Gut microbiota modulation: a narrative review on a novel strategy for prevention and alleviation of ovarian aging

Abstract

The global rise in life expectancy corresponds with a delay in childbearing age among women. Ovaries, seen as the chronometers of female physiological aging, demonstrate features of sped up aging, evidenced by the steady decline in both the quality and quantity of ovarian follicles from birth. The multifaceted pathogenesis of ovarian aging has kindled intensive research interest from the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors. Novel studies underscore the integral roles of gut microbiota in follicular development, lipid metabolism, and hormonal regulation, forging a nexus with ovarian aging. In this review, we outline the role of gut microbiota in ovarian function (follicular development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation), compile and present gut microbiota alterations associated with age-related ovarian aging. We also discuss potential strategies for alleviating ovarian aging from the perspective of gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics.

Keywords:

• Gut microbiota
• ovarian function
• ovarian aging
• probiotics

Disclosure statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Authors’ contributions

All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Participated in research design: Ling Wang and Wei Lyu. Wrote or contributed to the writing of the manuscript: Ling Wang, Wei Lyu, De-Feng Li and Jian-Yun Zhou. Article language modification: Shu-Ying Li, Hua Hu.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [No.32202635]. The Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing [No. cstc2020jscx-msxmX0129].