PHASE1 RECRUITING NO
NCT02414295 MSCs MALE NA COMPLETED NO
NCT04452305 SSCs MALE NA RECRUITING NO

Abbreviation: NA, Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions. BM-MSCs, bone marrow derived MSCs; ADSCs, adipose derived stem cells; SVF, Stromal Vascular Fraction; UC-MSCs:umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; SSCs, spermatogonial stem cells.

In addition to tissue-originated MSCs, pluripotent stem cells MSCs (PSC-MSCs) are another pathway to obtain MSCs. PSC-MSCs have attracted attention due to their easier availability, more convenience quality control, and possibly large-scale production compared to tissue-originated MSCs (Abdal et al., 2019; Sabapathy and Kumar., 2016). In the research of PSC-MSCs in the treatment of diseases, PSC-MSCs having anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, like tissue-originated MSCs, can play a therapeutic role via paracrine, exosomes (Qu et al., 2022). However, it has the same safety issue of tumorigenicity as tissue-originated MSCs and iPSCs (Jiang et al., 2019). Although PSC-MSCs have been studied to varying degrees in the treatment of other diseases, there is still a lack of research in the treatment of male infertility.

MSCs have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, trophic properties, and anti-apoptotic properties (Murphy et al., 2013). It may improve male infertility in multiple ways. More research is needed on the mechanism of its action. From the perspective of clinical treatment, different types of MSCs have their own advantages, and more research and analysis are needed to determine which type of MSCs treatment is more effective and in what manner (Zhankina et al., 2021). The safety of various mesenchymal cell applications also needs further exploration (Pendleton et al., 2013).

 4.2.2 iPSC/ESC in male infertility

In addition, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have also received attention in this field. Human ESCs and iPSCs are two pluripotent populations that can self-renew and differentiate into any type of cell (Zhao et al., 2021). iPSCs were discovered in 2006 by Takahashi and Yamanaka as pluripotent stem cells that exhibit the morphological and growth characteristics of ESCs and express ESCs marker genes (Takahashi and Yamanka., 2006). The male germ cell differentiated from iPSCs is a germ cell with the patient’s own genetic material, which is the advantage of iPSCs as a cell therapy. However, iPSCs also reduces the immune system response of patients after transplantation. The disadvantage of iPSCs lies in the possibility of tumor formation, and its safety still needs to be considered (Sojoudi et al., 2023). Although it has been found in research that human iPSCs can directly differentiate into haploid spermatogenic cells, it is still not possible to ultimately form personalized human gametes in vitro (Easley et al., 2012; Eguizabal et al., 2011). Improving the efficiency of differentiation, inducing iPSC to produce personalized human gametes and identify markers for successful differentiation of germ cell are the difficulties that need to be broken through (Zhao et al., 2021). Although in the research of mice, embryonic stem cells can complete Meiosis in vitro and produce offspring through assisted reproduction technology (Nayernia et al., 2006; Zhou et al., 2016). However, this technology has not yet been achieved in the study of human ESCs. And there are differences in the genetic material between the germ cell obtained from ESCs and the recipient, which will lead to ethical disputes (Meligy et al., 2019).

