Men testicles images. Undescended Testicles in Boys: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
What are undescended testicles. How common is this condition in newborns. What are the potential health risks associated with undescended testicles. When should parents seek medical attention for this condition. How is the diagnosis made and what treatment options are available.
Understanding Undescended Testicles: A Common Congenital Condition
Undescended testicles, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. This condition affects approximately 5% of all newborn boys, with premature and low birth weight infants at a higher risk. In about half of these cases, the testicle(s) will naturally descend within the first three months of life. However, if the condition persists beyond this point, medical intervention becomes necessary.
Key Facts About Undescended Testicles
- Affects about 5% of newborn boys
- More common in premature and low birth weight babies
- Can affect one or both testicles
- Often resolves naturally within the first three months of life
- Requires medical attention if persists beyond three months
Is there a difference between undescended and retractile testicles? Yes, there is. Retractile testicles are normally housed in the scrotum but may occasionally retract into the body, especially in cold conditions. This is a normal physiological response and doesn’t require treatment as long as the testicles remain in the scrotum most of the time before puberty.
The Development and Migration of Testicles in Fetal Growth
To understand undescended testicles, it’s crucial to comprehend the normal development process of male reproductive organs during fetal growth. Testicles form inside the abdomen of the male fetus and typically migrate down through the inguinal canals into the scrotum between 25 and 35 weeks of gestation.
Why do testicles need to descend? The scrotum provides an ideal environment for sperm production, maintaining a temperature slightly lower than the core body temperature. This temperature differential is crucial for optimal testicular function and fertility.
Factors Influencing Testicular Descent
- Gestational age
- Birth weight
- Hormonal factors
- Genetic predisposition
How does birth weight affect the risk of undescended testicles? Studies have shown a strong correlation between low birth weight and the incidence of cryptorchidism. Approximately 17% of male newborns weighing less than 2.3 kg have undescended testicles, with the risk increasing as birth weight decreases. In fact, nearly all male babies weighing under 907 grams are born with this condition.
Health Risks and Complications Associated with Undescended Testicles
Undescended testicles are not just a cosmetic concern; they can lead to various health complications if left untreated. Understanding these risks is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to ensure timely intervention and appropriate management.
Potential Complications of Untreated Cryptorchidism
- Infertility
- Increased risk of testicular cancer
- Inguinal hernia
- Testosterone deficiency
- Psychological impact
How does cryptorchidism affect fertility? Undescended testicles can significantly impact fertility due to the suboptimal temperature for sperm production. Even with surgical correction, there is a higher rate of infertility in men who had undescended testicles in childhood, especially if treatment was delayed.
What is the cancer risk associated with undescended testicles? The risk of testicular cancer is 5 to 10 times higher in males with a history of cryptorchidism compared to the general male population. This elevated risk persists even after corrective surgery, particularly if the intervention is delayed until later in childhood. Testicular cancer typically occurs between the ages of 25 and 40 years, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring.
Acquired Undescended Testicles: A Lesser-Known Phenomenon
While most cases of undescended testicles are congenital, there’s a lesser-known condition called acquired undescended testicles or acquired cryptorchidism. This occurs when previously descended testicles migrate back into the body, typically between the ages of 1 and 10 years.
What causes acquired undescended testicles? The primary suspected cause is a discrepancy in growth rates between the spermatic cords and the rest of the child’s body. As the child grows, the relatively shorter spermatic cords may gradually pull the testicles out of the scrotum and into the groin area.
Key Points About Acquired Cryptorchidism
- Can occur in boys with normal testicular descent at birth
- May affect boys previously treated for congenital undescended testicles
- Typically occurs between ages 1 and 10
- Up to 50% of boys treated for undescended testicles as infants may develop this condition later
How can parents monitor for acquired undescended testicles? Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are crucial, especially around school age. Parents should also be vigilant and report any changes in their child’s testicular position to a healthcare provider promptly.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation of Undescended Testicles
Timely diagnosis of undescended testicles is crucial for effective management and minimizing long-term complications. The diagnostic process typically involves a thorough physical examination and, in some cases, additional imaging studies.
