Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2023, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (6): 487-491.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20230290

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Progress of GDF-9 and BMP-15 on Follicular Development and Insulin Resistance in PCOS

ZHANG Yu-jie, WANG Wen-cheng, ZHANG Ning()   

  1. The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China(ZHANG Yu-jie, WANG Wen-cheng); Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Shandong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China(ZHANG Ning)
  • Received:2023-07-11 Published:2023-11-15 Online:2023-11-09
  • Contact: ZHANG Ning E-mail:ning_zhang1975@163.com

Abstract:

Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) are two members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which participate in the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells and oocytes in the ovary. The GDF-9 and BMP-15 secreted by oocyte affect the development and quality of oocytes, and regulate ovarian function, by the interaction between oocyte and cumulus cells. The abnormal expressions of GDF-9 and BMP-15 affect follicular development and zona pellucida structure, which may be an important link leading to infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). BMP-15 activates the Smad1/5/8 signaling pathway, which is closely related to insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS patients. However, the precise quantification of serum GDF-9 and BMP-15 levels is difficult, and the levels of serum GDF-9 and BMP-15 are difficult to be used as specific markers for the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of PCOS. This article reviews the roles of GDF-9 and BMP-15 in follicular development, the effects of abnormal expression of GDF-9 and BMP-15 on follicular development and IR in PCOS patients, and discusses the potential application value of GDF-9 and BMP-15 in the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Growth differentiation factor 9, Bone morphogenetic protein 15, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Oocytes, Transforming growth factor beta