Aging, Oxidative Stress, & Reduced Metabolism - The Connection with Decreased Ovarian Reserve
As women age, their fertility declines. This decline is due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs produced by the ovaries. Known as decreased ovarian reserve (DOR), this condition affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age.
Recent research has shed light on the connection between DOR and two factors: oxidative stress and reduced metabolism.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging processes. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, preventing or reducing their harmful effects.
Studies have shown that oxidative stress can negatively impact ovarian function by damaging follicular cells, which support egg development within the ovary. This damage can lead to a reduction in both the quantity and quality of eggs produced.
Reduced metabolism refers to a slowdown in cellular energy production that occurs naturally with age. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at converting food into usable energy for cellular processes throughout our bodies.
This reduced metabolic activity has been linked to DOR through its effect on mitochondrial function within ovarian cells. Mitochondria are organelles responsible for producing energy for cellular activities such as cell division – including egg maturation – which requires significant amounts of energy.
Studies have found that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by reduced metabolism contributes significantly to DOR by impairing oocyte quality during early stages of development within follicles (1).
These findings highlight how addressing oxidative stress levels through lifestyle changes like diet modifications or supplementation could help protect against premature aging-related infertility from developing further (2).
One study showed promising results where administration of antioxidants improved ovarian response rate during IVF treatment cycles among patients diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve(3). Another study demonstrated how supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 increased live birth rates in women with DOR undergoing IVF(4).
Future Advances
As research continues, scientists are exploring new ways to address the root causes of DOR. One promising avenue of research involves stem cell therapy.
Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell within the body, making them a potential tool for regenerating ovarian tissue and restoring fertility (5).
Researchers are also studying how epigenetic changes – modifications that affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences – can impact ovarian function and contribute to DOR. These findings could lead to new treatments targeting specific genes or pathways involved in oocyte development.
In conclusion, understanding the connection between aging, oxidative stress, reduced metabolism and decreased ovarian reserve is crucial for developing effective treatments for infertility caused by age-related factors. While current treatment options such as assisted reproductive technologies like IVF remain viable options for many women struggling with infertility due to low egg reserve; future advances in areas such as stem cell therapy hold great promise towards treating this condition more effectively.
References:
1) Zhang M et al., "Reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number contributes to diminished ovarian reserve." Aging 2019;11:8626-8637. 2) Ruder EH et al., "Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility." Hum Reprod Update 2008;14(4):345-357. 3) Xu Y et al., "The effect of antioxidant supplementation on clinical outcomes during IVF cycles among couples diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve: A randomized controlled trial." J Assist Reprod Genet 2019;36(10):2041-2050. 4) Bentov Y et al., "The use of mitochondrial nutrients to improve the outcome of infertility treatment in older patients." Fertil Steril 2010;93(1):272-275. 5) Xiao GY et al., "Mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells as therapies for regenerative medicine: current trends, challenges, and future prospects." Stem Cells Int 2021;2021:6635616.
*Note: this site does not provide medical opinions or diagnosis and should not be relied upon instead of receiving medical attention from a licensed medical professional.
