Preconception resveratrol intake against infertility: Friend or foe?

[摘要] Background: Resveratrol is an antiaging, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and insu‐ lin‐sensitizing natural polyphenolic compound. Growing evidence indicates that res‐ veratrol has potential therapeutic effects in infertile women with diminished ovarian function, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or endometriosis. However, only one clinical trial in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles using resveratrol has ever been reported. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of resveratrol on pregnancy and on its advantages and disadvantages in pregnancy out‐ comes during infertility treatment. Methods: We performed a literature review to describe the known impacts of res‐ veratrol on the ovary and endometrium. Results: Resveratrol upregulates sirtuin (SIRT)1 expression in ovaries, which is associ‐ ated with protection against oxidative stress. It leads to the activation of telomerase activity and mitochondrial function, improving ovarian function. In the endometrium, resveratrol downregulates the CRABP2‐RAR pathway leading to suppressing decid‐ ual and senescent changes of endometrial cells, which is essential for embryo im‐ plantation and placentation. Moreover, resveratrol may also induce deacetylation of important decidual‐related genes. Conclusions: Resveratrol has potential therapeutic effects for improving ovarian function; however, it also has anti‐deciduogenic actions in uterine endometrium. In addition, its teratogenicity has not yet been ruled out; thus, resveratrol should be avoided during the luteal phase and pregnancy.

[学科分类] 工业工程学

[关键词] aging;assisted reproductive technology;infertility;resveratrol;sirtuin