Abstract

Endometriosis, results in infertility in 50% infertile women. Explanations given are poor oocyte quality as well as low grade embryos associated with abnormal folliculogenesis, with reduced chances of fertilization correlated with enhanced oxidative stress, high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels/local inflammation. Particularly escalated amounts of cytokines are found in follicular fluid of follicles of Endometriosis subjects. Here we further detail on the work going on in finding the role of granulosa cells in Endometriosis subjects with regards to increased inflammation, alteration in cytokines in follicular fluid that associates with follicular fluid in causing the oxidative stress, and how the upstream pathway involving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and nuclear factor kappa B( NFκB) that influences both telomere length as well as telomerase activity, with shorter telomeres as well as reduced telomerase activity associated with aging follicles as well as those observed in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Thus, this enhanced granulosa cell NFκB corresponds with inflammation found in FF along with effect on telomeres. Ways of targeting it seems to be one answer in improving reproductive potential of Endometriosis patients.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Poor oocyte quality; Oxidative stress; High reactive oxygen species (ROS); NFκB; TNFα; Telomere length; Telomerase activity; POI