Abstract:

Data of recent genetic studies suggest a critical role of multiple genes in various reproductive organs and tissues. Even though scrutinizing studies about all macro- and microprocesses in fertility are yet being held, and the system is trying to be untangled, the pathophysiology of repruduction remains an appealing subject to research, which encircles the known sieged by unknown. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is not only a structural support for the cells, but also is a functional mesh which has determining role in cellular shapes, behaviors, differentiation, proliferation, gene expressions, and their life cycles. A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif (ADAMTS) proteins are a group of zinc-dependent metalloproteinases responsible for the degradation of ECM structures, which significantly act in many physiological and pathological processes.  We aimed, in this review, to pose a broad view about the pathophysiology of infertility gathering the studies pertaining to matricellular proteins and ADAMTS enzymes which participate in the riddle of matrix breakdown and renewal.

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