The Gut–Extracellular Vesicle–Mitochondria Axis in Reproductive Aging: Antioxidant and Anti-Senescence Mechanisms

Cumulative oxidative stress is a key factor in declining oocyte and sperm quality with age.

• Cellular processes like senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction may be influenced by systemic factors rather than only by local tissue conditions.
• Extracellular vesicles transport various regulators, including antioxidant enzymes and bioactive lipids, which are involved in cellular signaling and mitochondrial health.
• Microbiome-derived metabolites, such as urolithin A and short-chain fatty acids, could improve mitochondrial function and reduce cellular aging effects.
• An emerging framework suggests a gut-EV-mitochondria axis that may link metabolic signals to reproductive health outcomes.
• The review outlines potential therapeutic strategies for enhancing fertility through microbiome adjustments and interventions targeting extracellular vesicles.

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