Modulation of Sertoli Cell Metabolism

The metabolic cooperation established between testicular cells is a complex event that depends of the correct functioning of several metabolic pathways. These events are controlled through a complex network of signals that ultimately can modulate spermatogenesis. In these metabolic processes, multiple signaling cascades are triggered by hormones, proteins, metabolic products, growth factors, cytokines and many other factors. Of note, although Sertoli cell metabolism plays a crucial event to the normal occurrence of spermatogenesis, the effect of diseases and environmental pollution in the metabolic cooperation between testicular cells has not captured the attention of researchers for many years. Nevertheless, recent advances have highlighted that the metabolism of testicular cells is a target of several diseases, particularly those associated with alterations of whole body metabolic state, shedding some light over the subfertility/infertility complications that individuals suffering from those diseases exhibit. It is known that the reproductive potential of men decreases with age. For many years this outcome was attributed to cell senesce and biological aging. Nowadays it has been shown that exposure to contaminants, food intake and factors related to lifestyle may not only explain the decrease of fertility with advanced age, but also in males within reproductive age. Thus, it is crucial to discuss the factors that are responsible for the control of Sertoli cell metabolism and also how these factors are altered by diseases and exposure to toxicants that clearly induce a decrease of male fertility.