l-Theanine promotes cultured human Sertoli cells proliferation and modulates glucose 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.