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Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology—Second Edition
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Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology—Second Edition

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 August 2024 | Viewed by 1806

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Gábor L. Kovács

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
Interests: in vitro fertilization; biomarkers; molecular mechanisms; lab-on-a-chip
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive endocrinology describes the hormones and control mechanisms that regulate reproduction. Disorders of reproductive endocrinology can occur due to abnormal changes anywhere in the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis, and can include a wide range of symptoms, including infertility, hirsutism, virilization, oligomenorrhea, and amenorrhea in women, and infertility and altered sexual function in men. This Special Issue focused on the approach to the diagnosis and evaluation of disorders of the reproductive endocrinology system, with a special emphasis on the roles of obesity, hypothyroidism, and PCO in infertility. The importance of epigenetic factors and evidence-based treatments is welcome to be addressed as well. Of particular interest are stimulation protocols during IVF, with a special reference to the benefits and pitfalls of these protocols. The hormonal profile of the cord blood in IVF babies compared to regular babies is also a highly prevalent topic we are interested in. Please note that papers published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences are encouraged to include results at the molecular level. Both original research articles and reviews on these topics are welcome.

First Edition of this Special Issue: Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology.

Prof. Dr. Gábor L. Kovács
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • reproductive endocrinology
  • molecular research
  • IVF
  • epigenetic factors
  • obesity

