Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

With an exceptional author satisfaction rate, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology is a highly accessed, internationally recognized, open access journal ...

List of Papers (Total 4,079)

Upregulation of miR-151a-5p in high DFI sperm induces DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction by targeting INPP4B and VAMP1

To explore the potential the role of miR-151a-5p in sperm dysfunction and its association with DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and male infertility. Sperm samples with high DNA fragmentation were collected, and miR-151a-5p expression was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. GC-2 cells were transfected with miR-151a-5p mimics to assess its effects...

Predicting the optimal timing for triggering in controlled ovarian stimulation: mature oocytes retrieval predictor

The development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has revolutionized infertility treatment; however, its success largely depends on effective controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and the timing of oocyte retrieval. This study aimed to develop a regression equation model to optimize the timing of ovulation trigger in COS.. We retrospectively analyzed 503 COS cycles (380...

Between evidence and expectation: a retrospective cohort study on chronic endometritis in repeated implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss

Chronic endometritis (CE) is frequently diagnosed in women with repeated implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), yet the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and uncertainty about the timing of assessment and optimal treatment lead to open questions regarding its clinical relevance. This study aims to identify clinical risk factors that may guide...

Prevalence of dysmorphic uterus in infertile women by 3D-TVUS: a retrospective longitudinal cohort study

The true prevalence and clinical significance of congenital uterine malformations (CUM), particularly the dysmorphic uterus, in infertile populations remain a matter of debate, largely due to historical limitations in diagnostic methods. This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of CUM in an infertile cohort using modern, objective three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound...

Colony-stimulating factor-1 as a potential therapeutic target in asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia (AZS), a common cause of male infertility, is characterized by significantly reduced sperm motility, though its precise etiology remains unclear. Recent research highlights seminal plasma proteins’ critical role in regulating sperm function. Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), an essential cytokine for immune regulation and cell proliferation, has been...

Embryo-maternal cross-talk: key players in successful implantation and live birth rates

A successful pregnancy requires that the embryo and the endometrium undergo regulated alterations during the preimplantation phase, which can have positive effects on each other due to these adaptations. The focus of this review is to study the alterations in both the immune system and gene expression within the endometrium, along with exploring the embryonic surface and...

Macrophages in endometriosis: key roles and emerging therapeutic opportunities—a narrative review

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. It commonly presents with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, imposing substantial physical, psychological, and social burdens. Current therapeutic options, such as surgical intervention and hormonal suppression, are constrained by adverse effects and high...

Interaction between embryo transfer timing (D3/D4) and duration of progesterone exposure (P3/P4) on live birth rate in hormone replacement therapy cycles of frozen embryo transfer

In hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles of frozen embryo transfer (FET), progesterone-induced endometrial transformation is critical to clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the interactive impact of the extent of progesterone exposure and the timing of embryo transfer on live birth outcomes. This study retrospectively reviewed 3,381 infertile individuals from June...

Efficacy of endovenous embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome and its impact on ovarian reserve

Pelvic congestion syndrome(PCS) is a complex condition, with ongoing controversies regarding its diagnosis, treatment, and long-term effects, especially concerning reproductive health. Endovenous embolization performed for PCS may alter pelvic hemodynamics and ovarian perfusion, which may change ovarian reserve and menstrual cycle characteristics. This study aimed to investigate...

Influence of psychosocial work factors on male fertility and sperm quality: a scoping review

While much research is available on the implications of environmental and occupational exposures to chemicals on infertility and sperm quality, less is known about the impact of psychosocial work exposures on male reproductive health, including sperm quality. Therefore, this scoping review maps evidence of the psychosocial work factors and their effects on male fertility...

Structural and hormonal changes in the ovaries of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy controls: a 13-year prospective study in an unselected population

This study investigates whether ovarian structural and hormonal changes over a 13-year period differ between women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy controls within an unselected population. This prospective nested cohort study followed up on a prevalence study conducted in 2009 in an unselected-population. A total of 41 women with PCOS (≥ 35 years-old...

Depression, anxiety, and stress impair sperm quality via dysregulation of the mitochondrial PDK–PDC axis

Male infertility, a significant global public health challenge, arises from multifactorial interactions involving genetic, metabolic, and psychological factors. While psychological stress (depression/anxiety/stress, DAS) is increasingly linked to impaired sperm quality, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This cross-sectional study investigates mitochondrial metabolic...

