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Regulatory Roles of MicroRNAs in Female and Male Human Reproduction: A Narrative Review
Mohadeseh Khoshandam1,2, Leila Naserpour1,3, Mohammad Taghi Hedayati Goudarzi4
1Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 22, 2025
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in human reproduction. Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to infertility, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and novel therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulatory molecules in human reproduction.
- Current understanding of miRNA roles in male and female reproduction is incomplete, with conflicting data.
- miRNAs influence key reproductive processes like spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze studies on miRNA expression in human reproduction.
- To elucidate the biological roles of miRNAs in reproductive function and infertility.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies up to 2023.
- Searched PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar.
- Analyzed 72 selected studies focusing on miRNA expression in infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNA populations are found in reproductive tissues, influencing gametogenesis.
- A consistent association exists between abnormal miRNA expression and infertility.
- Identified miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for male and female infertility.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs play significant roles in human reproductive health and fertility.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is a reliable indicator of infertility.
- miRNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for reproductive disorders.
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