Adrenal and ovarian autoimmunity

Premature ovarian failure and ovarian autoimmunity.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as a syndrome characterized by menopause before the age of 40 yr. The patients suffer from anovulation and hypoestrogenism. Approximately 1% of women will experience menopause before the age of 40 yr. POF is a heterogeneous disorder with a multicausal pathogenesis involving chromosomal, genetic, enzymatic, infectious, and iatrogenic causes. There remai...

Autoimmunity and antigenic targets in ovarian pathology.

The involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in premature ovarian failure has been put forward by numerous investigators. In various other ovarian pathologies, such as idiopathic infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, or endometriosis, similar mechanisms have been suggested. However, the exact role of autoimmunity in the pathophysiology of these diseases still remains controversial. The diagnosis ...

Ovarian and Adrenal Androgen Biosynthesis and Metabolism

The pathways of adrenal and ovarian steroid biosynthesis use the same enzymes for the initial steps of steroidogenesis but express different enzymes that convert steroid precursors to the final active products. Both the adrenal and ovary produce dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the principal precursor of androgens and estrogens. The key enzyme in DHEA production is P450c17, which catalyzes both 1...

Possible Role of Autoimmunity in Patients with Premature Ovarian Insuf f iciency

the role of autoimmunity in premature ovarian failure

premature ovarian failure (pof) is a heterogeneous syndrome with several causative factors. autoimmune mechanisms are involved in pathogenesis of 4-30 % of pof cases. the present review focuses on the role of autoimmunity in the pathophysiology of pof. the evidences for an autoimmune etiology are: demonstration of ovarian autoantibodies, the presence of lymphocytic oophoritis, and association w...