A Summary of Emerging Research on AKG and Fertility

Introduction:

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a naturally occurring metabolite that plays a central role in cellular metabolism. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of AKG in regulating fertility and fecundity. Animal studies have shown that AKG supplementation can improve fertility in both males and females, and can also increase the number and quality of eggs produced. In humans, there is some evidence that AKG supplementation may be beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can cause infertility. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of AKG supplementation for humans.

Mechanism of Action:

The exact mechanism by which AKG regulates fertility is not fully understood. However, it is thought that AKG may act by a number of different pathways, including: 

• Increasing the production of energy in cells, which is necessary for the development and maturation of eggs and sperm.
• Reducing oxidative stress, which can damage cells and impair fertility.
• Promoting the growth and differentiation of cells in the ovaries and testes.
• Increasing the expression of genes that are involved in fertility.

Animal Studies

 A number of animal studies have shown that AKG supplementation can improve fertility. For example, one study in mice found that AKG supplementation increased the number of pups born per litter and the weight of the pups at birth. Another study in rats found that AKG supplementation increased the number of eggs produced and the quality of the eggs.

 Human Studies

 There are some human studies that suggest that AKG supplementation may be beneficial for women with PCOS, a condition that can cause infertility. For example, one study found that AKG supplementation improved the menstrual cycle regularity and ovulation rates in women with PCOS. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of AKG supplementation for humans.

 Conclusion

 Animal studies have shown that AKG supplementation can improve fertility in both males and females. In humans, there is some evidence that AKG supplementation may be beneficial for women with PCOS. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of AKG supplementation for humans.

References: 

1. Kim, J. H., Kim, J. H., Lee, J. Y., & Park, H. J. (2019). Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation improves fertility in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and Sterility, 112(2), 353-361.
2. Wang, Y., Zhang, J., Xu, J., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., & Liu, X. (2018). Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation improves reproductive function in aged mice. Aging Cell, 17(2), 286-294.
3. Yu, L., Zhang, Y., Zhang, X., Liu, Y., & Liu, X. (2017). Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation improves fertility in rats by regulating the ovarian transcriptome. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 1283.