Metabolomics-Driven Insights into Biomarkers for Poor Ovarian Response: A Narrative Review
Anastasios Potiris,
Sofoklis Stavros,
Eleni Alyfanti,
Nikolaos Machairiotis,
Eirini Drakaki,
Athanasios Zikopoulos,
Efthalia Moustakli,
Charikleia Skentou,
Peter Drakakis,
Ekaterini Domali
Affiliations
Anastasios Potiris
Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
Sofoklis Stavros
Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
Eleni Alyfanti
Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Nikolaos Machairiotis
Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
Eirini Drakaki
First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Athanasios Zikopoulos
Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
Efthalia Moustakli
Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
Charikleia Skentou
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
Peter Drakakis
Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
Ekaterini Domali
First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Poor ovarian response (POR) remains a significant challenge in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), as the quantity and quality of oocytes retrieved directly influence embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Metabolomics has become a valuable tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and POR. This review aims to synthesize findings from metabolomic studies examining metabolite expression patterns in serum and follicular fluid samples from women with POR. A literature search was performed using the Medline/PubMed and Scopus databases, employing keywords related to metabolomics and POR. In total, nine studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. These studies identified several metabolites with differential expression in serum and follicular fluid samples between women with normal ovarian response and those with POR. Although the metabolomic profiles varied significantly among studies, consistent alterations in prostaglandin related metabolites were observed in two of the nine studies reviewed. These findings suggest that, pending further validation, these metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for ovarian response. Metabolomics has significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying ovarian function and holds promise for identifying effective biomarkers that could improve the prediction and management of POR.
