Abstract:

Ovulatory dysfunction infertility, a common type of infertility, is due to the anovulation or oligo-ovulation because of endocrine disorders, chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, drug toxicity, ovarian lesions and other factors, which affect the combination of sperm and oocytes. Autophagy is an important way for the degradation and reuse of cell components. It occurs in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including ovarian reserve, follicular development and atresia. Studies have shown that the abnormal autophagy in the ovary results in a variety of diseases causing ovulation disorders. For example, the autophagy activity is increased in polycystic ovary syndrome, abnormally increased or decreased in premature ovarian insufficiency and premature ovarian failure, and suppressed in ovarian endometriosis cysts. Multiple signaling pathways including mTOR are involved in the regulation of autophagy in follicular granulosa cells and oocytes. Deletion and mutation of key autophagy factors, as well as over activation, affect the proliferation, apoptosis and secretion of follicular cells, thus hindering the normal development and ovulation of follicles. Metformin and some hormone drugs can participate in the regulation of autophagy. In conclusion, autophagy may play a role in the development of ovulatory dysfunction infertility.

Key words: Autophagy, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Premature ovarian insufficiency, Primary ovarian insufficiency, Ovarian endometriosis cyst