Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine Monomers and Formulations in Treating Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Regulating the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

doi:10.12280/gjfckx.20251446

Abstract

Abstract:

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an endocrine disorder characterized by a decline of ovarian function before the age of 40, primarily presenting as menstrual irregularities, decreased estrogen levels, diminished ovarian reserve, and reduced fertility. The pathogenesis of POI is complex, involving multiple factors such as genetics, immunity, metabolism, and environment. Studies indicate that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating follicular development, proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Dysregulation of this pathway is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of POI. Multiple studies have shown that Chinese medicine monomers and compound formulations can improve the ovarian microenvironment, inhibit apoptosis in GCs, and promote follicular development and maturation by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby delaying the decline of ovarian function. This review summarizes the mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in POI and the research progress on Chinese medicine monomers and compound formulations in treating POI through regulation of this pathway, aiming to provide new insights for the treatment of POI with traditional Chinese medicine.

Key words: Premature ovarian insufficiency, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Proto-oncogene proteins c-akt, Traditional Chinese drugs, Compounds

CAI Hao-qin, CHEN Xiang-nan, WANG Yu, ZHANG Qian, WU Xiao-ke. Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine Monomers and Formulations in Treating Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Regulating the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway[J]. Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2026, 53(3): 328-334.

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