Classification of Atretic Small Antral Follicles in the Human Ovary.
Int J Mol Sci
; 24(23)2023 Nov 28.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38069168
ABSTRACT
The reproductive lifespan in humans is regulated by a delicate cyclical balance between follicular recruitment and atresia in the ovary. The majority of the small antral follicles present in the ovary are progressively lost through atresia without reaching dominance, but this process remains largely underexplored. In our study, we investigated the characteristics of atretic small antral follicles and proposed a classification system based on molecular changes observed in granulosa cells, theca cells, and extracellular matrix deposition. Our findings revealed that atresia spreads in the follicle with wave-like dynamics, initiating away from the cumulus granulosa cells. We also observed an enrichment of CD68+ macrophages in the antrum during the progression of follicular atresia. This work not only provides criteria for classifying three stages of follicular atresia in small antral follicles in the human ovary but also serves as a foundation for understanding follicular degeneration and ultimately preventing or treating premature ovarian failure. Understanding follicular remodeling in the ovary could provide a means to increase the number of usable follicles and delay the depletion of the follicular reserve, increasing the reproductive lifespan.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Ovary
/
Follicular Atresia
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Mol Sci
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: