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Review

Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies

1
Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
3
Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
4
Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
5
Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1-5 Hoegidong Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
6
Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cells 2024, 13(16), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161354
Submission received: 16 July 2024 / Revised: 6 August 2024 / Accepted: 13 August 2024 / Published: 14 August 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)

Abstract

Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanism essential for maintaining internal stability, plays a crucial function in female reproductive ability. In this review, we discuss the complex interplay between autophagy and several facets of female reproductive health, encompassing pregnancy, ovarian functions, gynecologic malignancies, endometriosis, and infertility. Existing research emphasizes the crucial significance of autophagy in embryo implantation, specifically in the endometrium, highlighting its necessity in ensuring proper fetal development. Although some knowledge has been gained, there is still a lack of research on the specific molecular impacts of autophagy on the quality of oocytes, the growth of follicles, and general reproductive health. Autophagy plays a role in the maturation, quality, and development of oocytes. It is also involved in reproductive aging, contributing to reductions in reproductive function that occur with age. This review explores the physiological functions of autophagy in the female reproductive system, its participation in reproductive toxicity, and its important connections with the endometrium and embryo. In addition, this study investigates the possibility of emerging treatment approaches that aim to modify autophagy, using both natural substances and synthetic molecules, to improve female fertility and reproductive outcomes. Additionally, this review intends to inspire future exploration into the intricate role of autophagy in female reproductive health by reviewing recent studies and pinpointing areas where current knowledge is lacking. Subsequent investigations should prioritize the conversion of these discoveries into practical uses in the medical field, which could potentially result in groundbreaking therapies for infertility and other difficulties related to reproduction. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the many effects of autophagy on female fertility would not only further the field of reproductive biology but also open new possibilities for diagnostic and treatment methods.
Keywords: autophagy; female fertility; oocyte quality; follicular development; reproductive aging; therapeutic interventions autophagy; female fertility; oocyte quality; follicular development; reproductive aging; therapeutic interventions

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Harrath, A.H.; Rahman, M.A.; Bhajan, S.K.; Bishwas, A.K.; Rahman, M.H.; Alwasel, S.; Jalouli, M.; Kang, S.; Park, M.N.; Kim, B. Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies. Cells 2024, 13, 1354. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161354

AMA Style

Harrath AH, Rahman MA, Bhajan SK, Bishwas AK, Rahman MH, Alwasel S, Jalouli M, Kang S, Park MN, Kim B. Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies. Cells. 2024; 13(16):1354. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161354

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harrath, Abdel Halim, Md Ataur Rahman, Sujay Kumar Bhajan, Anup Kumar Bishwas, MD. Hasanur Rahman, Saleh Alwasel, Maroua Jalouli, Sojin Kang, Moon Nyeo Park, and Bonglee Kim. 2024. "Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies" Cells 13, no. 16: 1354. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161354

APA Style

Harrath, A. H., Rahman, M. A., Bhajan, S. K., Bishwas, A. K., Rahman, M. H., Alwasel, S., Jalouli, M., Kang, S., Park, M. N., & Kim, B. (2024). Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies. Cells, 13(16), 1354. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161354

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