The Role of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Obstetric and Gynecological Diseases

doi:10.12280/gjszjk.20240350

Abstract

Abstract:

The growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) as a cytokine regulates systemic energy balance and responds to stress. The expression and secretion of GDF15 from various organs and tissues could show the significant difference in the different physiological and pathophysiological states. The recent studies have showed that the expression of GDF15 is increased in endometriosis and gynecological malignancies, and that the expression of GDF15 is at the different level at the different stages of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Adolescent PCOS patients have insufficient endogenous secretion of GDF15, while childbearing period PCOS patients have increased GDF15 expression. In addition to the above, GDF15 is high-specifically expressed in placental tissue and participates in multiple pathological processes of pregnancy. For example, during the first trimester of pregnancy, the excessive GDF15 may increase the risk of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum, while the insufficient GDF15 may contribute to the occurrence of spontaneous abortion. During the second and third trimester, the abnormally high expression of GDF15 may be closely associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational anemia. In this review, the role of GDF15 in obstetrics and gynecology-related diseases is summarized to provide more references for further research on the molecular mechanism of GDF15.

Key words: Growth differentiation factor 15, Pregnancy complications, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Endometriosis, Genital neoplasms, female

SHI Bai-chao, MA Hong-li, WANG Yu, ZHU Meng-yi, LIU Yang, MA Ying-qi, WU Xiao-ke. The Role of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Obstetric and Gynecological Diseases[J]. Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning, 2025, 44(1): 78-83.

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