Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity

Jasmine L Chiang; Pallavi Shukla; Kelly Pagidas; Noha S Ahmed; Srinivasu Karri; Deidre D Gunn; William W Hurd; Keshav K Singh

doi:10.1016/j.arr.2020.101168

Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity

Ageing Res Rev. 2020 Nov:63:101168. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101168. Epub 2020 Sep 4.

Authors

Jasmine L Chiang¹, Pallavi Shukla², Kelly Pagidas³, Noha S Ahmed⁴, Srinivasu Karri⁵, Deidre D Gunn¹, William W Hurd¹, Keshav K Singh⁶

Affiliations

¹ Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1700 6(th)Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, United States.
² Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
³ Department of Reproductive Medicine, TCM University, 9 Jason Drive, Lincoln, RI, 02865, United States.
⁴ Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; Department of Dermatology, Zagazig University, 44519 Shaibet an Nakareyah, Zagazig 2, Ash Sharqia Governorate, Egypt.
⁵ Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States.
⁶ Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; UAB Department of Genetics, Center for Women's Reproductive Health, Kaul Genetics Building University of Alabama at Birmingham, Room 620, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States. Electronic address: kksingh@uab.edu.

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging. Consistently mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and function decline with age in various tissues. There is increasing evidence to support that mitochondrial dysfunction drives ovarian aging. A decreased mtDNA copy number is also reported during ovarian aging. However, the mitochondrial mechanisms contributing to ovarian aging and infertility are not fully understood. Additionally, investigations into mitochondrial therapies to rejuvenate oocyte quality, select viable embryos and improve mitochondrial function may help enhance fertility or extend reproductive longevity in the future. These therapies include the use of mitochondrial replacement techniques, quantification of mtDNA copy number, and various pharmacologic and lifestyle measures. This review aims to describe the key evidence and current knowledge of the role of mitochondria in ovarian aging and identify the emerging potential options for therapy to extend reproductive longevity and improve fertility.

Keywords: Infertility; Mitochondrial DNA; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Mitochondrial therapies; Ovarian aging; Reproductive longevity.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Aging / genetics
DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism
Humans
Longevity*
Mitochondria* / genetics
Oocytes / metabolism

Substances

DNA, Mitochondrial

Grants and funding

R01 CA204430/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States