Biocompatible Nanomaterials as an Emerging Technology in Reproductive Health; a Focus on the Male

Abstract

A growing body of research has confirmed that nanoparticle (NP) systems can enhance delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents as well as prevent potentially damaging systemic exposure to these agents by modifying the kinetics of their release. With a wide choice of NP materials possessing different properties and surface modification options with unique targeting agents, bespoke nanosystems have been developed for applications varying from cancer therapeutics and genetic modification to cell imaging. Although there remain many challenges for the clinical application of nanoparticles, including toxicity within the reproductive system, some of these may be overcome with the recent development of biodegradable nanoparticles that offer increased biocompatibility. In recognition of this potential, this review seeks to present recent NP research with a focus on the exciting possibilities posed by the application of biocompatible nanomaterials within the fields of male reproductive medicine, health, and research.

Development of peptides for targeting cell ablation agents concurrently to the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations of the testes: an approach to non-surgical sterilization

“…All peptides (Table 1) were purchased with an N-terminal spacer, 1,6-aminohexanoic acid (Ahx), attached to FITC and dissolved in DMSO to form a 2.5 mM stock solution. Assessment of binding capability was conducted as previously described (24). Briefly: Cells were grown to 80 % confluency before harvesting and treatment with the LH-FITC in concentrations ranging from 0 to50 µM.…”

“…The cells were incubated at 37°C for 1 h. Cells were then stained with Live/dead Live/dead Far Red stain incubated at 37°C for 20 min before washing and resuspension in HBSS. FITC staining and was then analyzed using fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS) as previously described (24). The median fluorescence intensity was recorded for each treatment group and the shift in median fluorescence intensity was then calculated by subtracting the median fluorescence intensity of the vehicle (0 µM) from the median fluorescence intensity of each dose.…”

“…FSH peptides were attached, via the N-terminal thiol, to menadione as previously described (24). Briefly, deoxygenated aqueous solution of reduced FSH2 peptide was added dropwise to 10 molar equivalents of menadione in DMSO in a sealed reaction vessel, heated in a water bath to 55°C, whilst stirring with a magnetic bar and under positive pressure of nitrogen gas.…”

“…A LH receptor binding peptide (hereinafter referred to as LHa) was designed based on equivalent residues to those incorporated into a previously developed FSH peptide mimic (24). Specifically, the LHa peptide incorporated amino acid residues mapping to LH β-subunit 96-107 (Table 1).…”

Current and promising methods of idiopathic male infertility treatment

“…Общая стратегия заключается в том, чтобы инкапсулировать полезную «нагрузку» (реагент, комбинацию лекарств или визуализирующий агент) в дендример, липосому, мицеллу, нанокристалл, наночастицу на основе полимера. Возможное клиническое применение в области репродуктивного здоровья распространяется на защиту зародышевой линии, чтобы сохранить фертильность путем непосредственного уменьшения повреждений или усиления внутренней защиты от различных форм экзогенных и эндогенных повреждений [20,21].…”