Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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The effect of biological mechanisms of melatonin on the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells: a systematic review

  • Shadan Navid (Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science) ;
  • Zahra Saadatian (Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Ali Talebi (School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Heidar Toolee (Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Saba Seyedi (Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences)
  • Received : 2023.10.06
  • Accepted : 2024.02.14
  • Published : 2024.06.30
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Abstract

In the last decade, melatonin has gained recognition as a potent scavenger and an effective antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals, including reactive oxygen species. Additionally, it exhibits anti-apoptotic properties. In this review, we will examine a compilation of articles that explore the cellular signaling function of melatonin on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and adjacent cells such as Sertoli and Leydig cells. These cells play a crucial role in the proliferation of SSCs both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we analyze the function of melatonin in the proliferation of SSCs from other aspects. For this purpose, we examine the articles based on the presence of melatonin on SSCs in four groups: As a supplement in SSCs medium culture, SSCs three-dimensional culture system, SSCs freezing medium, and as a therapeutic factor in vivo. Mechanisms of growth and proliferation of SSCs were considered. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential effects of melatonin as a powerful antioxidant or growth stimulant for SSCs, both in vivo and in vitro.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences (grant No. 1177).

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