Abstract: Decreased ovarian reserve (DOR), a premature low fertility, is associated with the low pregnancy rate, high miscarriage rate and high incidence of obstetric complications. Mitochondria are the energy supply center, which involved in a series of important physiological processes such as oocyte maturation and fertilization. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a genetic material independent of the nuclear genome. Mitochondrial genetic abnormalities such as change in mitochondrial number, deletion of mtDNA fragments and mutation affect mitochondrial function result in the decreased energy production, thereby affecting oocyte development. In recent years, biologists have made some progress in using the mitochondrial transplantation to improve oocyte quality in patients with DOR. Therefore, we discuss the DOR etiology related to mitochondria, so as to provide a new idea for the future study of DOR mechanism.

Key words: Ovarian failure, premature, Mitochondria, DNA, mitochondrial, Fertility