Dr. Nitzan Gonen, a biologist at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, is leading groundbreaking research in reproductive science that could revolutionize how we address the male fertility crisis. Her lab has achieved a world-first by growing miniature testicles in the laboratory, a feat accomplished using cells from mice, with plans to transition to human cells soon.
Dr. Gonen’s ultimate goal is to cultivate human sperm cells in the lab. She envisions this could become a reality within five years. Her innovative approach involves using stem cells derived from a small skin sample taken from a man’s arm to create these testicular organoids. This development holds promise not only for men who currently face infertility issues but also for advancing research on sperm health.
The urgency of this research is underscored by alarming trends in male fertility. According to Professor Christopher Barratt of Dundee University, male fertility is in severe decline. His analysis reveals a troubling trend: sperm concentration has been decreasing by 1.2% per year since 1973, accelerating to 2.6% annually after 2000. Currently, a fertile man produces an average of 66 million sperm per milliliter of semen. However, infertility is diagnosed when sperm concentration drops below 16 million per milliliter.
Barratt highlights that the decline in sperm count, concentration, and quality is contributing to increasing infertility rates among men. Around 7% of men in the UK face fertility problems, a figure likely to rise. The situation is exacerbated by societal trends, such as delaying parenthood, and the lack of effective treatments for declining sperm counts.
Despite the gravity of the issue, evaluating the extent of the crisis is complex. Variations in sperm count analysis methods over decades and conflicting research findings contribute to the uncertainty. For instance, a 2023 study of Danish sperm donors indicated stable sperm counts between 2017 and 2022 but noted declines in sperm concentration and motility.
Environmental factors are suspected contributors to male fertility issues. The damage to supportive Sertoli cells in the testes may stem from exposure to environmental toxins, such as plastics and air pollution. A study in Shanghai showed that higher levels of PM2.5 pollution were linked to lower sperm counts and motility.
Dr. Gonen’s research focuses on creating testicular organoids—miniaturized versions of testicles that include Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells. These organoids mimic the structure and function of real testicles. Dr. Gonen’s team has successfully developed a method to grow these organoids from mouse testicular cells. Preliminary results suggest that these organoids can initiate sperm development, though further testing is required.
Dr. Gonen’s work could have significant implications for those with severe fertility issues, including children undergoing cancer treatments who face potential infertility. By creating sperm from frozen testicular tissue, Dr. Gonen aims to offer new possibilities for future fertility treatments.
Globally, efforts to produce lab-grown sperm are underway, with researchers in China and the U.S. making strides in creating primitive sperm cells from stem cells. While these advancements are promising, ethical considerations and rigorous regulatory standards will be crucial in guiding this research.
Experts, including Professor Barratt, view Dr. Gonen’s work as a significant advancement but acknowledge the complexities involved. The development of lab-grown sperm may still be years away, but improving male fertility awareness and research into underlying causes could provide more immediate benefits.
The debate on whether humanity could ever function without men remains theoretical, as Dr. Gonen humorously asserts the necessity of male chromosomes for human reproduction. Nevertheless, her research represents a crucial step toward addressing the ongoing male fertility crisis and providing hope for those affected by it.
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