 4.2.3 SSCs in male infertility

The use of patients’ own germ cell for treatment can mainly be achieved through autologous transplantation of SSCs, autologous transplantation of testicular tissue and in vitro induction of spermatogenesis (Figure 2), but these approaches have not yet been applied to clinical practice, are still in the experimental stage, and there are many problems to be solved (Dong et al., 2019). SSCs can maintain self-renewal and differentiate into sperm, providing genetic material for the next-generation. SSCs can differentiate into spermatozoa in vitro and generate mature spermatozoa through Spermatogenesis by transplantation in vivo, thus restoring male fertility (Diao et al., 2022). However, there is still no systematic method for long-term cultivation of human SSCs in vitro. Whether the epigenetic stability can be maintained in long-term in vitro culture still needs further exploration, although some studies have found that the sperm DNA methylation of the offspring of long-term in vitro cultured mouse SSCs after transplantation is stable (Serrano et al., 2023), and the genetic and epigenetics stability of human spermatogonial stem cells in long-term culture (Nickkholgh et al., 2014). SSCs transplantation was first achieved in mice in 1994 (Brinster and Zimmermann, 1994). In recent years, Whelan et al. have found that transplanting rat spermatogonial stem cells that have been frozen for over 20 years into mice can still produce sperm (Whelan et al., 2022). However, there is still limited research on spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in humans. Up to now, it has not been possible for human SSCs to form gametes in vitro, nor for cryopreserved human testicular tissue to initiate spermatogenesis in vitro (Portela et al., 2019). Autologous testicular tissue transplantation may be an option for men who want to receive gonadal toxicity treatment before puberty (Duca et al., 2019). Re transplantation of frozen testicular tissue into patients can achieve spermatogenesis in vivo, thus restoring the fertility of patients. In the study of primates, scholars have restored male fertility and produced offspring through cryopreserved autologous testicular tissue transplantation (Fayomi et al., 2019; Jahnukainen et al., 2012). Although many centers have also cryopreserved testicular tissue from pre-adolescent patients, testicular tissue transplantation has not yet been achieved in humans (Goossens et al., 2020; Valli-Pulaski et al., 2019; Zarandi et al., 2018). And for patients with cancer, there may be a risk of cancer cells in the tissue (Abdelaal et al., 2021; Sanou et al., 2022). Transplantation may lead to tumor recurrence in the recipient (Hou et al., 2007; Jahnukainen et al., 2001). Therefore, the safety of frozen testicular tissue autotransplantation for tumor patients should be comprehensively evaluated. For prepubertal patients, the testicular tissue is relatively small and the number of spermatogonial stem cells is limited. Therefore, expanding the number of spermatogonial stem cells in vitro before transplantation is also a challenge that needs to be overcame (Zarandi et al., 2018). In addition, some studies have shown that the germ cell in the male testicular tissue before puberty may have abnormal maturation of germ cell, which may lead to the failure to restore fertility after reimplantation of testicular tissue (Pietzak et al., 2015). Further exploration is needed on the conditions for long-term stable cryopreservation of testicular tissue and the location of transplantation (Moraveji et al., 2019; Sharma et al., 2019). The above technologies have not yet reached the clinical stage (Diao et al., 2022; Martin-Inaraja et al., 2021; Sanou et al., 2022).

Different stem cells have their own advantages and disadvantages when applied to male infertility. MSCs and SSCs are the existing stem cell options for male infertility. According to the data of U. S. National Library of Medicine, there are 8 clinical trials on stem cell therapy for male infertility (Table 5), but none of them has submitted any results yet. No relevant clinical trial results were found in PubMed. Further exploration of its mechanism of action and individualized selection of stem cell therapy regimens may be necessary.

Consequently, MSCs and SSCs may have more applications in the treatment of male infertility compared to other types of stem cell. The reason why MSCs have attracted much attention from researchers is that they are easy to obtain and cultivate and can achieve therapeutic effects through autologous cell transplantation. Different types of MSCs have different advantages. Choosing which MSCs to use in treatment may require more research and individualized treatment programs. Forming sperm from stem cells may be a potential therapeutic treatment for male infertility, although it has not yet been achieved. SSCs play an important role for male fertility preservation, although more research is needed in areas such as cryopreservation and in vitro culture. The application of stem cells in the treatment of male infertility still requires more extensive research.

 4.3 The application of exosomes in male infertility

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released from most cell types. Exosome play an important role in intercellular connections. Its diameter is 60–180 nm, which can be considered as an extracellular organelle mainly composed of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that act through endocytosis, phagocytosis, and membrane fusion (Sojoudi et al., 2023; Wang, 2021). Stem cell exosomes are another important pathway for stem cell therapy. A cell free therapy can be achieved by obtaining stem cell exosomes (Balistreri et al., 2020). In recent years, the function of exosomes in male reproduction has received widespread attention. The miRNA expression of extracellar microvessels in oligozoospermia and necropermia patients is different from that in healthy men (Abu-Halima et al., 2016). Other studies have shown that harmful substances can cause damage to sperm development by damaging exosomal secretion associated with spermatozoa (Ali et al., 2023). In terms of treatment, exosomes have advantages such as low immunogenicity, easy management, and no risk of tumor development, and can be used as a cell-free therapeutic approach (Taheri et al., 2019). Exosomes may be applied as novel drugs in the clinical treatment of male infertility.

