Molecular Mechanisms of Negative Effect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Oogenesis and Meiotic Processes in Oocytes

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects women of reproductive age. Its pathological manifestations directly and indirectly negatively affect the ovarian reserve, the quality of oocytes, and the precise mechanisms of meiosis. This review presents the molecular mechanisms by which lupus damages ovarian tissue and meiosis in oocytes. The role of chronic inflammation, impaired hormonal levels, and the presence of specific autoantibodies are considered. The available data on how oocyte structures (meiotic spindle, actin cytoskeleton, membrane organelles and chromatin) are damaged by lupus symptoms are summarized.