Chemotherapy-induced female infertility and protective action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: A Imai, T Furui
• Journal: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (J Obstet Gynaecol) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 20-4 (Jan 2007) ISSN: 0144-3615 [Print] England
• PMID: 17365452 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Infertility, Female (etiology, prevention & control)
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (chemically induced, complications, prevention & control)