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Molecular Mechanisms of Negative Effect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Oogenesis and Meiotic Processes in Oocytes

Stefka Delimitreva1, Ana Blagoeva1, Irina Chakarova1

  • 1Department of Biology, Medical University of Sofia, 2 Zdrave Street, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) damages ovarian reserve and oocyte quality by affecting meiosis. This review details how SLE-induced inflammation, hormonal changes, and autoantibodies harm ovarian tissue and oocyte structures.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women of reproductive age.
  • SLE pathology negatively impacts ovarian reserve and oocyte quality.
  • Meiosis, the process of cell division for gametes, is particularly vulnerable to SLE-related damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms underlying lupus-induced ovarian tissue damage.
  • To elucidate how SLE affects the precise mechanisms of oocyte meiosis.
  • To summarize the impact of SLE on critical oocyte structures.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing data on SLE and reproductive health.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in lupus pathogenesis.
  • Examination of studies detailing oocyte structure and function in SLE.

Main Results:

  • Chronic inflammation in SLE contributes to ovarian damage.
  • Impaired hormonal levels in SLE affect ovarian function.
  • Specific autoantibodies in SLE can directly target ovarian tissue and oocytes.
  • SLE impacts meiotic spindle, cytoskeleton, organelles, and chromatin in oocytes.

Conclusions:

  • SLE significantly compromises female fertility through direct and indirect mechanisms.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing reproductive health in women with SLE.
  • Further research is needed to develop targeted therapies for SLE-related infertility.
Keywords:
meiosisoocyteoogenesissystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

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