Abstract:

Metabolic reprogramming is a pivotal event driving oocyte maturation and early embryonic development, the success of which directly determines female reproductive potential and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This review focuses on the dynamic regulation of the glucose and lipid metabolic axes during this transition. In the oocyte stage, the metabolic state is relatively quiescent, relying on cumulus cell-supplied pyruvate for survival. Concurrently, the pentose phosphate pathway and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway are utilized to accumulate antioxidants and signaling molecules, thereby preparing the oocyte for future developmental competence. Following zygotic genome activation (ZGA), the embryo initiates metabolic reprogramming. The primary energy source shifts to glucose, with significant upregulation of glycolysis and lipid synthesis to meet the bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of rapid proliferation and lineage specification. The interplay between glucose and lipid metabolism，through shared substrates and integrated signaling pathways, constitutes the core network that drives this reprogramming and governs cell fate decisions. This article systematically elucidates the key metabolic pathways and their interaction mechanisms. We propose that future breakthroughs will emerge from combining multi-omics analyses, isotope tracing and targeted interventions at critical nodes to systematically uncover the regulatory logic of metabolic reprogramming. Such efforts will establish a theoretical foundation for developing novel strategies to actively modulate embryonic developmental potential and enhance ART success rates.

Key words: oocytes, embryonic and fetal development, glucose, lipid metabolism, reproductive techniques, assisted