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- L-Theanine promotes cultured human Sertoli cells proliferation and modulates glucose metabolismPublication . Dias, T. R.; Bernardino, Raquel; Alves, Marco G; Silva, Joaquina; Barros, Alberto; Sousa, Mário; Casal, Susana; Silva, Branca M.; Oliveira, P.F.L-Theanine is the major free amino acid present in tea (Camellia sinensis L.). The effects of several tea constituents on male reproduction have been investigated, but L-theanine has been overlooked. Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential for the physical and nutritional support of germ cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ability of L-theanine to modulate important mechanisms of human SCs (hSCs) metabolism, mitochondrial function and oxidative profile, which are essential to prevent or counteract spermatogenesis disruption in several health conditions.
- Implications of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in cultured human Sertoli cells glycolytic and oxidative profilePublication . Dias, Tânia R.; Alves, Marco G; Silva, Joaquina; Barros, Alberto; Sousa, Mário; Casal, Susana; Silva, Branca M.; Oliveira, Pedro F.Sertoli cells are crucial for the success of spermatogenesis, which is the biological process that ensures male fertility. These cells present high metabolic rates, being often subjected to high oxidative stress levels that, if uncontrolled, may compromise male fertility. Since the most abundant tea catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has demonstrated a potent preventive activity against oxidative stress, we have evaluated its effect at concentrations of 5 and 50μM, on the metabolism, mitochondrial functionality and oxidative profile of human Sertoli cells (hSCs). While, the highest concentration of EGCG (50μM) increased glucose and pyruvate consumption, it decreased the conversion of pyruvate to alanine to sustain a regular lactate production. However, despite maintaining Krebs cycle functionality, EGCG (50μM) decreased mitochondrial membrane potential of hSCs, which could compromise the normal rates of ATP production. Interestingly, oxidative damages to proteins and lipids decreased in this experimental group, which may be valuable for the nutritional support of spermatogenesis.