Exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells and PRP restore spermatogenesis in the rat model of non-obstructive azoospermia

Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) are unable to have their children. Therefore, there is an urgent need for additional treatment alternatives for these patients. Recently, novel treatments based on the exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as the agents responsible for exerting the paracrine effects and consequently biological functions of MSCs are proposed. Besides, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a significant blood byproduct has been therapeutically applied in several male infertility studies. In this study, we compared the effects of PRP and exosome treatment on spermatogenesis restoration in NOA rat models. Exosomes and PRP were isolated from the adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs)- collected from conditioned medium and peripheral blood of human volunteers, respectively. NOA induction was done through two doses of busulfan at a 21-day interval. 35 days after NOA induction, intratesticular injection of AD-MSCs-derived exosome (AD-Exo), PRP, and PBS was performed. The control group didn’t receive any treatment. Two months later, the rats were euthanized for further analysis. Our results revealed that both AD-Exo and PRP treatments improved the size and weight of testis, modulated the expression level of Dazl, Ddx4, Stra8, Pwil1, and CyclinA1, and ameliorated the serum level of LDH, SOD, and GR enzymes in NOA rats. Moreover, the AD-Exo group showed improved testosterone, GPx, MAD, and CAT serum levels, sperm motility, and protein levels of Dazl and Ddx4. This investigation verified the more efficient effects of AD-Exo treatment in comparison to PRP in ameliorating busulfan-induced NOA rat models.