Abstract:

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome in women who develops ovarian insufficiency before the age of 40 years, which manifests itself as a weakening of reproductive and endocrine functions, and is one of the most important factors leading to female infertility, but the pathogenesis is unknown and the treatment is limited. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone mainly synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland, which exerts effects in regulating circadian rhythms, antioxidant activity, and scavenging free radicals. Studies have shown that melatonin is involved in regulating ovarian steroid hormone synthesis, follicular development, ovulation and oocyte quality. Animal models for studies of POI have found that melatonin can alleviate oxidative stress, reduce apoptosis, regulate ovarian function and delay POI through the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. Clinical studies have shown that melatonin can improve ovarian function and pregnancy rate in POI patients. Its potential value in assisted reproduction provides a new direction to improve the fertility of POI patients.

Key words: Primary ovarian insufficiency, Melatonin, Antioxidant, Infertility, female, Reproductive techniques, assisted, Oxidative stress