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Reproductive Endocrinology Research

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 9108

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
Interests: reproductive endocrinology; infertility; pre-implantation genetic test for aneuploidy; sperm functional tests; assisted reproductive technology; endometriosis; embryo development; oxidative -reductive reaction; polycystic ovarian syndrome; epigenetics of gametes and embryos

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the Guest Editor for the upcoming Special Issue focusing on “Reproductive Endocrinology Research”, I am excited to welcome submissions that delve into the molecular aspects of reproductive endocrinology. This Special Issue aims to explore the cutting-edge molecular research being undertaken in reproductive health, fertility, and associated endocrine disorders. We are particularly interested in studies that advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning reproductive processes, hormonal regulations, and their implications in clinical practice. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, research on hormonal signalling pathways, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of reproductive tissues, the molecular aspects of fertility and infertility, and the role of environmental factors in reproductive endocrinology. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that contribute significant insights into the molecular dimensions of reproductive endocrinology. This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for scientists and clinicians to share their latest findings and foster collaborative efforts towards advancing the field of reproductive health and medicine.

Dr. Tsung-Hsien Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • molecular endocrinology
  • reproductive genetics
  • hormonal signaling pathways
  • fertility and infertility
  • epigenetics in reproduction
  • environmental impact on reproduction

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 583 KiB  
Article
Impact of Smoking and Obesity on the Selected Peptide Hormones and Metabolic Parameters in the Blood of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—Preliminary Study
by Justyna Niepsuj, Agnieszka Piwowar, Grzegorz Franik and Anna Bizoń
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168713 - 9 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 820
Abstract
We investigated the effects of tobacco smoke exposure and abnormal body weight on selected peptide hormones and their association with metabolic and hormonal disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study group included 88 women with PCOS and 28 women without [...] Read more.
We investigated the effects of tobacco smoke exposure and abnormal body weight on selected peptide hormones and their association with metabolic and hormonal disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study group included 88 women with PCOS and 28 women without the disease. In women with PCOS, chemerin, lipocalin, and apelin concentrations were influenced by overweight and obesity status, with the highest concentrations observed in those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30.0. Exposure to tobacco smoke significantly increased only lipocalin-2 concentration. The disease itself did not affect the concentrations of chemerin, lipocalin, and apelin. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between chemerin concentration and fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and triglycerides levels, while a negative correlation was observed with high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) concentration. In the smoking subgroup, chemerin concentration was positively correlated with free testosterone concentration and the free androgen index and negatively associated with sex hormone-binding globulin concentration. Our findings indicate that abnormal body weight has a stronger impact than tobacco smoke exposure on metabolic and hormonal disorders in women with PCOS, highlighting the important role of weight control in such individuals. However, smoking appears to be an additional factor that intensifies hormonal disorders associated with adipose tissue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Endocrinology Research)
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25 pages, 5678 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Ulmus macrocarpa Extracts on a Model of Sarcopenia-Induced C57BL/6 Mice
by Chan Ho Lee, Yeeun Kwon, Sunmin Park, TaeHee Kim, Min Seok Kim, Eun Ji Kim, Jae In Jung, Sangil Min, Kwang-Hyun Park, Jae Hun Jeong and Sun Eun Choi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116197 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Aging leads to tissue and cellular changes, often driven by oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to age-related diseases. Our research focuses on harnessing the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Korean Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, a traditional herbal remedy, to address muscle loss [...] Read more.
Aging leads to tissue and cellular changes, often driven by oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to age-related diseases. Our research focuses on harnessing the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Korean Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, a traditional herbal remedy, to address muscle loss and atrophy. We evaluated the effects of Ulmus extract on various parameters in a muscle atrophy model, including weight, exercise performance, grip strength, body composition, muscle mass, and fiber characteristics. Additionally, we conducted Western blot and RT-PCR analyses to examine muscle protein regulation, apoptosis factors, inflammation, and antioxidants. In a dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy model, Ulmus extract administration promoted genes related to muscle formation while reducing those associated with muscle atrophy. It also mitigated inflammation and boosted muscle antioxidants, indicating a potential improvement in muscle atrophy. These findings highlight the promise of Ulmus extract for developing pharmaceuticals and supplements to combat muscle loss and atrophy, paving the way for clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Endocrinology Research)
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Review

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25 pages, 1748 KiB  
Review
Hormone Regulation in Testicular Development and Function
by Lu Li, Wanqing Lin, Zhaoyang Wang, Rufei Huang, Huan Xia, Ziyi Li, Jingxian Deng, Tao Ye, Yadong Huang and Yan Yang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115805 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5823
Abstract
The testes serve as the primary source of androgens and the site of spermatogenesis, with their development and function governed by hormonal actions via endocrine and paracrine pathways. Male fertility hinges on the availability of testosterone, a cornerstone of spermatogenesis, while follicle-stimulating hormone [...] Read more.
The testes serve as the primary source of androgens and the site of spermatogenesis, with their development and function governed by hormonal actions via endocrine and paracrine pathways. Male fertility hinges on the availability of testosterone, a cornerstone of spermatogenesis, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signaling is indispensable for the proliferation, differentiation, and proper functioning of Sertoli and germ cells. This review covers the research on how androgens, FSH, and other hormones support processes crucial for male fertility in the testis and reproductive tract. These hormones are regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonad (HPG) axis, which is either quiescent or activated at different stages of the life course, and the regulation of the axis is crucial for the development and normal function of the male reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances, whether due to genetic predispositions or environmental influences, leading to hypogonadism or hypergonadism, can precipitate reproductive disorders. Investigating the regulatory network and molecular mechanisms involved in testicular development and spermatogenesis is instrumental in developing new therapeutic methods, drugs, and male hormonal contraceptives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Endocrinology Research)
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Other

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7 pages, 1244 KiB  
Brief Report
Kallmann Syndrome: Functional Analysis of a CHD7 Missense Variant Shows Aberrant RNA Splicing
by Josianne Nunes Carriço, Catarina Inês Gonçalves, José Maria Aragüés and Manuel Carlos Lemos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212061 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 456
Abstract
Kallmann syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and an impaired sense of smell (anosmia or hyposmia) caused by congenital defects in the development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and olfactory neurons. Mutations in several genes have been associated with Kallmann [...] Read more.
Kallmann syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and an impaired sense of smell (anosmia or hyposmia) caused by congenital defects in the development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and olfactory neurons. Mutations in several genes have been associated with Kallmann syndrome. However, genetic testing of this disorder often reveals variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that remain uninterpreted without experimental validation. The aim of this study was to analyze the functional consequences of a heterozygous missense VUS in the CHD7 gene (c.4354G>T, p.Val1452Leu), in a patient with Kallmann syndrome with reversal of hypogonadism. The variant, located in the first nucleotide of exon 19, was analyzed using minigene assays to determine its effect on ribonucleic acid (RNA) splicing. These showed that the variant generates two different transcripts: a full-length transcript with the missense change (p.Val1452Leu), and an abnormally spliced transcript lacking exon 19. The latter results in an in-frame deletion (p.Val1452_Lys1511del) that disrupts the helicase C-terminal domain of the CHD7 protein. The variant was reclassified as likely pathogenic. These findings demonstrate that missense variants can exert more extensive effects beyond simple amino acid substitutions and underscore the critical role of functional analyses in VUS reclassification and genetic diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Endocrinology Research)
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