Regulation of Ovarian Function by Macrophage Polarization and Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine

They play essential regulatory roles in ovarian physiological processes, including follicular development, ovulation, luteal formation, and luteal regression. Increasing evidence suggests that macrophage polarization imbalance is closely associated with ovarian diseases such as PCOS,POI, and ovarian cancer.

In PCOS, excessive M1 polarization contributes to chronic inflammation and ovulatory dysfunction. In POI, M1 macrophages accelerate ovarian aging, whereas M2 macrophages exhibit dual roles: on the one hand, they exert anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing effects that help preserve ovarian function; on the other hand, they may promote ovarian stromal fibrosis and thereby accelerate ovarian functional decline. In ovarian cancer, M2 polarization facilitates tumor progression, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance, while M1 macrophages exert anti-tumor effects.