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

Toxicology. 2015 Feb 3:328:12-20. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.12.003. Epub 2014 Dec 5.

Abstract

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 μM). Caffeine at the lowest concentrations (5 and 50 μM) stimulated lactate production, but only hSCs exposed to 50 μM showed increased expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs). At the highest concentration (500 μM), 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 μM 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.

Keywords: Caffeine; Cell metabolism; Lactate; Male fertility; Sertoli cell; Spermatogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caffeine / pharmacology*
  • Caffeine / toxicity
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative / drug effects
  • Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative / metabolism
  • Humans
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Phosphofructokinase-1 / metabolism
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sertoli Cells / drug effects*
  • Sertoli Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative
  • Lactic Acid
  • Caffeine
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Phosphofructokinase-1