Polyamines in Ovarian Aging and Disease

Abstract

Ovarian aging and disease-related decline in fertility are challenging medical and economic issues with an increasing prevalence. Polyamines are a class of polycationic alkylamines widely distributed in mammals. They are small molecules essential for cell growth and development. Polyamines alleviate ovarian aging through various biological processes, including reproductive hormone synthesis, cell metabolism, programmed cell death, etc. However, an abnormal increase in polyamine levels can lead to ovarian damage and promote the development of ovarian disease. Therefore, polyamines have long been considered potential therapeutic targets for aging and disease, but their regulatory roles in the ovary deserve further investigation. This review discusses the mechanisms by which polyamines ameliorate human ovarian aging and disease through different biological processes, such as autophagy and oxidative stress, to develop safe and effective polyamine targeted therapy strategies for ovarian aging and the diseases.

Structural Insights into the Mechanisms Underlying Polyaminopathies

“…For a long time, whether and how polyamine homeostasis directly causes diseases has been controversial. Excessive depletion or accumulation of polyamines can negatively affect cells in aging [ 7 ], renal failure [ 8 ], neurodegenerative disease [ 9 ], and cancer [ 10 ]. Elevated levels of polyamines can promote the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor growth, while decreased levels of polyamines may lead to cell growth arrest.…”