Testicular microlithiasis and male fertility: a dual perspective integrating imaging and physiological insights

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a pathological condition characterized by diffuse calcifications within the seminiferous tubules. Its clinical significance remains controversial. While some studies regard TM a benign imaging finding, others suggest potential associations with impaired fertility and an increased risk of testicular malignancy. This study aims to systematically...

Hydrogen sulfide in placental development and pregnancy disorders: mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and translational challenges

The placenta plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy stability, regulating fetal growth, and facilitating maternal–fetal exchange. Its proper development relies on placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, along with adaptive remodeling of the maternal uterine vasculature. However, the mechanisms underlying placental development and the successful establishment of the...

Integrating impact of FSH isoforms, androgens and inhibin-B on follicular development based on a two-phase model of the follicular phase

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is central to follicular growth during the menstrual cycle. It is secreted in multiple isoforms that differ in glycosylation, bioactivity, and half-life. Acidic isoforms dominate early in the follicular phase, while less acidic forms rise closer to ovulation caused by increasing oestradiol. Though well studied in vitro, the distinct...

Role of hyaluronan in endometrial receptivity: key insights for implantation and reproductive success

Infertility affects millions worldwide, and implantation failure remains a critical barrier in assisted reproduction. Endometrial receptivity, a fundamental prerequisite for successful implantation, involves precise regulation of extracellular matrix components, with hyaluronan (HA) being particularly significant due to its structural and signaling roles. This study evaluated the...

Systemic impacts of diabetes on spermatogenesis and intervention strategies: multilayered mechanism analysis and cutting-edge therapeutic approaches

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disease with a high global prevalence, has increasingly been recognized for its adverse effects on the male reproductive system, particularly spermatogenesis. This review systematically summarizes the multifaceted impacts of diabetes on spermatogenesis, encompassing molecular mechanisms such as oxidative stress, endocrine disruption...

Alteration of the follicular fluid amino acid profile reveals the important roles of several amino acids in embryo quality in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is widely acknowledged as the prevailing reproductive endocrine disorder accompanied by numerous metabolic dysfunctions. However, there has been a lack of systematic examination regarding the amino acids profile in PCOS. There is a dearth of evidence in regard to the examination of connections between amino acid metabolites found in follicular...

Elevated serum estradiol levels on embryo transfer day predict higher pregnancy success in HRT-FET cycles

To investigate the association between serum estradiol (E2) levels on the day of embryo transfer and clinical pregnancy outcomes in hormonally prepared frozen–thawed embryo transfer (HRT-FET) cycles with optimal progesterone (P4) levels. In this retrospective study, 175 HRT-FET cycles conducted between January and May 2024 were analyzed. Serum E2 and P4 levels were measured on...

Insulin resistance as a determinant of fertilization efficiency in polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing IVF/ICSI: a retrospective cohort study

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of insulin resistance (IR) on clinical outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. A total of 1,768 PCOS patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles at Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital between October 2010...

Lifestyle in flux: urbanization, dietary shifts, and endocrine health in emerging adulthood

Emerging evidence highlights the decline of testosterone levels among young males, linked to modern lifestyle shifts rather than aging alone. This exploratory cross-sectional study investigates the interplay between modifiable lifestyle factors and testosterone levels in 50 males aged 18–22 years, focusing on underrepresented variables such as exercise type, carbonated beverage...

The effectiveness of stem cell‑derived extracellular vesicles therapy for intrauterine adhesions: a meta-analysis of preclinical studies

The therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) for intrauterine adhesions (IUA) has attracted increasing preclinical investigation, yet a comprehensive and up-to-date meta-analysis is currently lacking. Before moving forward with clinical applications, it is essential to fully understand the impact of stem cell-derived EVs on IUA. PubMed, EMBASE...

Semaglutide and human reproduction: caution at the intersection of energy balance, ovarian function, and follicular development

Obese or overweight patients considering IVF are generally counselled to reduce weight closer to target BMI (i.e., < 30 kg/m2) by interventions entailing dietary change with a structured exercise program. There is little disagreement that supervised weight loss can improve reproductive outcome when successful, although there are refractory cases where weight goals are unmet...