Role of stem cells in Seroli cell only syndrome

Abstract

Background: The lack of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules is a hallmark of Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), a leading cause of male infertility. Recently, stem cell therapy has gained attention as a possible method for treating this illness.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if stem cell treatment is effective for SCOS patients.
Subjects and Methods: From 2020 to 2022, 87 males had been diagnosed with primary infertility owing to SCOS. The patients were evaluated in a thorough clinical manner, which included testing of their genes, hormone profiles, and testicular biopsies, among other things. The testes were injected with pure stem cells that had been taken from bone marrow. Semen analysis, hormone levels, and testicular volume were periodically evaluated over the 12-month follow-up period.
Results: Following treatment, 69 patients (79.3% of the total) did not have sperm in their semen, whereas 18 patients (20.7% of the total) did. When compared to non-responders, respondents showed a statistically significant drop in FSH and LH levels and a rise in testosterone levels (P < 0.001). Hormonal changes were significantly different in the groups who responded and those that did not, and all responders had normal karyotyping and no AZF microdeletions.
Conclusion: Hormonal improvements were seen in responding individuals, suggesting that stem cell therapy may be a viable option for treating SCOS. Nevertheless, a significant number of patients chose not to participate, underscoring the need for more studies to improve patient selection and treatment procedures.