Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2023, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (3): 261-264.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20230017

• Review • Previous Articles    

Effect of Iron Overload and Ferroptosis on the Reproductive Function of Endometriosis Patients

CHEN Lu, YANG Chun-xia, SUN Yan, LI Feng, XUE Tong-min, LU Dan()   

  1. Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China (CHEN Lu, YANG Chun-xia, SUN Yan, LI Feng, XUE Tong-min, LU Dan); Reproductive Medical Center, The Northern Jiangsu People′s Hospital, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China (YANG Chun-xia, SUN Yan, LI Feng, XUE Tong-min)
  • Received:2023-01-12 Published:2023-05-15 Online:2023-05-18
  • Contact: LU Dan E-mail:ludan1968@126.com

Abstract:

Endometriosis as an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease may increase the rate of infertility in women of childbearing age by the decreased fertilization, poor oocyte quality and low quality of embryos. Although it is generally believed that endometriosis is related to hormonal, inflammatory, oxidative stress, genetic and other factors, the relevant mechanisms of endometriosis have not been fully clarified. Recently, iron overload and ferroptosis have been widely studied in endometriosis. Iron is a basic element for survival of most organisms including human beings, and iron deficiency may cause the disorder of reproduction. Adequate level of iron can promote embryonic development. However, the epidemiological studies have shown that excessive iron intake or high iron status may be harmful to female reproduction. Here, we focus on the impact of iron overload and ferroptosis in endometriosis on the different aspects of the female reproductive system.

Key words: Endometriosis, Infertility, female, Iron overload, Ferroptosis, Urogenital system