Diagnostic Approach for Cryptorchidism
- Physical examination at birth
- Follow-up examination at 3 months of age
- Regular check-ups during childhood
- Imaging studies (if necessary)
When is the definitive diagnosis of undescended testicles made? The definitive diagnosis is typically made at three months of age if the testicle has not descended into the scrotum by that time. This allows for the possibility of spontaneous descent in the early months of life.
What does the physical examination entail? During the examination, the healthcare provider will carefully palpate the scrotum and groin area to locate the testicle(s). In some cases, the missing testicle can be felt in the lower abdomen or inguinal canal.
Treatment Options and Management Strategies for Undescended Testicles
The management of undescended testicles aims to bring the testicle(s) into the scrotum, preserving fertility potential and reducing the risk of complications. Treatment options vary depending on the age of the child and the location of the undescended testicle.
Common Treatment Approaches
- Observation (for potential spontaneous descent in early infancy)
- Hormonal therapy
- Surgical intervention (orchiopexy)
When is surgery recommended for undescended testicles? Surgical intervention, known as orchiopexy, is typically recommended if the testicle hasn’t descended by 6 months of age. Early surgery, ideally before the child’s first birthday, is associated with better outcomes in terms of fertility preservation and cancer risk reduction.
What does the orchiopexy procedure involve? Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure where the undescended testicle is brought down from the abdomen or groin and placed in its proper position within the scrotum. This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
Long-term Follow-up and Monitoring for Boys with a History of Cryptorchidism
Even after successful treatment of undescended testicles, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure optimal health outcomes and early detection of potential complications. Long-term follow-up should be a collaborative effort between parents, pediatricians, and urologists.
Key Aspects of Long-term Monitoring
- Regular testicular examinations
- Fertility assessments in adolescence and adulthood
- Screening for testicular cancer
- Monitoring for hormonal imbalances
- Psychological support if needed
How often should boys with a history of cryptorchidism be examined? After initial treatment, follow-up examinations should be conducted annually throughout childhood and adolescence. As the individual enters adulthood, self-examinations and regular check-ups with a urologist are recommended.
What should parents and patients be aware of in terms of long-term health risks? While treatment significantly reduces risks, individuals with a history of undescended testicles should be educated about the slightly elevated risk of testicular cancer and potential fertility issues. They should be encouraged to perform regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly if they notice any unusual changes.
Psychological Impact and Support for Boys with Undescended Testicles
The psychological aspects of undescended testicles should not be overlooked. Some boys may experience anxiety, poor self-image, or concerns about their masculinity or future fertility. Providing appropriate support and education is crucial for their emotional well-being.
Strategies for Psychological Support
- Open and honest communication about the condition
- Age-appropriate education about reproductive health
- Encouragement of positive body image
- Professional counseling if needed
- Support groups for families and individuals affected by cryptorchidism
How can parents help their child cope with the emotional aspects of undescended testicles? Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s emotional well-being. Maintaining open communication, providing reassurance, and normalizing the condition can help alleviate anxiety. If the child shows signs of significant distress, consulting with a pediatric psychologist or counselor may be beneficial.
Are there support groups available for families dealing with cryptorchidism? Yes, there are support groups and online communities where families can connect with others who have similar experiences. These platforms can provide valuable emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community for those navigating the challenges of undescended testicles.
Advancements in Research and Future Directions in Cryptorchidism Management
The field of reproductive medicine continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving our understanding and management of undescended testicles. These advancements hold promise for enhanced diagnostic techniques, more effective treatments, and better long-term outcomes for affected individuals.
