The insulin-like growth factor and its players: their functions, significance, and consequences in all aspects of ovarian physiology

Abstract Background Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has unique and well-known functions in female fertility, according to documents reporting improved yield of oocytes, reinforced quality the embryo, enhanced live births with simultaneous reduction miscarriage. However, there is no detailed information on bio-mechanisms linking such clinical differences. Main body IGF its receptors are expressed a variety tissues reproductive system as granulosa cells, theca cells. Hence, development gametes may be directly regulated by IGF, thereby affecting gamete so competence for implantation. central player changing fate cells during survival proliferation through modulation leading signaling pathways, including Jak/STAT, MAP kinase/ERK, PI3K/Akt, subsequent impacts steroidogenesis cell division. Conclusion The current review aims scrutinize performance regulate normal ovarian, pathways resulting alterations proliferation. function receptor been reviewed fertility at both molecular biochemical levels.