Ex vivo-cultured Sertoli cells as a tool to unravel the effects of obesogens in male fertility

Abstract

This presentation explored the use of ex vivo–cultured Sertoli cells as a model to investigate the impact of obesogens on male fertility. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and its association with metabolic and reproductive dysfunctions, the study focused on tributyltin (TBT), a well-known environmental obesogen. Sertoli cells isolated from prepubertal Wistar rats were exposed to low concentrations of TBT to assess metabolic and oxidative alterations. The results demonstrated that TBT significantly disrupted glucose metabolism, increased oxidative stress, impaired antioxidant defenses, and altered regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. These findings highlight the vulnerability of Sertoli cell metabolism to obesogens and their potential role in obesity-related male infertility.