Ovarian Physiology and Reproduction

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 2893

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Interests: infertility; fertility preservation; cryopreservation; apoptosis; oxidative stress and ART

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the intricate and dynamic processes that govern ovarian physiology and reproduction. It highlights the latest advancements in our understanding of the ovary’s essential role in female fertility and reproductive health. Featuring a diverse range of articles, this issue explores critical aspects such as hormonal regulation, folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and the broader implications of ovarian health.

The collection also addresses key factors influencing ovarian function, including health conditions, environmental and lifestyle factors, age-related changes, and genetic and epigenetic modifications influencing ovarian health and fertility outcomes. By focusing on these diverse factors, this Special Issue fosters a deeper comprehension of ovarian physiology and its relevance to women’s health.

These contributions advance scientific knowledge and pave the way for us to integrate insights from basic research into clinical applications and foster innovative therapeutic strategies to address female infertility and related disorders. Researchers and practitioners are invited to engage with the cutting-edge studies in this collection, which reflect the dynamic nature of ovarian research and its pivotal role in advancing women's reproductive health.

Join us in exploring this vital area of research as we continue to uncover new insights into ovarian function and work toward improving fertility outcomes for women worldwide.

Dr. Atefeh Najafi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • ovarian physiology
  • female fertility
  • folliculogenesis
  • oocyte
  • hormonal regulation
  • endocrine disruptors
  • ovarian aging
  • genetic modifications
  • environmental factors and female fertility
  • female reproductive health and disorders

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

34 pages, 5074 KiB  
Review
Natural Metabolites as Modulators of Sensing and Signaling Mechanisms: Unlocking Anti-Ovarian Cancer Potential
by Megha Verma, Prem Shankar Mishra, SK. Abdul Rahaman, Tanya Gupta, Abid Ali Sheikh, Ashok Kumar Sah, Velilyaeva Aliya Sabrievna, Karomatov Inomdzhon Dzhuraevich, Anass M. Abbas, Manar G. Shalabi, Muhayyoxon Khamdamova, Baymuradov Ravshan Radjabovich, Feruza Rakhmatbayevna Karimova, Ranjay Kumar Choudhary and Said Al Ghenaimi
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1830; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081830 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 668
Abstract
Cancer presents significant challenges owing to its complex molecular pathways and resistance to therapy. Natural metabolites have significant medicinal potential by regulating the sensing and signaling pathways associated with cancer development. Recognizing their interactions within the tumor microenvironment may unveil innovative techniques for [...] Read more.
Cancer presents significant challenges owing to its complex molecular pathways and resistance to therapy. Natural metabolites have significant medicinal potential by regulating the sensing and signaling pathways associated with cancer development. Recognizing their interactions within the tumor microenvironment may unveil innovative techniques for inhibiting malignant activities and improve therapy success. This article highlights studies regarding ovarian cancer metabolism, signaling mechanisms, and therapeutic natural substances. This study summarizes clinical and experimental results to emphasise the synergistic effects of alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids in improving therapeutic effectiveness and alleviating drug resistance. Bioactive compounds are essential in regulating ovarian cancer metabolism and signaling pathways, affecting glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and the survival of tumor cells. This review examines metabolic programming and essential pathways, including glycolysis, TCA cycle, lipid metabolism, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK, and MAPK, emphasizing their therapeutic significance. The integration of metabolic treatments with medicines based on natural compounds has significant potential for enhancing treatment effectiveness and mitigating therapeutic resistance. Ovarian cancer needs an integrated strategy that includes metabolic reprogramming, signaling modulation, and drugs derived from natural products. Natural chemicals provide intriguing approaches to address chemotherapy resistance and improve treatment efficacy. Further research is required to enhance these methodologies and evaluate their practical applicability for improved patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ovarian Physiology and Reproduction)
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16 pages, 263 KiB  
Review
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Reproductive Medicine: A Critical Review of PRP Therapy in Low-Reserve and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
by Efthalia Moustakli, Anastasios Potiris, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Athanasios Zachariou, Spyridon Topis, Periklis Panagopoulos, Ekaterini Domali, Peter Drakakis and Sofoklis Stavros
Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051257 - 21 May 2025
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Abstract
Background: Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a novel intervention at the intersection of reproductive medicine and regenerative biology. As women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), poor response to stimulation, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) seek fertility solutions, PRP provides a scientifically [...] Read more.
Background: Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a novel intervention at the intersection of reproductive medicine and regenerative biology. As women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), poor response to stimulation, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) seek fertility solutions, PRP provides a scientifically plausible—yet exploratory—strategy to restore or augment ovarian function. The proposed pathways include the stimulation of local stem cells, tissue remodeling, neoangiogenesis, and the potential reawakening of dormant follicles. Methods: This narrative review critically synthesizes the existing literature on intraovarian PRP therapy. It draws from published case series, pilot studies, and preclinical data to evaluate the biological rationale, clinical outcomes, and current limitations of PRP use in women with DOR and POI. Results: Early clinical findings, albeit limited to modest case series and pilot investigations, reveal promising outcomes such as improved ovarian reserve markers, menstrual restoration, and infrequent spontaneous pregnancies in women who had previously been unresponsive to treatment. However, the variability in preparation techniques, patient selection criteria, and outcome measures limits the generalizability of these results. Conclusions: While intraovarian PRP presents an exciting frontier in reproductive medicine, the absence of defined protocols, controlled trials, and long-term safety data underscores its experimental nature. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies, conducting randomized controlled trials, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying observed clinical effects to establish PRP’s role in managing poor ovarian response and POI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ovarian Physiology and Reproduction)
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