Melatonin and Subfertility

Melatonin alters the glycolytic profile of Sertoli cells: effects on male fertility.

Melatonin and insulin cooperate in order to regulate glucose homeostasis. Within the testes, glucose metabolism in Sertoli somatic cells is vital for spermatogenesis. Given the fact that the effects of melatonin on male reproductive physiology remain largely unknown, the researchers hypothesized that melatonin could affect spermatogenesis by modulating Sertoli cell metabolism interacting with insulin. The findings (in experimental animals) showed that melatonin actually regulates Sertoli cell metabolism and, therefore, may affect spermatogenesis. Since the lactic acid produced by Sertoli cells provides nutritional support and also acts against apoptosis (i.e., programmed cell death) in developing sperm cells, melatonin supplementation can be an effective treatment for diabetic patients who confront infertility issues.

Melatonin alters the glycolytic profile of Sertoli cells: implications for male fertility. Rocha CS, Martins AD, Rato L, Silva BM, Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Mol Hum Reprod. 2014 Sep 9.