Oxidative Stress Is a Driver of Normal and Pathological Ovarian Aging

Abstract

Normal ovarian development and aging are discussed, highlighting the role of declining antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in ovarian aging. Evidence for the importance of oxidative stress in driving pathological ovarian aging comes from various lines of research. Correlative studies in women undergoing assisted reproduction provide evidence that decreased antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative damage are associated with poorer outcomes. Genetically modified mouse models of increased oxidative stress show accelerated ovarian aging. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress mediate ovarian damage caused by multiple chemical toxicants and ionizing radiation. Exposure to chemical and physical agents or to under-or over-nutrition during development are increasingly recognized as important determinants of ovarian health during adult life. Accelerated ovarian aging in many of these experimental models can be mitigated by supplementation with antioxidants.