Transplanted Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Testicular Dysfunction In A D‐Galactose–Induced Aging Rat Model

Glycation product accumulation during aging of slowly renewing tissues may be an important mechanism underlying aging of the testis. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown promise in a novel tissue regenerative technique and may have utility in treating sexual dysfunction. ADSCs have also been found to be effective in antiaging therapy, although the mechanism underlying their effects remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the anti‐aging effect of ADSCs in a D‐galactose (D‐gal)–induced aging animal model and to clarify the underlying mechanism. Randomly selected 6‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with D‐gal daily for 8 weeks. Two weeks after completion of treatment, D‐gal–induced aging rats were randomized to receive caudal vein injections of 3 × 106 5‐bromo 2′deoxyuridine–labeled ADSCs or an equal volume of phosphate‐buffered saline. Serum testosterone level, steroidogenic enzymes (3‐β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased significantly in aging rats compared with the control group; serum lipid peroxidation, spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) expression increased significantly. ADSCs increased the SOD level and reduced the MDA level in the aging animal model and restored levels of serum testosterone, steroidogenic enzymes, and spermatogenic cell apoptosis. These results demonstrate that ADSCs can contribute to testicular regeneration during aging. ADSCs also provide functional benefits through glycation suppression and antioxidant effects in a rat model of aging. Although some ADSCs differentiated into Leydig cells, the paracrine pathway seems to play a main role in this process, resulting in the reduction of apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2403–2414, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.