Unveiling uterine aging: Much more to learn
Yaling Wu1, Milu Li1, Jinjin Zhang1
1National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Ageing Research Reviews
|February 10, 2023
Summary
Uterine aging negatively affects fertility and reproductive health by impairing endometrial receptivity through stem cell senescence. Emerging interventions like stem cell therapy show promise for improving reproductive outcomes in aging females.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Gerontology
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging
Background:
- Uterine aging significantly impacts female fertility, reproductive health, and increases the risk of uterus-related diseases.
- Functional disturbances are linked to abnormal endometrial hormonal responses and reduced endometrial receptivity.
- These changes are increasingly attributed to endometrial stem cell senescence and impaired decidualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current findings on uterine aging.
- To elucidate the functional and structural alterations associated with uterine aging.
- To discuss potential cellular and molecular mechanisms and protective interventions against uterine aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings on uterine aging.
- Analysis of molecular activities implicated in uterine aging, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage response, and cellular senescence.
- Evaluation of emerging protective strategies, including stem cell therapy, anti-aging drugs, and herbal medicines.
Main Results:
- Uterine aging involves complex molecular processes including oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and cellular senescence.
- Endometrial stem cell senescence and impaired decidualization are key contributors to reduced endometrial receptivity.
- Various interventions targeting these pathways have shown promising results in preclinical studies.
Conclusions:
- Uterine aging is a multifactorial process impacting reproductive health through cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve fertility and reproductive outcomes.
- Further research and clinical translation of protective strategies are needed to address uterine aging effectively.
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