Decreased oocyte quality in patients with endometriosis is closely related to abnormal granulosa cells

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Aug 16:14:1226687. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1226687. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Infertility and menstrual abnormalities in endometriosis patients are frequently caused by aberrant follicular growth or a reduced ovarian reserve. Endometriosis typically does not directly harm the oocyte, but rather inhibits the function of granulosa cells, resulting in a decrease in oocyte quality. Granulosa cells, as oocyte nanny cells, can regulate meiosis, provide the most basic resources required for oocyte development, and influence ovulation. Endometriosis affects oocyte development and quality by causing granulosa cells apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, steroid synthesis obstacle, and aberrant mitochondrial energy metabolism. These aberrant states frequently interact with one another, however there is currently relatively little research in this field to understand the mechanism of linkage between abnormal states.

Keywords: endometriosis; granulosa cells; infertility; mechanism; oocytes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Endometriosis* / complications
  • Female
  • Granulosa Cells
  • Humans
  • Meiosis
  • Oocytes

Grants and funding

This research was supported by Scientific planning project of youth education in Shandong province Undergraduate Academic Project (23BSH251); The Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2021MH404); Ji ‘nan Science and Technology Innovation Development Plan (202225006).