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Germ Cell Apoptosis: Clinical Implications

Igor Sukhotnik and Amnon Rofe

Apoptosis, a genetically regulated cell suicide, is an energy-requiring process that can be observed throughout the whole of the animal and plant kingdoms. It is morphologically distinct from the degenerate process of necrosis. Apoptosis permits the safe disposal of cells at the point in time when they have fulfilled their biological functions. Apoptosis plays an important role in cellular homeostasis and organ developmental processes in general and in gonadal development in particular. This process is known to be accelerated or diminished, in many pathologic states. Therefore, the understanding of apoptotic regulation has significant clinical ramifications.

This article reviews the basic understanding of programmed cell death with respect to germ cell apoptosis (male and female). This review attempts to summarize data gathered over the last few years, from both experimental and patient settings, which not only documents the presence of apoptosis, but begins to define its contribution to the pathogenesis of a number of genital diseases with respect to areas of interest to pediatric surgeons, urologists and gynecologists. Pro or antiapoptotic interventions may become the future target for cell and organ protection in patients suffering from gonadal diseases.