The Low Survivability of Transplanted Gonadal Grafts: The Impact of Cryopreservation and Transplantation Conditions on Mitochondrial Function.

Simple Summary: Gonadal tissue transplantation as a fertility preservation technique is highly conditioned by our current knowledge of functionality following transplantation, tissue cryodamage, and ischemia–reperfusion injury. This paper presents an updated review of the literature on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the context of gonadal tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. Advances in tissue preservation techniques have allowed reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to flourish in recent years. Because radio- and chemotherapy procedures are often gonadotoxic, irreversible damage can preclude future gamete production and endocrine support. Accordingly, in recent years, the freezing and storage of gonadal tissue fragments prior to the first oncological treatment appointment and autologous transplantation post-recovery have been considered improved solutions for fertility recovery in cancer survivors. Nevertheless, the cryopreservation and transplantation of thawed tissues is still very limited, and positive outcomes are relatively low. This review aims to discuss the limitations of oncofertility protocols with a focus on the impacts of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the loss of antioxidant defense in graft integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]