Areas of Current Research and Innovation
- Genetic factors influencing testicular descent
- Novel hormonal therapies
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Tissue engineering for testicular regeneration
- Long-term outcome studies
What new treatment options are on the horizon for undescended testicles? Researchers are exploring various innovative approaches, including targeted gene therapies, advanced imaging techniques for early detection, and regenerative medicine strategies to enhance testicular function. While many of these are still in experimental stages, they offer hope for improved management of cryptorchidism in the future.
How might future advancements impact the long-term prognosis for boys with undescended testicles? As our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cryptorchidism grows, we may see more personalized treatment approaches, earlier interventions, and potentially even preventive strategies for high-risk individuals. These advancements could lead to better preservation of fertility and further reduction in cancer risk for affected individuals.
In conclusion, undescended testicles represent a common congenital condition that requires prompt attention and appropriate management. With early diagnosis, timely intervention, and ongoing monitoring, the majority of affected boys can expect positive outcomes. As research continues to advance our understanding of this condition, we can anticipate even more effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and long-term care in the future. Parents and healthcare providers play crucial roles in ensuring the best possible outcomes for boys with undescended testicles, both in terms of physical health and emotional well-being.
Undescended testicles – Better Health Channel
Testicles (testes) are male sex glands that produce sperm and sex hormones. Usually, both testicles are located in the scrotum. Undescended testicles means that either one or both testicles are missing from the scrotum and are situated in the groin or inside the lower abdomen.
About five per cent of all boys are born with this condition. Premature and low birth weight babies are at increased risk. In about half the babies with undescended testicles at birth, the testicle will reach the scrotum in the first three months of life. If the testicle is still undescended at three months of age the baby needs to see a paediatric surgeon.
Undescended testicles should not be confused with retractile or retractable testicles. Retractable testicles are housed inside the scrotum, but they tend to tuck back inside the body under certain conditions – for example, if the boy is cold. Treatment isn’t necessary as long as the retractile testicles stay put inside the scrotum most of the time before the onset of puberty.
Other terms for undescended testicles include empty scrotum, monorchism and cryptorchidism.
Symptoms of undescended testicles
A boy with undescended testicles will have an empty scrotum on one or both sides. The condition is painless, and urination is not affected.
The development of the testicles
The testicles form inside the abdomen of the male fetus. Between 25 and 35 weeks gestation (pregnancy), the baby’s testicles migrate down slender channels in the lower abdomen (inguinal canals) and settle into the scrotum. In most cases of undescended testicles, only one testicle (testis) is affected. In around one in ten cases, both testicles are missing from the scrotum (bilateral undescended testes).
Premature babies are at increased risk of undescended testicles because the migration of the testicles hasn’t had time to occur during development in the womb. Low birth weight babies also have a higher rate of undescended testicles.
Around 17 per cent of male newborns that weigh under 2. 3 kg have undescended testicles. The lower the birth weight, the higher the risk; nearly 100 per cent of male babies weighing under 907 g are born with the condition.
Problems associated with undescended testicles
Undescended testicles are linked to a range of health problems and conditions, including:
- poor self-image – abnormal testicles can have a negative impact on the boy’s confidence and self-esteem
- hernia – a boy with undescended testicles is at increased risk of inguinal hernia (abnormal bulging in the groin area)
- trauma – an undescended testicle is at higher risk of injury
- infertility – testicles are housed in the scrotum because sperm production requires a temperature a few degrees lower than the body. Undescended testicles that are not brought into the scrotum from a young age will not produce sperm. Even with surgical correction, there are higher rates of infertility in men who had undescended testicles when they were young
- testosterone (androgen) deficiency – having two undescended testes increases the risk of developing testosterone deficiency
- cancer – the risk of testicular cancer is five to 10 times higher for males with undescended testicles than for the general male population. This risk may remain even after corrective surgery, particularly if surgery is delayed to later in childhood. Testicular cancer usually occurs between the ages of 25 and 40 years.
Acquired undescended testicles
Occasionally, a boy’s testicles migrate back inside the body even though they were properly housed in the scrotum at birth. The suspected cause is that the spermatic cords, which attach each testicle to the body, fail to grow at the same rate as the rest of the child. The comparatively short spermatic cords gradually pull the testicles out of the scrotum and into the groin. This condition is known as acquired undescended testicles, or acquired cryptorchidism. It can occur when the boy is aged between one and 10 years.
Acquired undescended testis may also occur in boys who were treated for undescended testis at birth. Up to 50 per cent of boys who are treated for undescended testis as a small infant, will develop acquired undescended testis later in childhood.
Diagnosis of undescended testicles
Undescended testicles are diagnosed at three months of age if the testicle has failed to descend into the scrotum by that time. Undescended testicles are diagnosed by physical examination. In some cases, the missing testicle can be felt in the lower abdomen.
Your child’s GP should check him for acquired undescended testicles around the time that he starts school. However, this condition can occur later in childhood, up to around 10 years of age. If you think that your child’s testes may have moved back into his groin (for example, if you cannot see his testes in his scrotum when he is in a warm bath, or if he cannot detect them himself), see a GP.
Treatment for undescended testicles
Surgery is the best treatment for undescended testicles. Ideally, the child should be aged between six months and one year at the time of surgery.
Research suggests that future sperm quality in the affected testicle is compromised if the condition is corrected after the child is two years old. However, the operation is still possible at a later age – for example, if the child developed acquired undescended testicles.
About 10 per cent of males who undergo surgical correction experience reduced fertility later in life.
Surgical repair of undescended testicles
Surgery to relocate the testicles inside the scrotum is called orchidopexy. The operation procedure generally includes:
- A general anaesthetic is given.
- An incision is made in the groin to access the testicle inside the inguinal canal (lower abdomen).
- The testicle is taken out of the inguinal canal.
- The spermatic cord that links the testicle to the body is ‘unkinked’ and gently stretched to its full length. Obstructive tissue may have to be cut away to achieve this.
- An incision is made in the scrotum.
- The testicle is placed inside the scrotum and stitched securely.
- All incisions are closed.
Vanished testicle
In about five per cent of cases of undescended testicles, surgeons can’t find the missing testicle. It is thought that the developing testicle may have died during development in the womb because of an interrupted blood flow.
Vanished (or absent) testicle is also associated with other birth defects of the urinary system, such as abnormal blood vessel networks to the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens).
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- Maternal and child health nurse
- Paediatrician
- Healthy MaleExternal Link
Category:Testicles – Wikimedia Commons
From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
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English: Images and media related to testicles. See also: Category:Penis, Category:Nude men, Category:Male reproductive system
NOTE: anatomy files should be classified by species.
Subcategories
This category has the following 12 subcategories, out of 12 total.
A
Animal testicles (2 C, 6 F)
Testicles in art (1 C, 12 F)
T
Testicles (meat) (1 C, 22 F)
Testicular impact (19 F)
Testicular toxicants (7 C)
Media in category “Testicles”
The following 51 files are in this category, out of 51 total.
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744 × 669; 360 KBChickenkidneys.png
3,024 × 4,032; 15.47 MBChronic enlargement of the testis Wellcome L0040320.jpg
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32 s, 640 × 480; 2.09 MBCyclical-and-Patch-Like-GDNF-Distribution-along-the-Basal-Surface-of-Sertoli-Cells-in-Mouse-and-pone.0028367.s007.ogv
32 s, 640 × 480; 2.51 MBDesarrollo Testicular.png
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1.2 s; 15 KBEssays and observations, physical and literary… Wellcome L0028177.jpg
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5.0 s, 512 × 512; 56 KBFungoid disease of the testis Wellcome L0040323.jpg
3,120 × 4,072; 2.89 MBGerminal epithelium slide.jpg
1,352 × 1,356; 175 KBGerminal epithelium testicle.svg
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1,060 × 1,060; 73 KBHistology image of testis.jpg
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744 × 1,052; 57 KBIllustration of cells infected with Leprosy bacilli Wellcome L0050078.jpg
3,879 × 5,957; 2.19 MBIn-vivo-Bioimaging-as-a-Novel-Strategy-to-Detect-Doxorubicin-Induced-Damage-to-Gonadal-Blood-Vessels-pone. 0023492.s003.ogv
1 min 29 s, 480 × 336; 2.73 MBIn-vivo-Bioimaging-as-a-Novel-Strategy-to-Detect-Doxorubicin-Induced-Damage-to-Gonadal-Blood-Vessels-pone.0023492.s004.ogv
5 min 14 s, 480 × 336; 11.62 MBInflammation of the testis Wellcome L0040321.jpg
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981 × 691; 75 KBInternal male reproductive system in Lethocerus patruelis – ZooKeys-319-119-g001.jpeg
1,512 × 1,366; 1.9 MBInvasion-of-Wolbachia-into-Anopheles-and-Other-Insect-Germlines-in-an-Ex-vivo-Organ-Culture-System-pone.0036277.s001.ogv
3.3 s, 1,024 × 1,024; 638 KBInvasion-of-Wolbachia-into-Anopheles-and-Other-Insect-Germlines-in-an-Ex-vivo-Organ-Culture-System-pone.0036277.s002.ogv
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6.7 s, 784 × 544; 536 KBMeiosis (248 23). jpg
3,749 × 2,399; 2.47 MBMixed Germ Cell Tumor of Testis (3260625567).jpg
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2,744 × 3,801; 5.63 MBMll5-Is-Required-for-Normal-Spermatogenesis-pone.0027127.s012.ogv
33 s, 320 × 240; 1.8 MBNormal right testis as seen on ultrasound axial view.jpg
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15 s, 320 × 240; 66 KBPrimary neuroendocrine tumor of testis.jpg
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1,360 × 1,024; 329 KBSeminiferous structure ofthe testis and epididymis Wellcome L0040319.jpg
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what shows, preparation, indications and contraindications
According to WHO statistics, a quarter of the world’s male population over 35 years of age has some kind of problem with the organs of the genitourinary system. The causes of the disease can be injuries, inflammation, infections and various tumors. Doctors consider testicular cancer to be the most dangerous and unpleasant disease in this area.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, over the past 40 years, the percentage of patients with testicular tumors in the world has doubled. In the countries of Western and Northern Europe, the incidence rates have reached 6-7%. That is why men need to have regular genital examinations.
General characteristics of the survey
MRI of the scrotum provides a large amount of information about the state of the male genitourinary system. The method is based on the use of magnetic fields and radio waves and allows you to create a three-dimensional image of the area under study. MRI of the male genital organs is absolutely safe for the patient. At the same time, the method allows a specialist to detect and identify the smallest structural elements of organs, to identify possible pathologies and neoplasms at an early stage.
Indications for the procedure
The need for an MRI of the testicles in men is very high, this should be done regularly. This is dictated by the fact that the procedure allows you to detect diseases at an early stage, when the chances of a complete cure are as high as possible, and the risks of complications are not so high.
There are a number of symptoms that indicate that an MRI should be done immediately:
- swelling and redness of the scrotum;
- pain or itching;
- prolapse of the scrotum;
- the appearance of seals;
- blood in semen.
What MRI of the testicles shows in men: the main pathologies
If there is a suspicion of a tumor
MRI of the scrotum is one of the most reliable ways to detect possible neoplasms at an early stage. If a tumor is suspected, a contrast agent is injected before the magnetic resonance imaging. It is carried by the blood throughout the body and accumulates in tumors. MRI of the scrotum with contrast allows you to get a clear image of the neoplasm, accurately determine its boundaries, size and structure, detect metastases and find out the degree of their interaction with surrounding tissues.
