Is there a clinical future for spermatogonial stem cells?

Like every other adult stem cell in the human body, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have the capacity to either renew themselves or to start the differentiation process, namely, spermatogenesis. Due to the continuation of the stem cell population in the testis, several possible options for preservation and re-establishment of the reproductive potential exist. Currently, spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) is considered the most promising tool for fertility restoration in young cancer patients.

Congenital spherocytosis with hereditary hemochromatosis without pathogenic mutations in the HFE gene.

We report a case of an 80-year-old woman with congenital spherocytosis who presented with massive iron overload. Iatrogenic iron overload could be ruled out. Familial history was suggestive of hereditary hemochromatosis; however, molecular genetic testing for the most common HFE mutations remained negative.