Formation and dynamics of the primordial follicle stockpile

From birth to adult life, physiological degeneration and continue activation of the primordial follicles stockpile (ovarian reserve) for ovulation lead to a progressive depletion of the ovarian reserve. In women, such condition, besides sterility, leads to increased risk of pathologies including osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. The depletion of the ovarian reserve can be accelerated by a variety of conditions (premature ovarian insufficiency, POF, or primary ovarian insufficiency POI), including genetics, chemo- and radio-therapy, environmental and unknown factors. The increase survival rate of young cancer patients has highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms of survival/death/activation of the primordial follicles. The present review outlines the cellular and molecular mechanisms concerning these processes discovered in rodents and in human when data are available.