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

作者：Dias Tania R; Alves Marco G; Bernardino Raquel L; Martins Ana D; Moreira Ana C; Silva Joaquina; Barros Alberto; Sousa Mario; Silva Branca M^*; Oliveira Pedro F

来源：Toxicology, 2015, 328: 12-20.

DOI：10.1016/j.tox.2014.12.003

• Caffeine
• Sertoli cell
• Spermatogenesis
• Cell metabolism
• Lactate
• Male fertility

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.

• 出版日期2015-2-3