Efferocytosis and infertility: Implications for diagnosis and therapy

Sareh Bakhshandeh Bavarsad, Soroosh Shahryarhesami, Noorodin Karami, N Naseri, Amir Tajbakhsh, Seyed Mohammad Gheibihayat
In: Journal of Reproductive Immunology · 2024 · vol. 167 , pp. 104413 · doi:10.1016/j.jri.2024.104413 · PMID:39631138 · W4404852797
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This review explores the role of efferocytosis, the clearance of apoptotic cells, in the context of infertility, examining its diagnostic potential and therapeutic implications.

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Abstract

Recent research has shed light on the intricate connection between efferocytosis and infertility, revealing its dysregulation as a contributing factor in various reproductive diseases. Despite the multifaceted nature of infertility etiology, the impact of insufficient clearance of apoptotic cells on fertility has emerged as a focal point. Notably, the removal of apoptotic cells through phagocytosis in the female reproductive system has been a subject of extensive investigation in the field of infertility. Additionally, special functions performed by immune system cell types, such as macrophages and Sertoli cells, in the male reproductive system underscore their significance in spermatogenesis and the efferocytosis of apoptotic germ cells. Dysregulation of efferocytosis emerges as a critical factor contributing to reproductive challenges, such as low pregnancy rates, miscarriages, and implantation failures. Moreover, defective efferocytosis can lead to compromised implantation, recurrent miscarriages, and unsuccessful assisted reproductive procedures. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of efferocytosis in the context of infertility. Molecular mechanisms underlying efferocytosis, its relevance in both female and male infertility, and its implications in various reproductive diseases are elucidated. The elucidation of the intricate relationship between efferocytosis and infertility not only facilitates diagnosis but also paves the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.

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