The role of endocrine disruptors in premature failure of the ovarian reserve

This article summarizes current scientific data on the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on ovarian reserve as a key indicator of women’s reproductive potential. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of premature failure of the ovarian follicular apparatus under the influence of exogenous chemical agents were analyzed. Bibliographic, analytical, comparative, and systematic methods, as well as generalization and synthesis, were used; the literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases over the last 10 years.It was shown that exposure to EDCs is associated with decreased anti-Müllerian hormone level, a reduced number of antral follicles, impaired folliculogenesis, deterioration of oocyte quality, and diminished ovarian response. The leading mechanisms of pathogenic action are oxidative stress, granulosa cell apoptosis, dysregulation of steroidogenesis, altered receptor sensitivity, activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and epigenetic modifications. EDCs should be considered a modifiable risk factor for premature failure of the ovarian reserve.Thus, EDCs are an important modifiable risk factor for premature depletion of the ovarian reserve. Their effects are multifactorial and are mediated through a complex of interrelated molecular, cellular, and tissue mechanisms that lead to disruption of the functional and structural integrity of ovarian tissue. Reducing exposure to EDCs, early detection of changes in ovarian reserve, and in-depth study of biomarkers of reproductive toxicity are promising areas for the prevention of fertility disorders in women, especially in groups at increased environmental, occupational, and reproductive risk, as well as among young women in the population.