L-theanine modulates human Sertoli cells metabolic and mitochondrial function while maintaining redox homeostasis (original) (raw)

2018, Free Radical Biology and Medicine

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, not only due to its pleasant organoleptic properties, but also to its antioxidant effects. The amino acid L-theanine, which is almost exclusively found in tea leaves, has demonstrated a protective role against oxidative damages in certain cell types. We hypothesized that L-theanine could maintain the in-vitro redox homeostasis of human Sertoli cells (hSCs). The proper functioning of these cells is essential for a successful sperm production. So, we evaluated the effect of L-theanine (50 μM) on the metabolism, mitochondrial functionality, and oxidative damages in hSCs. The exposure of hSCs to L-theanine resulted in an increased hSCs proliferation and a subsequent increase in glucose metabolization through glycolysis. In response to this metabolic adaptation, there was an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, which could result in a redox imbalance. However, no alterations were observed in protein carb...

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