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Autophagy in hypoxic ovary

Anil Kumar Yadav1, Pramod K Yadav1, Govind R Chaudhary1

  • 1Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|May 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, triggers cell death pathways in the mammalian ovary, impacting female reproductive health. This study suggests hypoxia-induced autophagy contributes to germ cell loss, potentially causing early menopause.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cellular Physiology
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) significantly impacts systemic and cellular physiology.
  • Hypoxia induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, negatively affecting female reproductive health, specifically ovarian and oocyte physiology.
  • Degenerative changes in the mammalian ovary, including cell death pathways like autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis, are observed under hypoxic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of hypoxia-induced autophagy in mammalian ovarian germ cell elimination.
  • To explore the potential link between hypoxia-mediated germ cell depletion and reproductive impairments such as early menopause.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on hypoxia, oxidative stress, and autophagy in mammalian ovarian cells.
  • Analysis of proposed signaling pathways (AMPK-mTOR, ER stress/UPR, PKCδ-JNK1) involved in hypoxia-induced autophagy.
  • Hypothesized mechanisms of nutrient deprivation and ROS generation impacting granulosa cells and oocytes.

Main Results:

  • Hypoxia induces various cell death pathways, including autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis, within the ovarian follicle.
  • Somatic cell death disrupts nutrient supply to the oocyte, potentially generating ROS and inducing autophagy in granulosa cells and oocytes.
  • Hypoxia-induced autophagy in ovarian cells may be mediated by conserved signaling pathways observed in somatic cells.

Conclusions:

  • Hypoxia-induced autophagy in granulosa cells and oocytes is proposed as a significant factor in germ cell elimination from the mammalian ovary.
  • Hypoxia-mediated germ cell depletion could be a contributing cause of reproductive impairments, including premature menopause.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing female reproductive health issues related to oxygen deprivation.
Keywords:
Beclin 1Follicular atresiaGranulosa cellsHIF-1αOocyte

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