1
|
Tang W, Zhu X, Chen Y, Yang S, Wu C, Chen D, Xue L, Guo Y, Dai Y, Wei S, Wu M, Wu M, Wang S. Towards prolonging ovarian reproductive life: Insights into trace elements homeostasis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102311. [PMID: 38636559 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian aging is marked by a reduction in the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles, leading to a decline in female fertility and ovarian endocrine function. While the biological characteristics of ovarian aging are well-established, the exact mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Recent studies underscore the vital role of trace elements (TEs) in maintaining ovarian function. Imbalances in TEs can lead to ovarian aging, characterized by reduced enzyme activity, hormonal imbalances, ovulatory disorders, and decreased fertility. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between systemic and cellular TEs balance and ovarian aging is critical for developing treatments to delay aging and manage age-related conditions. This review consolidates current insights into TEs homeostasis and its impact on ovarian aging, assesses how altered TEs metabolism affects ovarian aging, and suggests future research directions to prolong ovarian reproductive life. These studies are expected to offer novel approaches for mitigating ovarian aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weicheng Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shuhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chuqing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Liru Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yican Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Simin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mingfu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ebisch IMW, Thomas CMG, Peters WHM, Braat DDM, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants in the pathogenesis and prevention of subfertility. Hum Reprod Update 2006; 13:163-74. [PMID: 17099205 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments of subfertile couples are usually empiric, as the true cause of subfertility often remains unknown. Therefore, we outline the role of nutritional and biochemical factors in reproduction and subfertility. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Science Direct and bibliographies of published work with both positive and negative results. The studies showed that folate has a role in spermatogenesis. In female reproduction, folate is also important for oocyte quality and maturation, implantation, placentation, fetal growth and organ development. Zinc has also been implicated in testicular development, sperm maturation and testosterone synthesis. In females, zinc plays a role in sexual development, ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Both folate and zinc have antioxidant properties that counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thiols, such as glutathione, balance the levels of ROS produced by spermatozoa and influence DNA compaction and the stability and motility of spermatozoa. Oocyte maturation, ovulation, luteolysis and follicle atresia are also affected by ROS. After fertilization, glutathione is important for sperm nucleus decondensation and pronucleus formation. Folate, zinc, ROS and thiols affect apoptosis, which is important for sperm release, regulation of follicle atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum and endometrial shedding. Therefore, the concentrations of these nutrients may have substantial effects on reproduction. In conclusion, nutritional and biochemical factors affect biological processes in male and female reproduction. Further research should identify pathways that may lead to improvements in care and treatment of subfertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I M W Ebisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maret W, Sandstead HH. Zinc requirements and the risks and benefits of zinc supplementation. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2006; 20:3-18. [PMID: 16632171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2006.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 588] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2005] [Accepted: 01/28/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The adult human contains 2-3g of zinc, about 0.1% of which are replenished daily. On this basis and based on estimates of bioavailability of zinc, dietary recommendations are made for apparently healthy individuals. Absent chemical, functional, and/or physical signs of zinc deficiency are assumed indicative of adequacy. More specific data are seldom available. Changing food preferences and availability, and new food preparation, preservation, and processing technologies may require re-evaluation of past data. Conservative estimates suggest that 25% of the world's population is at risk of zinc deficiency. Most of the affected are poor, and rarely consume foods rich in highly bioavailable zinc, while subsisting on foods that are rich in inhibitors of zinc absorption and/or contain relatively small amounts of bioavailable zinc. In contrast, among the relatively affluent, food choice is a major factor affecting risk of zinc deficiency. An additional problem, especially among the relatively affluent, is risk of chronic zinc toxicity caused by excessive consumption of zinc supplements. High intakes of zinc relative to copper can cause copper deficiency. A major challenge that has not been resolved for maximum health benefit is the proximity of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and the reference dose (RfD) for safe intake of zinc. Present recommendations do not consider the numerous dietary factors that influence the bioavailability of zinc and copper, and the likelihood of toxicity from zinc supplements. Thus the current assumed range between safe and unsafe intakes of zinc is relatively narrow. At present, assessment of zinc nutriture is complex, involving a number of chemical and functional measurements that have limitations in sensitivity and specificity. This approach needs to be enhanced so that zinc deficiency or excess can be detected early. An increasing number of associations between diseases and zinc status and apparently normal states of health, where additional zinc might be efficacious to prevent certain conditions, point at the pharmacology of zinc compounds as a promising area. For example, relationships between zinc and diabetes mellitus are an area where research might prove fruitful. In our opinion, a multidisciplinary approach will most likely result in success in this fertile area for translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Maret
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Texas Medical Branch, 700 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|