Dias, Tânia R.Alves, Marco GSilva, JoaquinaBarros, AlbertoSousa, MárioCasal, SusanaSilva, Branca M.Oliveira, Pedro F.2020-02-172020-02-172017http://hdl.handle.net/10400.6/9281Sertoli 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.engAlanineCatechinCell ProliferationCells CulturedGlucoseGlucose Transporter Type 2GlycolysisHumansL-Lactate DehydrogenaseMaleMembrane Potential MitochondrialMonocarboxylic Acid TransportersMuscle ProteinsOxidative StressPyruvic AcidSertoli Cellsjournal article10.1016/j.tiv.2017.03.006