Role of glucose metabolism and signaling pathways at different stages of ovarian folliculogenesis

The female ovaries are critical for follicle growth and development in the process known as “folliculogenesis”. This complex process is regulated by various factors, among which the microenvironment around follicles appears to be crucial. According to previous studies, folliculogenesis is an energy-demanding process. In fact, well-balanced follicular energy metabolism is associated with ovarian function and female fertility. Consequently, glucose metabolism has been widely described as the main source of energy during folliculogenesis. Generally, the follicular glucose metabolism profiles change dynamically during follicular development. Metabolic abnormalities during folliculogenesis are associated with aging, primary ovarian insufficiency, and polycystic ovary syndrome, thereby leading to subfertility and infertility in females. The signaling pathways in follicles appear to form a link between glucose metabolism and folliculogenesis. Therefore, a better understanding of glucose metabolism dynamics at different stages of folliculogenesis and the associated signaling pathways will provide potential implications for follicle developmental competence. This review aimed to describe variations in glucose metabolism at different stages of folliculogenesis, provide new insights into glucose metabolic disorder-related diseases, and specifically discuss two major signaling pathways that regulate glucose metabolism during folliculogenesis: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B (PI3K-PKB/AKT), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways.