Evaluation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of non obstructive azoospermia.

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents an infertility problem that is usually difficult to treat. Such patients usually have testicular biopsy of germ cell aplasia or spermatogenic arrest. In recent decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) had been studied thoroughly and proved safe and effective regarding their capability for trans-differentiation into different cell types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MSCs local intratesticular injection in induction of spermatogenesis.

Patients and method: The current study included 87 infertile non-obstructive azoospermic patients. Clinical assessment and repeated semen analysis with centrifugation were done to confirm azoospermia. Karyotyping and AZF study were done. Some of the patients had previous testicular biopsy proving a lack of sperm in the testes. Single intratesticular injection of purified MSCs suspension was done.

Results: 20.7% of patients showed sperm in their semen after variable period of time. Hormonal profile among treated patients showed significant improvement regardless success of treatment. Also most of the treated patients appreciated the improvement of their sexual function and libido.

Conclusions: Bone marrow derived MSCs could be a new hope and therapeutic modality for treatment of refractory cases of NOA.