Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2023, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (3): 240-244.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20220558

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Mitophagy and Ovarian Function

YANG Zhi-juan, YAO Ting, HOU Hai-yan()   

  1. Department of Reproductive Medicine, Characteristic Medical Center of People′s Armed Police, Tianjin 300162, China (YANG Zhi-juan, HOU Hai-yan); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine·Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, China (YAO Ting)
  • Received:2022-11-28 Published:2023-05-15 Online:2023-05-18
  • Contact: HOU Hai-yan E-mail:houhy2012@hotmail.com

Abstract:

Mitochondria play a crucial role in determining oocyte development ability and ovarian function. Mitophagy is a process that selectively remove the excess or damaged mitochondria. It is associated with the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and cell survival. However, inhibition or overactivation of mitophagy may affect cell function and cell survival. When exposed to adverse environment, oocyte is impaired in the mitochondrial function, inducing excessive mitophagy. Ultimately, the oocyte quality is declined. The mitochondria of the postovulatory aging oocytes are damaged to a certain extent, the application of antioxidants can induce mitophagy in oocytes to remove the damaged mitochondria and improve oocytes development ability. The relationship between oocytes mitophagy and ovarian function, as well as the effects of adverse environmental stimulation and antioxidants on oocyte mitophagy were reviewed in this paper, to provide a theoretical basis for the application of antioxidants to improve oocyte quality in patients with the decreased ovarian reserve.

Key words: Mitophagy, Oocytes, Aging, Ovarian reserve, Antioxidants