Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3): 259-264.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250025

• Review • Previous Articles    

Research Progress on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Its Inhibitors in the Field of Reproduction

LI Wen-an, FU Sheng-lan, HOU Zhi-jin, MENG Yu-shi()   

  1. Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, China
  • Received:2025-01-09 Published:2025-05-15 Online:2025-06-04
  • Contact: MENG Yu-shi, E-mail: mengyushi0102@163.com

Abstract:

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as a pro-inflammatory factor plays an important role in the pathogenesis of reproductive disease. The overexpression of TNF-α can induce recurrent spontaneous abortion, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and others, which eventually lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. In recent years, with the development of TNF-α research, TNF-α inhibitors have gradually entered the clinical field of vision, providing a new direction for the treatment of reproductive diseases. Studies have shown that TNF-α inhibitors can inhibit the biological activity of TNF-α by blocking its binding to its receptor, thereby reducing the inflammation response and the over activation of the immune system. Thus, TNF-α inhibitors have been shown the potential therapeutic value in a variety of reproductive diseases such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. However, the current research on its efficacy, safety and potential risks is still at the exploratory stage and further research is needed.

Key words: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, Abortion, habitual, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Endometriosis