A scoping review regarding reproductive capacity modulation based on alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation

Area of Science:

• Metabolic pathways and reproductive biology
• Epigenetic regulation and cellular processes
• Toxicology and oxidative stress mitigation

Background:

• Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate.
• It plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, epigenetics, and signaling.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive overview of its impact on reproductive capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on exogenous alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation.
• To explore its effects on reproductive performance and underlying mechanisms.
• To identify gaps in the current research landscape.

Main Methods:

• A registered scoping review was conducted.
• Searches were performed across major scientific databases (PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE).
• Twenty-one studies employing experimental models were critically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Exogenous alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation demonstrated dose- and sex-dependent effects.
• It modulated pluripotency gene expression, influencing stem cell dynamics.
• The metabolite mitigated heavy metal-induced damage, reduced oxidative stress, and extended lifespan.
• Improvements in oocyte quality, quantity, and delayed reproductive aging were observed.

Conclusions:

• Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation shows significant promise for enhancing reproductive performance.
• It supports metabolic and endocrine health, crucial for fertility.
• Further research, particularly in human subjects, is warranted to confirm these findings.