The effects of hypoxia on female reproductive system diseases

Abstract

Diseases of female reproductive system include tumor diseases (e.g. breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine fibroids) and non-tumor diseases (e.g. endometriosis, hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, and fetal growth restriction). Hypoxia is one of the most important factors that may regulate the occurrence of these diseases. As a key transcription factor under hypoxia, HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1) promotes the transcription of a vast amount of downstream genes and regulates the functions and phenotypes of various cells under hypoxia. In this review, we summarize that hypoxia and HIF-1 affect these tumor and non-tumor diseases by regulating various cell invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation or differentiation. We also review the roles of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of various cell dysfunctions under hypoxia. We hope to reveal the roles and regulatory mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in the effects of hypoxia on female reproductive system diseases and to provide potential new approaches for early detection and clinical treatment against female reproductive system diseases.