Background: Ovarian function is closely related to the degree of vascular network development surrounding the ovary. Maternal aging-related construction defects in this vascular network can cause ovarian hypoxia, which impedes oocyte nutrient supply, leading to physiological changes in the ovaries and oocytes. The anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) senses and adapts to ambient stress and is associated with hypoxic environments and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Methods: The present study is a literature review focusing on investigations involving the changes in SIRT1 and mitochondrial expression during hypoxia and the cytoprotective effects of the SIRT1 activator, resveratrol.
Main findings: Hypoxia suppresses SIRT1 and mitochondrial expression. Resveratrol can reverse the hypoxia-induced decrease in mitochondrial and SIRT1 activity. Resveratrol suppresses the production of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins.
Conclusion: Resveratrol exhibits protective activity against hypoxic stress and may prevent hypoxia- or aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Resveratrol treatment may be a potential option for infertility therapy.
Keywords: aging; hypoxia; mitochondria; resveratrol; sirtuin 1.
© 2021 The Authors. Reproductive Medicine and Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine.