Exploring the innovative application of cerium oxide nanoparticles for addressing oxidative stress in ovarian tissue...

The female reproductive system dysfunction considerably affects the overall health of women and children on a global scale. Over the decade, the incidence of reproductive disorders has become a significant source of suffering for women. Infertility in women may be caused by a range of acquired and congenital abnormalities. Ovaries play a central role in the female reproductive function. Any defect in the normal functioning of these endocrine organs causes health issues and reproductive challenges extending beyond infertility, as the hormones interact with other tissues and biological processes in the body. The complex pathophysiology of ovarian disorders makes it a multifactorial disease. The key etiological factors associated with the diseases include genetic factors, hormonal imbalance, environmental and lifestyle factors, inflammatory conditions, oxidative stress, autoimmune diseases, metabolic factors, and age. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to disease development and progression affecting the oocyte quality, fertilization, embryo development, and implantation. The choice of treatment for ovarian disorders varies among individuals and has associated complications. Reproductive tissue engineering holds great promise for overcoming the challenges associated with the current therapeutic approach to tissue regeneration. Furthermore, incorporating nanotechnology into tissue engineering could offer an efficient treatment strategy. This review provides an overview of incorporating antioxidant nanomaterials for engineering ovarian tissue to address the disease recurrence and associated pathophysiology. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) are prioritized for evaluation primarily due to their antioxidant properties. In conclusion, the review explores the potential applications of CeO₂ NPs for effective and clinically significant ovarian tissue regeneration.