Previous groin and scrotum injuries
About a quarter of patients with injuries of the genitourinary system have injuries of the scrotum. They can appear as a result of mechanical, chemical or thermal effects. When the scrotum is injured, the tissues of the testicle and epididymis are damaged, a hematoma appears, the area increases in size, the victim experiences sharp pain, and pain shock often occurs. About 80% of scrotal injuries are closed in nature, their diagnosis requires an MRI.
Cryptorchidism, testicular dystopias and other anomalies of organs located in the scrotum
Congenital malformations of the testicles: dystopia (displacement) and, as a special case, cryptorchidism (violation of the process of lowering the testicles into the scrotum). Accurate diagnosis is also required for proper treatment. Simple palpation and ultrasound are often not able to provide comprehensive data. That is why MRI is used.
Noticeable enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin area
Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) in the groin area can occur due to: infection, as a result of an oncological or autoimmune disease, complications after an illness, or an allergic reaction. Lymphadenitis is accompanied by an increase in the scrotum, general weakness. Inflamed lymph nodes hurt when touched, the temperature often rises. In oncological diseases, the lymph nodes are painless.
With inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic procedures, including MRI.
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele) are characterized by visible external varicose veins, pain and discomfort in the groin area. Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to a decrease in the testicle, impaired spermatogenesis and the development of infertility. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it is almost asymptomatic. However, according to WHO, varicocele affects 15 to 17% of men. It is extremely difficult to identify the disease at an early stage by simple palpation, it is possible to reliably diagnose varicocele using ultrasound or MRI of the testicles.
MRI preparation
MRI does not require special preparation. It is not necessary for the patient to maintain a diet or abstain in the intimate sphere. Immediately before the MRI of the scrotum and pelvic organs, it is recommended to drink 1 liter of water. This will make the image of the urinary tract more contrast.
Carrying out the procedure
The MRI procedure should not cause discomfort to the subject. Some inconvenience can only be caused by the need to stay inside the tomograph for some time and the noise. After the end of the procedure, the patient receives a protocol-description of the study and pictures, the doctor prepares a conclusion.
Where can I report my MRI results?
The results of an MRI will be incomprehensible to a non-specialist. Therefore, they should be provided to the doctor who issued the referral or shown to the therapist.
Contraindications
Magnetic or electrical stimulators in the body
The insulin pump, pacemaker, and other electronic and magnetic devices in the body may be damaged by the magnetic field.
Presence of metal in the area to be examined on the tomograph
It is contraindicated to undergo a study in the presence of implants and other objects made of magnetic metals in the area of the body that needs to be examined. If the metal is amagnetic, then you can undergo an MRI.
Inability to move during tomography
Other limitations are related to the fact that during the MRI, the subject is placed in an apparatus in which he must remain motionless for a certain time. Therefore, a contraindication is the inability to be motionless during tomography.
Claustrophobia
During the procedure, you need to be in the tomograph, which is a rather narrow tunnel. Claustrophobia is an absolute contraindication to MRI for this reason.
Renal failure with contrast
When contrast is used, a contraindication for MRI of the scrotum and pelvic organs will be impaired renal function. For a healthy person, the procedure will be harmless.
Analogues of embryonic stem cells obtained from the testicles of adult males
It was possible to isolate cells from male testicles, from which, without any genetic manipulations, any organ of the adult body can be grown without the risk of rejection. The ladies are not lucky: the cells contained in the ovaries do not have the necessary properties.
With all the successes of biotechnology and tissue engineering in the creation of artificial organs in the very near future, few doubt. But despite a very promising picture, the main issue – the source of living cells – has not yet been resolved. Optimal, from the point of view of many experts, the embryonic material cannot be used both for ethical reasons and because of biological safety issues – after all, in any case, these are cells of another organism.
Embryos no longer needed
In November 2007, scientists reported that were able to turn adult human skin cells into a full-fledged analogue of an embryonic stem cell. Now doctors don’t need any…
Of course, the genetic manipulations that allowed the corresponding genetic manipulations make it possible to overcome all barriers, but it is still not safe to use the material obtained in this way. This is partly why scientists are still looking for an adequate “source of youth” in the adult body.
