# Stage-specific autophagy dynamics in reproductive processes and associated disorders

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how autophagy, a cellular process, influences reproduction and related disorders like preeclampsia and endometriosis.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of stage-specific autophagy dynamics in reproductive processes and disorders.

## Key findings

- Autophagy regulates gametogenesis, embryonic development, and placentation.
- Altered autophagy is linked to reproductive disorders such as preeclampsia and endometriosis.
- Autophagy plays a role in decidualization and immune regulation during pregnancy.

## Abstract

Autophagy is a highly conserved eukaryotic process that degrades cytoplasmic material within lysosomes, and plays a crucial role in cellular development, function and homeostasis. Recent studies have increasingly revealed the connection between autophagy, reproduction, and related disorders. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy and outline recent advances in understanding its role in pregnancy establishment and maintenance, including gametogenesis and embryonic development, decidualization, placentation, and immune regulation advances in understanding its role. Additionally, we discuss potential mechanisms by which altered autophagy contributes to pregnancy complications and reproductive disorders, such as spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm birth, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis.