Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.
Genes (Basel). 2024 Sep 12;15(9):1201. doi: 10.3390/genes15091201.
Blood-testis barrier (BTB) genes are crucial for the cellular mechanisms of spermatogenesis as they protect against detrimental cytotoxic agents, chemicals, and pathogens, thereby maintaining a sterile environment necessary for sperm development. BTB proteins predominantly consist of extensive tight and gap junctions formed between Sertoli cells. These junctions form a crucial immunological barrier restricting the intercellular movement of substances and molecules within the adluminal compartment. Epithelial tight junctions are complex membrane structures composed of various integral membrane proteins, including claudins, zonula occludens-1, and occludin. Inter-testicular cell junction proteins undergo a constant process of degradation and renewal. In addition, the downregulation of genes crucial to the development and preservation of cell junctions could disrupt the functionality of the BTB, potentially leading to male infertility. Oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to disrupted spermatogenesis, resulting in male infertility. L-cysteine is a precursor to glutathione, a crucial antioxidant that helps mitigate damage and inflammation resulting from oxidative stress. Preclinical research indicates that L-cysteine may offer protective benefits against testicular injury and promote the expression of BTB genes. This review emphasizes various BTB genes essential for preserving its structural integrity and facilitating spermatogenesis and male fertility. Furthermore, it consolidates various research findings suggesting that L-cysteine may promote the expression of BTB-associated genes, thereby aiding in the maintenance of testicular functions.
血睾屏障 (BTB) 基因对于精子发生的细胞机制至关重要，因为它们可以防止有害的细胞毒性物质、化学物质和病原体，从而维持精子发育所需的无菌环境。BTB 蛋白主要由 Sertoli 细胞之间形成的广泛紧密和间隙连接组成。这些连接形成了一个重要的免疫屏障，限制了细胞内物质和分子在腔室中的细胞间运动。上皮紧密连接是由各种整合膜蛋白组成的复杂膜结构，包括 Claudin、zonula occludens-1 和 Occludin。细胞间连接蛋白不断经历降解和更新的过程。此外，对细胞连接发育和维持至关重要的基因下调可能会破坏 BTB 的功能，导致男性不育。氧化应激和炎症可能导致精子发生紊乱，导致男性不育。L-半胱氨酸是谷胱甘肽的前体，谷胱甘肽是一种重要的抗氧化剂，可以帮助减轻氧化应激引起的损伤和炎症。临床前研究表明，L-半胱氨酸可能对睾丸损伤具有保护作用，并促进 BTB 基因的表达。这篇综述强调了各种对维持 BTB 结构完整性和促进精子发生和男性生育至关重要的 BTB 基因。此外，它还整合了各种研究结果，表明 L-半胱氨酸可能促进 BTB 相关基因的表达，从而有助于维持睾丸功能。
