Dose-dependent effects of caffeine in human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile: Relevance for male fertility

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Dias, TR (Author) Other; Alves, MG (Author) Other; Bernardino, RL (Author) Other; Martins, AD (Author) Other; Moreira, AC (Author) Other; Silva, J (Author) Other; barros, a (Author) FMUP; sousa, m (Author) ICBAS; Silva, BM (Author) Other; Oliveira, PF (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Toxicology

Vol. 328

Pages: 12-20

ISSN: 0300-483X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 74 Citations

Scopus - 78 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-2JG

DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.12.003

Abstract (EN): Caffeine is a widely consumed substance present in several beverages. There is an increasing consumption of energetic drinks, rich in caffeine, among young individuals in reproductive age. Caffeine has been described as a modulator of cellular metabolism. Hence, we hypothesized that it alters human Sertoli cells (hSCs) metabolism and oxidative profile, which are essential for spermatogenesis. For that purpose, hSCs were cultured with increasing doses of caffeine (5, 50, 500 mu M). Caffeine at the lowest concentrations (5 and 50 mu M) stimulated lactate production, but only hSCs exposed to 50 mu M showed increased expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs). At the highest concentration (500 mu M), caffeine stimulated LDH activity to sustain lactate production. Notably, the antioxidant capacity of hSCs decreased in a dose-dependent manner and SCs exposed to 500 mu M caffeine presented a pro-oxidant potential, with a concurrent increase of protein oxidative damage. Hence, moderate consumption of caffeine appears to be safe to male reproductive health since it stimulates lactate production by SCs, which can promote germ cells survival. Nevertheless, caution should be taken by heavy consumers of energetic beverages and food supplemented with caffeine to avoid deleterious effects in hSCs functioning and thus, abnormal spermatogenesis.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9