The silent protectors: how neutrophils influence female fertility during cancer treatment - a narrative review

Abstract

Neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells in the body, are vital in defending against infections, but they also play significant roles in various physiological and pathological conditions, including female fertility. This review examines the dual role of neutrophils in female fertility during cancer treatment, particularly focusing on how they influence ovarian function and oncofertility. Chemotherapy and radiation, commonly used in cancer treatment, induce inflammatory responses that recruit neutrophils to ovarian tissue, where they release cytokines and enzymes that may contribute to ovarian damage, leading to reduced fertility. While neutrophils are often seen as contributors to tissue damage through the release of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines, they also have protective roles. Recent studies suggest that neutrophils can promote tissue repair and regeneration by releasing growth factors that aid in the recovery of damaged ovarian tissue. These findings indicate a complex interaction between neutrophils and the ovarian microenvironment, with the potential to either enhance or impair fertility depending on the context of their activation.

Keywords: cancer treatment; female fertility; immune response; neutrophils; oncofertility.