Tang Xianan, Gao Xiaofan, Wu Tong, Wang Shixuan, Gao Yueyue, Zhang Jinjin
National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
J Ovarian Res. 2025 Sep 25;18(1):202. doi: 10.1186/s13048-025-01784-2.
The ovaries play essential roles in providing oocytes for fertilization and secreting sex hormones that regulate various organ functions. Autophagy has been implicated in the modulation of ovarian functions, yet its mechanisms of action are complex and context-dependent. Within the ovary, autophagy fulfills a dual function, serving as a critical mechanism in facilitating oocyte development, maintaining granulosa cell viability, regulating hormone synthesis, ovulation and luteal function. Conversely, dysregulation of autophagy can interact with other death signals, leading to cell death of ovarian cells, and has been linked to the development of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Emerging evidence suggests that pharmacological modulation of autophagy exerts significant therapeutic effects on POI and PCOS. Despite this association, numerous unresolved issues persist in this field of research. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the context-dependent roles of autophagy in ovarian physiology and disorders, and proposes potential applications of autophagy-based interventions as therapeutic strategies for addressing ovarian dysfunctions.
卵巢在提供用于受精的卵母细胞以及分泌调节各种器官功能的性激素方面发挥着重要作用。自噬与卵巢功能的调节有关，但其作用机制复杂且依赖于具体情况。在卵巢内，自噬具有双重功能，是促进卵母细胞发育、维持颗粒细胞活力、调节激素合成、排卵和黄体功能的关键机制。相反，自噬失调可与其他死亡信号相互作用，导致卵巢细胞死亡，并与卵巢储备功能减退（DOR）、卵巢早衰（POI）和多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）的发生有关。新出现的证据表明，自噬的药理学调节对POI和PCOS具有显著的治疗作用。尽管存在这种关联，但该研究领域仍存在许多未解决的问题。本文全面概述了自噬在卵巢生理和疾病中依赖于具体情况的作用，并提出了基于自噬的干预措施作为治疗卵巢功能障碍的治疗策略的潜在应用。
