Non-coding RNAs as integrators of the effects of age, genes, and environment on ovarian aging

One of the significant social changes seen in the past few decades is the decision taken by an increasing number of women, particularly career women, to delay starting a family. These decisions often invite undesirable consequences such as difficulties in conception, and a major contributing factor to such difficulties is ovarian aging 1 . A primary cause of ovarian aging is depletion of the ovarian pool of nongrowing follicles (NGFs) 2 . While this process is a natural consequence of aging, its onset also varies significantly among individuals as indicated by large range in age at which women undergo menopause. It is also becoming increasingly clear that other factors besides normal hormonal cycles influence ovarian aging. In particular, we are now coming to appreciate that large variabilities in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) between individuals reflect both genetic and environmental factors and, above all, their complex interplay.