Various types of cells in the testes secrete extracellular vesicles, with the extracellular vesicles secreted by the epididymis and prostate being the most concerned. The signal pathway proteins and miRNAs related to spermatogenesis in these exosomes may become a new therapeutic method for male reproduction and a means of disease diagnosis (Amiri et al., 2023; Candenas and Chianese, 2020; Eikmans et al., 2020; Lal et al., 2022; Zhu et al., 2020). Semen extracellular vesicles from the epididymis and prostate are known as epididymosomes and prostasomes, respectively. Sperm motility activation, capacitation and acrosome reaction are related to epididymosomes and prostasomes (Simon et al., 2018). In current research, it has been found that epididymosomes are involved in sperm maturation and have the function of reducing oxidative stress, regulating gene expression in sperm, regulating sperm morphology and motility. Prostasomes play an important role in regulating sperm motility and sperm capacitation (Baskaran et al., 2020; Ma et al., 2023). In addition, exosomes that sertoli cells secretion also play an important role in male fertility, although the small molecules it plays are still not very clear (Gao et al., 2023) Sertoli-derived exosomes can reduce oxidative stress and improve the microenvironment of spermatogenesis (Salek et al., 2021). Some studies on pigs have shown that the exosomes secreted by Sertoli cells can promote the proliferation of spermatogonial cells. This means that exosomes may be used for feeder-free layer culture systems (Thiageswaran et al., 2022). Studies have found that extracellular vesicles in semen also play an important role in embryonic development before implantation (Chen et al., 2020). In addition, exosomes derived from MSCs also have good prospects in the treatment of male infertility.

Research has shown that the exosomes of MSCs from different sources have an improvement effect on testicular injury (Mobarak et al., 2021; Sagaradze et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2018b), which may be due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects (Zhang et al., 2018a) (Table 6). In general, exosomes can play an anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoxic, anti-apoptotic and other roles by transmitting miRNA and other substances, improve the testicular microenvironment, and thus improve spermatogenesis, fertilization, implantation, and other aspects. However, no clinical trial was found in the U. S. National Library of Medicine or PubMed for the treatment of testicular injury with exosomes currently. There are animal studies on the treatment of testicular injury with exosomes. Radiation-induced testicular injury can be alleviated by macrophage-derived exosomes which contain protective components G-CSF and MIP-2 (Liu et al., 2020). The advantage of exosome is to avoid the degradation of active ingredient and the disadvantage of cell therapy. It is easy to detect the exosomes released by testicular cells in seminal plasma. With the deepening of research on its mechanism of action and its role as clinical biomarkers, exosomes may become an important diagnostic and treatment method for male fertility in the future.

Summary of MSCs and exosomes research.

