| Molecular Mechanisms of Vitamin E in the Reproductive System: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Evidence |
| Paper ID : 1295-IGA |
| Authors |
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Rezvaneh Jahangiri * Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch, Hamedan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aim: Vitamin E, a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant, plays a critical role in maintaining reproductive health by protecting cellular membranes from oxidative stress. Both male and female fertility are influenced by oxidative damage, yet the molecular pathways through which vitamin E exerts its effects remain underexplored and fragmented across studies. This review aims to consolidate current findings on the molecular mechanisms of vitamin E in the reproductive system, identifying gaps and highlighting its therapeutic potential. Methods: Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were used to perform a thorough literature search. Relevant studies were found using AI-assisted platforms such as Semantic Scholar and ScienceDirect Vitamin E, tocopherol, fertility, oxidative stress, reproductive system, and molecular pathways were among the search phrases used. English-language original and review papers that looked at the cellular or molecular effects of vitamin E on reproductive organs or functions and were published between 2020 and 2025 met the inclusion requirements. Results: Clinical evidence is still limited in comparison to preclinical data, but recent studies show that vitamin E modulates reproductive function through multiple pathways, including suppression of lipid peroxidation, regulation of inflammatory cytokines, modulation of gene expression related to steroidogenesis and gametogenesis, and enhancement of mitochondrial function. It supports folliculogenesis, oocyte quality, and endometrial receptivity in females and improves spermatogenesis and sperm motility in males. Conclusion: Vitamin E demonstrates strong molecular effects on reproductive health, mostly through antioxidative and gene-regulatory pathways. Further mechanistic and clinical research are necessary to establish its significance as a supplementary drug in reproductive therapy. |
| Keywords |
| Vitamin E, Reproductive system, Oxidative stress, Fertility, Molecular mechanisms |
| Status: Accepted |
