Current views on the molecular mechanisms of the initial stages of folliculogenesis

Abstract

The ovary is a unique structure of the female body, which simultaneously presents various morphohistological units-from primordial to dominant follicles. Over the past decades, scientists have focused on studying the mechanisms of folliculogenesis at the gonadotropin-dependent stage. While more complex and lengthy processes that determine the fate of the follicle occur from the moment of their recruitment to the preantral stage of maturity (about 290 days), another 60 days pass before the dominant maturity. Currently, it has been proved that intercellular communication is established within the follicle, which involves a bidirectional exchange of information between the oocyte and its companions granulose and Teka cells through auto-and paracrine interactions using various genes, growth factors and cytokines. The purpose of this review was to study intrafollicular factors that control the early stages of folliculogenesis and other disorders that may ultimately lead to the development of premature ovarian failure.