Vitamin C and oxidative stress in the seminiferous epithelium

Abstract

In this article, we focus on the fundamental role of vitamin C transporters for the normal delivery of vitamin C to germ cells in the adluminal compartment of seminiferous tubules. We argue that the redox status within spermatozoa or in semen is partly responsible for the etiology of infertility. In this context, antioxidant defence plays a critical role in male fertility. Vitamin C, a micronutrient required for a wide variety of metabolic functions, has long been associated with male reproduction. Two systems for vitamin C transport have been described in mammals. Facilitative hexose transporters (GLUTs), with 14 known isoforms to date, GLUT1-GLUT14, transport the oxidized form of vitamin C (dehydroascorbic acid) into the cells. Sodium ascorbic acid co-transporters (SVCTs), SVCT1 and SVCT2 transport the reduced form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Sertoli cells control germ cell proliferation and differentiation through cell-cell communication and form the blood-testis barrier. Because the blood-testis barrier limits direct access of molecules from the plasma into the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubule, one important question is the method by which germ cells obtain vitamin C. Some interesting results have thrown light on this matter. Expression of SVCT2 and some isoforms of GLUT transporters in the testis have previously been described. Our group has demonstrated that Sertoli cells express functionally active vitamin C transporters. Kinetic characteristics were described for both transport systems (SVCT and GLUT systems). Sertoli cells are able to transport both forms of vitamin C. These fi ndings are extremely relevant, because Sertoli cells may control the amount of vitamin C in the adluminal compartment, as well as regulating the availability of this metabolite throughout spermatogenesis.

Utilization of tyrosine‐ and histidine‐containing dipeptides to enhance productivity and culture viability

“…MGS was also detected in Sertoli primary culture (Fig. 1A, images d and e), confirming the validation of cell line 42GPA9 as previously demonstrated by transferrin, sulfated glycoprotein‐2, vitamin C and glucose transporters (SVCTs and GLUTs), and these cells also retained FSH receptors as suggested by their specific responsiveness to the gonadotropin and the detection of FSH receptor mRNAs [Bourdon et al, 1998; Angulo et al, 2008, 2011]. MGS amount present in Sertoli and male germ cell lines was estimated by an enzymatic assay (Fig.…”

Vitamin C mitigates heat damage by reducing oxidative stress, inducing HSP expression in TM4 Sertoli cells

“…It is well known that Vc is an essential nutrient that is able to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and retard ROS‐induced cellular damage (Angulo et al, ; Imik et al, ; Sahin et al, ; Yin et al, ). In addition, pharmacological doses of Vc administered intravenously exhibits the potent anticancer activity (Chen, Espey, et al, ; Hoffer et al, ; Padayatty et al, ; Padayatty et al, ).…”

Dietary intake of high‐dose biotin inhibits spermatogenesis in young rats

“…A vitamin C deficiency also disturbs spermatogenesis; therefore, the dietary prescription of vitamin C has been shown to protect germ cells from oxidative stress throughout spermatogenesis in humans (Angulo et al. ). Fat‐soluble vitamins have also been associated with the endocrinological function and development of the testes.…”