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 7860 KiB  
Article
Long-Term In Vitro Culture Alters Gene Expression Pattern of Genes Involved in Ontological Groups Representing Cellular Processes
by Wiktoria Zgórecka, Wiesława Kranc, Małgorzata Blatkiewicz, Kacper Kamiński, Maryam Farzaneh, Artur Bryja, Paul Mozdziak, Paweł Antosik, Maciej Zabel, Marzenna Podhorska-Okołów, Piotr Dzięgiel, Bartosz Kempisty and Dorota Bukowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7109; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms25137109 - 28 Jun 2024
Viewed by 187
Abstract
The oviduct provides an optimal environment for the final preparation, transport, and survival of gametes, the fertilization process, and early embryonic development. Most of the studies on reproduction are based on in vitro cell culture models because of the cell’s accessibility. It creates [...] Read more.
The oviduct provides an optimal environment for the final preparation, transport, and survival of gametes, the fertilization process, and early embryonic development. Most of the studies on reproduction are based on in vitro cell culture models because of the cell’s accessibility. It creates opportunities to explore the complexity of directly linked processes between cells. Previous studies showed a significant expression of genes responsible for cell differentiation, maturation, and development during long-term porcine oviduct epithelial cells (POECs) in vitro culture. This study aimed at establishing the transcriptomic profile and comprehensive characteristics of porcine oviduct epithelial cell in vitro cultures, to compare changes in gene expression over time and deliver information about the expression pattern of genes highlighted in specific GO groups. The oviduct cells were collected after 7, 15, and 30 days of in vitro cultivation. The transcriptomic profile of gene expression was compared to the control group (cells collected after the first day). The expression of COL1A2 and LOX was enhanced, while FGFBP1, SERPINB2, and OVGP1 were downregulated at all selected intervals of cell culture in comparison to the 24-h control (p-value < 0.05). Adding new detailed information to the reproductive biology field about the diversified transcriptome profile in POECs may create new future possibilities in infertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technique (ART) programmes, and may be a valuable tool to investigate the potential role of oviduct cells in post-ovulation events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology—Second Edition)
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22 pages, 6612 KiB  
Article
Glyphosate Exposure Induces Cytotoxicity, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Activation of ERα and ERβ Estrogen Receptors in Human Prostate PNT1A Cells
by Teresa Chianese, Giovanna Trinchese, Rebecca Leandri, Maria De Falco, Maria Pina Mollica, Rosaria Scudiero and Luigi Rosati
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7039; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms25137039 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Glyphosate, the active ingredient of several broad-spectrum herbicides, is widely used throughout the world, although many adverse effects are known. Among these, it has been recognized as an endocrine disruptor. This work aimed to test the effects and potential endocrine disrupting action of [...] Read more.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient of several broad-spectrum herbicides, is widely used throughout the world, although many adverse effects are known. Among these, it has been recognized as an endocrine disruptor. This work aimed to test the effects and potential endocrine disrupting action of glyphosate on PNT1A human prostate cells, an immortalized non-tumor epithelial cell line, possessing both ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors. The results showed that glyphosate induces cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and rapid activation of ERα and ERβ via nuclear translocation. Molecular analysis indicated a possible involvement of apoptosis in glyphosate-induced cytotoxicology. The apoptotic process could be attributed to alterations in mitochondrial metabolism; therefore, the main parameters of mitochondrial functionality were investigated using the Seahorse analyzer. Impaired mitochondrial function was observed in glyphosate-treated cells, with reductions in ATP production, spare respiratory capacity, and proton leakage, along with increased efficiency of mitochondrial coupling. Finally, the results of immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that glyphosate acts as an estrogen disruptor determining the nuclear translocation of both ERs. Nuclear translocation occurred independent of dose, faster than the specific hormone, and persisted throughout treatment. In conclusion, the results collected show that in non-tumor prostate cells glyphosate can cause cell death and acts as a xenoestrogen, activating estrogen receptors. The consequent alteration of hormonal functions can have negative effects on the reproductive health of exposed animals, compromising their fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology—Second Edition)
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11 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Meconium Proteins Involved in Iron Metabolism
by Ewa Skarżyńska, Artur Jakimiuk, Tadeusz Issat and Barbara Lisowska-Myjak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6948; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms25136948 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 385
Abstract
The lack of specific biological materials and biomarkers limits our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying intrauterine regulation of iron supply to the fetus. Determining the meconium content of proteins commonly used in the laboratory to assess the transport, storage, and distribution of iron [...] Read more.
The lack of specific biological materials and biomarkers limits our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying intrauterine regulation of iron supply to the fetus. Determining the meconium content of proteins commonly used in the laboratory to assess the transport, storage, and distribution of iron in the body may elucidate their roles in fetal development. Ferritin, transferrin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and calprotectin were determined by ELISA in meconium samples obtained from 122 neonates. There were strong correlations between the meconium concentrations of haptoglobin, transferrin, and NGAL (p < 0.05). Meconium concentrations of ferritin were several-fold higher than the concentrations of the other proteins, with the exception of calprotectin whose concentration was approximately three-fold higher than that of ferritin. Meconium ceruloplasmin concentration significantly correlated with the concentrations of MPO, NGAL, lactoferrin, and calprotectin. Correlations between the meconium concentrations of haptoglobin, transferrin, and NGAL may reflect their collaborative involvement in the storage and transport of iron in the intrauterine environment in line with their recognized biological properties. High meconium concentrations of ferritin may provide information about the demand for iron and its utilization by the fetus. The associations between ceruloplasmin and neutrophil proteins may indicate the involvement of ceruloplasmin in the regulation of neutrophil activity in the intrauterine environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology—Second Edition)
17 pages, 1513 KiB  
Article
Follicular Fluid Proteomic Analysis of Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Suggests That Apolipoprotein A1 Is a Potential Fertility Marker
by Csilla Kurdi, János Schmidt, Zoltán Horváth-Szalai, Péter Mauchart, Krisztina Gödöny, Ákos Várnagy, Gábor L. Kovács and Tamás Kőszegi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 486; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms25010486 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 883
Abstract
Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. The proteomic analysis of follicular fluid provides a comprehensive view of the complex molecular landscape within ovarian follicles, offering valuable information on the factors influencing oocyte development and on the overall reproductive health. [...] Read more.
Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. The proteomic analysis of follicular fluid provides a comprehensive view of the complex molecular landscape within ovarian follicles, offering valuable information on the factors influencing oocyte development and on the overall reproductive health. The follicular fluid is derived from the plasma and contains various proteins that can have different roles in oocyte health and infertility, and this fluid is a critical microenvironment for the developing oocytes as well. Using the high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, we investigated the protein composition of the follicular fluid, and after classification, we carried out relative quantification of the identified proteins in the pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) groups. Based on the protein–protein interaction analysis, albumin and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were found to be hub proteins, and the quantitative comparison of the P and NP groups resulted in a significantly lower concentration of ApoA1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the P group. As both molecules are involved in the cholesterol transport, we also investigated their role in the development of oocytes and in the prediction of fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology—Second Edition)
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