Bridging the Gap: Animal Models in Next-Generation Reproductive Technologies for Male Fertility Preservation

Abstract

This review aims to explore advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, underscoring the essential role that animal models have played in shaping these techniques through historical contexts and into modern applications. Rising infertility concerns have become more prevalent in human populations recently. The surge in male fertility issues has prompted advanced reproductive technologies, with animal models playing a pivotal role in their evolution. Historically, animal models have aided our understanding in the field, from early reproductive basic research to developing techniques like artificial insemination, multiple ovulation, and in vitro fertilization. The contemporary landscape of male fertility preservation encompasses techniques such as sperm cryopreservation, testicular sperm extraction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, among others. The relevance of animal models will undoubtedly bridge the gap between traditional methods and revolutionary next-generation reproductive techniques, fortifying our collective efforts in enhancing male fertility preservation strategies. While we possess extensive knowledge about spermatogenesis and its regulation, largely thanks to insights from animal models that paved the way for human infertility treatments, a pressing need remains to further understand specific infertility issues unique to humans. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how animal models have influenced the development and refinement of advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, and to assess their future potential in bridging the gap between current practices and cutting-edge fertility techniques, particularly in addressing unique human male factor infertility.

Effect of Three Semen Extenders on Sperm Quality and In Vitro Fertilization Rates of Fresh and Cryopreserved Sperm Collected from Llama (Lama glama) Vas Deferens

“…The use of new methodologies for the analysis of sperm quality of little-known species has become necessary, as is the case in South American camelids, always with the aim of using the new information obtained for application in different reproductive biotechnologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) [ 22 ]. The use of new Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in South American camelids, such as IVF, allows new information to be obtained regarding the gamete and embryo physiology for the subsequent application of developing ARTs in different South American camelid species [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. However, these types of technologies require a series of processes, such as oocyte retrieval, oocyte maturation, sperm capacitation, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro embryo culture, among others [ 25 ].…”