Chemotherapy-induced female infertility and protective action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.
This review aimed to critically discuss the current protocols using gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) for the management of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure. In in-vitro experiments, GnRHa retards doxorubicin-induced granulosa cell damage, suggesting an additional GnRH's activity to protect the gonads during chemotherapy through GnRH receptor-mediated mechanism(s). GnRHa acts to protect the gonads during radiation and/or chemotherapy by preferentially steering cells into cell cycle arrest with a decline in response to the chemotherapeutic agents. The ovarian protection by GnRHa co-treatment against chemotherapy can enable the preservation of future fertility in survivors and prevent the bone demineralisation and osteoporosis associated with hypooestrogenism and ovarian failure.
Imai
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan. atsushi@cc.gifu-u.ac.jp
Furui
T
T
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone