Create sperm from stem cells

Scientists from Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences have succeeded in culturing mouse sperm germ cells into sperm that open up the prospect of treating infertility in men.

The above works were carried out by scientists Phan Kim Ngoc, Pham Van Phuc, Truong Dinh and Huynh Thi Le Duyen.

100 germ cells collected 46 sperm cells

According to Master Phan Kim Ngoc, the group took a small piece of tissue on the testicle of the mouse to experiment. The mice used for experiments were mature, fertile mice and weighing 18g or more.

'After implementing this process, we obtained some genital germ cells. Once these sex germ cells have been collected, we continue to put them into the laboratory. Implementing these cells and in turn use many agents and chemicals to test the differentiation of these cells. '

Technicians conduct experiments at the stem cell laboratory of the University of Ho Chi Minh City's Natural Sciences.Photo: Bao Trinh

Through many trials that lasted for more than two years, scientists have succeeded in finding some important chemicals that have a positive impact on the differentiation of germ cells into sperm, in which have hormone FSH and testosteron.

When cultured in a special laboratory environment, the success rate is highest at 46.33%, meaning that every 100 germ cells for culture and differentiation will yield about 46 sperm cells. According to the study participants, this ratio is quite high in assisted reproduction, which can fertilize eggs to develop into embryos in vitro.

Prospects for treating infertility in humans

The above successful test results are opening up opportunities for human use, and most of all, can treat men without sperm that lead to infertility.

According to Dr. Tran Linh Thuoc, Vice Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences, "The prospect of success of this method is very high, because the world has a number of countries such as the US, UK, Japan . also applied into However, in order to successfully apply it on people, it takes a lot of time and money for the research team to implement '.

Master Phan Kim Ngoc said that since September 2008, the research team has conducted experiments for different spermatozoa from germ cells into in vitro fertilization to create pups. It is expected that this stage will take from 12 to 18 months, around the end of the year 2009 will have results.

Currently, the group of scientists mentioned above is cooperating with Tu Du Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to conduct a draft of the projects to permit the experiment of the above results for people. If this project is approved and continues to be successful, the chances of treating infertility for infertile or infertile sperm are very high.