Cytokines: Signalling molecules controlling ovarian functions

The present short review demonstrates an important role of different cytokines (colony stimulating factors, tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, anti-Mullerian hormone, inhibin, activin, follistatin, bone morphogenetic proteins, growth and differentiation factors) in the control of different ovarian functions - ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis, folliculogenesis, luteogenesis, oogenesis, release of hormones, response to upstream hormonal regulators, fertility and, in some cases, in development of ovarian disorders. The possibility of practical application of these molecules for characterization, prediction and regulation of the ovarian state including treatment of ovarian disorders is demonstrated. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.