Reproductive Ageing: Inflammation, immune cells, and cellular senescence in the aging ovary

Recent reports suggest a relationship between ovarian inflammation and functional declines, although it remains unresolved if ovarian inflammation is the cause or consequence of ovarian aging. In this review, we compile the available literature in this area and point to several current knowledge gaps that should be addressed through future studies.

Ovarian aging results in reduced fertility, disrupted endocrine signaling, and an increased burden of chronic diseases. The factors contributing to the natural decline of ovarian follicles throughout reproductive life are not fully understood. Nevertheless, local inflammation may play an important role in driving ovarian aging. Inflammation progressively rises in aged ovaries during the reproductive window, potentially affecting fertility. In addition to inflammatory markers, recent studies show an accumulation of specific immune cell populations in aging ovaries, particularly lymphocytes. Other hallmarks of the aging ovary include the formation and accumulation of multinucleated giant cells, increased collagen deposition, and increased markers of cellular senescence. Collectively, these changes significantly impact the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes. This review explores recent literature on the alterations associated with inflammation, fibrosis, cell senescence, and the accumulation of immune cells in the aging ovary.