Cell type Species Administration method Key point Relevant references
BM-MSCs Mice inject into the testes improves SSC transplantation efficiency Kadam et al. (2018)
BM-MSCs Rat inject into the testes improve fertility of azoospermic rats Badawy et al. (2020)
BM-MSCs Mice co-culture with SSCs improved in vitro spermatogenesis Önen et al. (2023)
BM-MSCs Rat intravenous injection restore the male reproductive system after Dox treatment Abdelaziz et al. (2019)
BM-MSCs Rat intravenous injection reverse Cadmium induced testicular injury Elbaghdady et al. (2018)
BM-MSCs Rat intravenous injection reduce cisplatin induced gonad toxicity Sherif et al. (2018)
ADSCs Rat inject into the testes benefit to testicular torsion-induced infertility Hsiao et al. (2015)
BM-MSCs Rat inject into the testes benefit to gentamicin induced testicular dysfunctions SM et al. (2017)
ADSCs Human inject into mice testes resumption of spermatogenesis Eliyasi et al. (2020)
AFSCs Human inject into rat testes Ibrahim et al. (2021)
AMSCs Human inject into mice testes Qian et al. (2020)
ADSCs Human inject into rat testes Siregar et al. (2021)
ADSCs Human inject into rat testes improve the damage of cisplatin to testes Meligy et al. (2019)
ADSCs Human inject into mice testes improve the spermatogenesis of azoospermia Ganjibakhsh et al. (2022)
ADSCs Guinea Pig inject into the testes Hajihoseini et al. (2018)
ADSCs Hamsters inject into the testes Karimaghai et al. (2018)
UCB-SCs Human inject into mice testes Abd et al. (2017)
WJ-MSCs Human In vitro transdifferentiate WJ-MSCs into male germ cells Dissanayake et al. (2018)
WJ-MSCs Human In vitro differentiate into germ-like cells Ghaem et al. (2018)
BM-MSCs Rat In vitro differentiate into germ-like cells Kumar et al. (2018)
ADSCs Human In vitro differentiate into germ-like cells Liu et al. (2018)
BM-MSCs Mice In vitro differentiate into SSC like cells Behzadi et al. (2019)
ADSCs Rat In vitro induce ADSCs into generation of MGLCs Luo et al. (2019)
HUCPVCs Human In vitro generation of Sertoli-like and haploid spermatid-like cells from HUCPVCs Shlush et al. (2017)
Amniotic fluid derived exosomes Sheep inject into rat testes regenerated spermatogenesis and improved sperm quality in NOA rats Mobarak et al. (2021)
MSC CM Human inject into rat testes recovery of spermatogenesis in cryptorchidism Sagaradze et al. (2019)
BM-MSCs derived exosomes Rat intravenous injection protects against testicular IRI Zhang et al. (2018a)

Abbreviation: BM-MSCs, bone marrow derived MSCs; ADSCs, adipose derived stem cells; AFSCs, amniotic fluid-derived stem cells; AMSCs, amnion mesenchymal stem cells; UCB-SCs, umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells; WJ-MSCs, Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells; MGLCs, male germ-like cell; HUCPVCs, human umbilical cord-derived perivascular cells; NOA, non-obstructive azoospermia; CM: conditioned medium; IRI, ischemia-reperfusion injury.

 5 Conclusion and discussion

The effects of drugs on male germ cells can affect testosterone production, spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, alter genetic material of germ cells, increase oxidative stress, and regulate signaling pathways. Most drugs have negative effects on male germ cells. Although germ cells can recover after most drugs are discontinued, the negative impact of drugs on germ cells should also be taken into consideration when choosing drugs for clinical use. Drugs with obvious toxicity to germ cells should be used with caution. More research should be invested in drugs that need to be taken long-term to maintain treatment, in order to clarify their mechanisms of action and explore how to cope with the damage to germ cells caused by these drugs.

Stem cell therapy and exosomes therapy may be a new type of treatment for iatrogenic male infertility or male infertility caused by diseases in the future. The advantages of exosomes application include avoiding the degradation of active ingredients and the drawbacks of cell therapy, but their specific molecular mechanisms of action still need to be further explored. The advantage of stem cell therapy lies in self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into other special cell types. The application of different types of stem cells in the treatment of male infertility has different difficulties that need to be overcome. Therefore, while exploring its mechanism of action and applying it to regenerative medicine, we may also consider the personalized choice of its treatment scheme and the safety of its application.

 Author contributions

PM: Writing–original draft. ZZ: Validation, Visualization, Writing–original draft. XK: Validation, Visualization, Writing–original draft. YF: Funding acquisition, Supervision, Writing–review and editing. CL: Funding acquisition, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Writing–review and editing.

 Funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by grants from National Key Research and Development Program of China (2019YFA0110804, 2021YFC2700904 to YF); Guangzhou Science and technology planning project (2023A03J0043 to CL); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (3210060082 to CL) and Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2020A1515010877 to CL).

We would like to thank the support of Student Innovation Ability Project plan of Guangzhou Medical University.

 Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

 Publisher’s note

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