Recent patents of TGF-beta family and VEGF associated with ovarian follicular development in mammals.

In mammalian ovary, follicular development in mammals is regulated by the complex process including endocrine, paracrine and autocrine. During the last decade, the role of growth factors in ovarian folliculogenesis has been extensively studied in mammals. In particular, a growing body of evidence indicates that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system plays a key role in follicular development and atresia in the woman, rodents and domestic animal species. More recently, the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and growth differentiation factor (GDF) that belong to TGF-beta family have been shown to be involved in the regulation of follicle growth. In this paper, we will essentially consider the role of these growth factor systems in mammalian ovary. Moreover, we will review recent patents associated with ovarian follicular development in mammals.