Results
Title

Methionine Supplementation Alleviates the Germ Cell Apoptosis Increased by Maternal Caffeine Intake in a C. elegans Model.

Authors

Min, Hyemin; Kim, Juhae; Lee, Mijin; Kang, Sangwon; Shim, Yhong-Hee

Abstract

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a widely consumed bioactive substance worldwide. Our recent study showed that a reduction in both reproduction and yolk protein production (vitellogenesis) caused by caffeine intake were improved by vitamin B12 supplementation, which is an essential co-factor in methionine metabolism. In the current study, we investigated the role of methionine in the reproduction of caffeine-ingested animals (CIAs). We assessed the effect of methionine metabolism on CIAs and found that caffeine intake decreased both methionine levels and essential enzymes related to the methionine cycle. Furthermore, we found that the caffeine-induced impairment of methionine metabolism decreased vitellogenesis and increased germ cell apoptosis in an LIN-35/RB-dependent manner. Interestingly, the increased germ cell apoptosis was restored to normal levels by methionine supplementation in CIAs. These results indicate that methionine supplementation plays a beneficial role in germ cell health and offspring development by regulating vitellogenesis.

Subjects

METHIONINE metabolism; DRINKING (Physiology); CAFFEINE; BIOLOGICAL models; PROTEINS; GERM cells; MATERNAL exposure; RESEARCH funding; APOPTOSIS; CELL physiology; NEMATODES; VITAMIN B complex; ENZYMES; HUMAN reproduction; ANIMAL experimentation; CAENORHABDITIS elegans; ORGANIC compounds; DIETARY supplements; PREGNANCY

Publication

Nutrients, 2024, Vol 16, Issue 6, p894

ISSN

2072-6643

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.3390/nu16060894