A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Chromium Picolinate on Testicular Steroidogenesis and Antioxidant Balance

abstract

Low testosterone (T) levels are a major cause of male infertility, as this hormone is crucial for several processes throughout the entire male reproductive tract. Leydig cells (LC) produce T through testicular steroidogenesis. Disrupted LC function can hinder steroid production and fertility. Among the factors that affect steroidogenesis, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) raise concerns, as they disturb hormonal signaling. Chromium is classified as an EDC, and its main forms are hexavalent (Cr(VI)) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). While Cr(III) is controversially regarded as an essential metal, its compound Cr(III) picolinate (CrPic(3)) is used as a nutritional supplement due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This review aims to identify the possible effects of CrPic(3 )on testicular steroidogenesis and thus, on male fertility. The detriments caused by CrPic(3) in LC include the inhibition of enzymes involved in steroidogenesis, and, as in other cells, the induction of mutagenesis and apoptosis. Remarkably, CrPic(3) impacts male fertility through the alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), T levels, and sperm parameters (sperm motility and abnormal sperm count). However, gaps and inconsistencies exist in the literature concerning its effects on male fertility. Thus, further research is imperative to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of CrPic(3 )in the physiological processes relevant to male fertility, ensuring the supplement's safety for use by men.

keywords

INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS; HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM; TNF-ALPHA; PRENATAL EXPOSURE; CELL-CYCLE; APOPTOSIS; SUPPLEMENTATION; INSULIN; PROTEIN; DAMAGE

subject category

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Pharmacology & Pharmacy; Food Science & Technology

authors

Moreira, R; Martins, AD; Alves, MG; Pereira, MD; Oliveira, PF

our authors

acknowledgements

This research was funded by "Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia"-FCT to LAQV-REQUIMTE (UIDB/50006/2020), UMIB (UIDB/00215/2020, and UIDP/00215/2020); ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (LA/P/0064/2020); and CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020, and LA/P/0006/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC (PIDDAC). Pedro F. Oliveira (CEECINST/00026/2018), Marco G. Alves (2021.03439.CEECIND), and Ana D. Martins (2022.05444.CEECIND) were funded by national funds through FCT-Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the Scientific Employment Stimulus. The work was co-funded by FEDER through the COMPETE/QREN, FSE/POPHand POCI-COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007491) funds.

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