This time the number one target was the male testes, which contain primordial cells that produce sperm when they divide.
As it turned out, they have the property of pluripotency, that is, they are able to transform into all known types of cells in an adult organism. In this sense, they are completely “equal” to embryonic stem cells. Although Thomas Scutella from the University of Tübingen and his German and British colleagues limited themselves to demonstrating only the most basic capabilities of their “wards”, scientists do not doubt the advantage of primordial cells over existing sources for cell therapy.
Stem cells have a lot of advantages – in the long term and therapeutic – but until recently, the freedom of choice was very limited due to the predetermined fate of individual cells in our body. This is due to the division of the embryo into three leaves during embryonic development. The ecto-, endo- and mesoderm, known for over a century, give rise to the corresponding tissues, and the tissues combine to form organs.
Embryonic stem cells
have the property of pluripotency, that is, they can differentiate into any cells that make up the body – cells of the endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. This property distinguishes them from multipotent stem cells, which…
For example, skin epithelium and nervous tissue develop from the ectoderm, muscles, blood cells and connective tissue develop from the mesoderm, and hepatocytes of the liver develop from the endoderm. Accordingly, depending on which tissue in an adult organism stem cells are isolated from, their development will be limited in that direction.
Even the most “promising” multipotent mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone marrow are transformed only into tissues of mesodermal origin: bone, muscle and fat. And it is completely impossible to obtain neurons from epithelial stem cells.
That the authors of Nature publication turned to the testicles is not surprising. After all, it is there that our life is “reborn”, when spermatozoa are formed from primordial cells. Preliminary studies of mouse testicles turned out to be very encouraging, so Scutella and his colleagues had only to repeat successful experiments, but with human material.
And they succeeded: from the parenchyma of the testicles, they isolated cells that are almost identical to the embryonic stem cells.
Since the latter can only be obtained from living human fetuses and abortive material, the first advantage of the new method becomes obvious.
As for the potential for transformation into other cell types, and therefore the prospects for clinical application, everything turned out to be successful here too. Konrad and her colleagues obtained several differentiated lines, in particular, pancreatic insulin-synthesizing cells, and also demonstrated the pluripotency and similarity of their charges to embryonic stem cells. By the way, exactly the same evidence – several differentiated lines – was once presented by the later disgraced Korean Hwang U Suk; I would like to hope that this will not happen to Scutella, the scientific community has been well taught by the bitter Korean experience.
Like embryonic stem cells, pluripotent cells isolated from the testicles have numerous markers indirectly indicating their “stem” state.
And most importantly, when grown in a cup, they give derivatives of all three mentioned leaves.
If, however, labeled primordial cells are transplanted into an embryo at very early stages of development, they even take part in the development of some organs.
Teratoma,
Embryoma, dysembryoma – a tumor resulting from a violation of the embryonic development of tissues. It occurs mainly in childhood or young age; localized in the sex glands, less often in other organs and parts of the body.
And here is another property that imposes some restrictions on future use. Transplantation of several such cells (both human in the current work and murine in the past) into immunodeficient mice led to the development of teratoma tumors. In principle, their appearance is also evidence of pluripotency, since teratomas differ in that they consist of cells from different germ layers.
Scientists cannot allow the appearance of any tumors in humans – therefore, experiments are still being carried out only on mice. However, according to scientists, the appearance of tumors is easily avoided if the first stage of differentiation is carried out in a test tube, and cells with an already determined fate are transplanted. Moreover, the “fountain of eternal youth” turned out to be very stable: all 22 volunteers, among whom there were even patients with minor problems in spermatogenesis, had a sufficient, and most importantly, constant amount of primordial cells.
True, now the team is at risk of being accused of chauvinism, because for reasons of immunocompatibility, only men will be able to take advantage of their achievements.