Tânia R Dias1,2,3, Raquel L Bernardino2, Marco G Alves2, Joaquina Silva4, Alberto Barros4,5,6, Mário Sousa2,4, Susana Casal3, Branca M Silva7, Pedro F Oliveira8,9,10. 1. Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal. 2. Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. 3. LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. 4. Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal. 5. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. 6. i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. 7. Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal. bmcms@gmail.com. 8. Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. pfobox@gmail.com. 9. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. pfobox@gmail.com. 10. i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. pfobox@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of a dose of L-theanine attained by tea intake (5 μM) or a pharmacological dose (50 μM) on the metabolism (proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Western blot), mitochondrial functionality (protein expression of mitochondrial complexes and JC1 ratio) and oxidative profile (carbonyl levels, nitration and lipid peroxidation) of cultured hSCs. RESULTS: Exposure of hSCs to 50 µM of L-theanine increased cell proliferation and glucose consumption. In response to this metabolic adaptation, there was an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, which may compromise the prooxidant-antioxidant balance. Still, no alterations were observed regarding the oxidative damages. CONCLUSIONS: A pharmacological dose of L-theanine (50 µM) prompts an increase in hSCs proliferation and a higher glucose metabolization to sustain the pool of Krebs cycle intermediates, which are crucial for cellular bioenergetics and biosynthesis. This study suggests an interplay between glycolysis and glutaminolysis in the regulation of hSCs metabolism.
PURPOSE: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. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of a dose of L-theanine attained by tea intake (5 μM) or a pharmacological dose (50 μM) on the metabolism (proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Western blot), mitochondrial functionality (protein expression of mitochondrial complexes and JC1 ratio) and oxidative profile (carbonyl levels, nitration and lipid peroxidation) of cultured hSCs. RESULTS: Exposure of hSCs to 50 µM of L-theanine increased cell proliferation and glucose consumption. In response to this metabolic adaptation, there was an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, which may compromise the prooxidant-antioxidant balance. Still, no alterations were observed regarding the oxidative damages. CONCLUSIONS: A pharmacological dose of L-theanine (50 µM) prompts an increase in hSCs proliferation and a higher glucose metabolization to sustain the pool of Krebs cycle intermediates, which are crucial for cellular bioenergetics and biosynthesis. This study suggests an interplay between glycolysis and glutaminolysis in the regulation of hSCs metabolism.
Authors: Tânia R Dias; Marco G Alves; Luís Rato; Susana Casal; Branca M Silva; Pedro F Oliveira Journal: J Nutr Biochem Date: 2016-08-26 Impact factor: 6.048
Authors: Marco G Alves; Sílvia Socorro; Joaquina Silva; Alberto Barros; Mário Sousa; José E Cavaco; Pedro F Oliveira Journal: Biochim Biophys Acta Date: 2012-06-12
Authors: Tânia R Dias; Marco G Alves; Joaquina Silva; Alberto Barros; Mário Sousa; Susana Casal; Branca M Silva; Pedro F Oliveira Journal: Toxicol In Vitro Date: 2017-03-18 Impact factor: 3.500
Authors: Tânia R Dias; Marco G Alves; Raquel L Bernardino; Ana D Martins; Ana C Moreira; Joaquina Silva; Alberto Barros; Mário Sousa; Branca M Silva; Pedro F Oliveira Journal: Toxicology Date: 2014-12-05 Impact factor: 4.221
Authors: Yang Li; Min Yang; Lijia Zhang; Zhengyu Mao; Yan Lin; Shengyu Xu; Zhengfeng Fang; Lianqiang Che; Bin Feng; Jian Li; Yong Zhuo Journal: Front Vet Sci Date: 2022-05-12