Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3): 253-258.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250053

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Research Progress on Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome in Endometriosis

ZHANG Meng-yu, YIN Yao-xue, HOU Zhen()   

  1. Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
  • Received:2024-02-06 Published:2025-05-15 Online:2025-06-04
  • Contact: HOU Zhen, E-mail: zhhou1981@126.com

Abstract:

Endometriosis (EMs) is a common disease among women of reproductive age, with approximately 30%-50% of EMs patients experiencing infertility. The mechanisms underlying infertility in EMs include ovulation disorders, reduced oocyte quality, abnormal embryo development, alterations in tubal and pelvic environments. Among these mechanisms, the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS) represents a critical mechanism contributing to the infertility caused by ovulation disorders in EMs. EMs can disrupt the follicular microenvironment, granulosa cell function, and follicular development through mutiple pathways involving inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine dysregulation, and epigenetic abnormalities, thereby increasing the risk of LUFS. Although assisted reproductive technology (ART) offers the hope for EMs patients seeking to conceive, the high incidence of LUFS poses significant challenges for oocyte retrieval. Understanding the mechanisms linking EMs to LUFS can provide a foundation for developing targeted pharmacological therapies and improving ART outcomes in EMs patients.

Key words: Endometriosis, Infertility, female, Ovulation, Ovulation induction, Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome