Cutting-Edge Breakthroughs in Animal Reproductive Endocrinology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2025 | Viewed by 1733

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Gamma-Vet Ltd, Animal Health Centre Budafok, Budapest, Hungary
Interests: canine/feline reproduction; infertility; endocrinology; reproductive endocrinology; environmental endocrine effects
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The interest and knowledge in animal reproduction have greatly increased in the last thirty years. The development of new methods has provided an opportunity to recognize the relationships behind endocrine processes. The discovery of new hormones and metabolites has opened up new avenues to increase the success of reproduction. Recent advances in animal reproductive endocrinology have revolutionized our understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing fertility and breeding in various species. This dynamic field has witnessed remarkable progress, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies to unravel the complexities of reproductive processes.

Advancements in reproductive endocrinology have significantly enhanced assisted reproductive techniques (ART), facilitating improved fertility management in both domestic and wild animal populations. In-depth studies into the hormonal regulation of reproductive cycles have led to refined synchronization protocols, aiding in optimizing breeding programs and enhancing reproductive efficiency. Furthermore, the development of non-invasive hormone monitoring methods has enabled real-time tracking of hormonal fluctuations, offering valuable insights into the reproductive health of animals.

The emergence of molecular techniques has opened new avenues for exploring the genetic basis of reproductive traits and disorders. Genomic studies have unveiled key genes and signaling pathways involved in reproductive processes, shedding light on fertility-related disorders and paving the way for targeted interventions.

Additionally, the application of advanced imaging modalities and bioinformatics tools has enabled researchers to delve deeper into the intricacies of reproductive physiology. Three-dimensional imaging techniques have provided a comprehensive understanding of reproductive anatomy and the dynamics of gamete interaction, while bioinformatics analyses have facilitated the integration of multi-omics data, fostering a holistic approach to studying reproductive biology.

The interdisciplinary nature of recent research in animal reproductive endocrinology has engendered collaborations between biologists, geneticists, clinicians, and computational scientists, fostering a synergistic environment for breakthrough discoveries.

This summary invites contributions from researchers and practitioners in the field of animal reproductive endocrinology to share their latest findings, technological innovations, and perspectives. By providing a platform for disseminating novel insights and advancements, this publication aims to further catalyze the progress in understanding and manipulating reproductive processes in diverse animal species, ultimately contributing to improved breeding strategies and conservation efforts.

Dr. Julianna Thuróczy
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • animal reproduction
  • reproductive endocrinology
  • infertility
  • fertility
  • metabolism
  • assisted reproductive technologies
  • hormones

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3112 KiB  
Article
Canine Perineal Hernia Associated with Prostatic Disorders: Is Castration Really Beneficial? A Retrospective Study
by Putinee Sangmanee, Attawit Kovitvadhi, Wijit Sutthiprapa, Piyathip Choochalermporn and Chunsumon Limmanont
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091206 - 23 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Prostatic disorders are commonly observed in older, intact male dogs and have been a primary etiological factor in the development of PH. Limited literature exists regarding correcting PH with castration in dogs suffering from prostatic disorders, including the management and long-term clinical outcomes. [...] Read more.
Prostatic disorders are commonly observed in older, intact male dogs and have been a primary etiological factor in the development of PH. Limited literature exists regarding correcting PH with castration in dogs suffering from prostatic disorders, including the management and long-term clinical outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to describe the management of prostatic disorders and evaluate outcomes and recurrence following perineal herniorrhaphy with castration. A total of 315 intact male dogs that underwent perineal herniorrhaphy associated with prostatic disorders were classified into two groups: a castrated (PHC; n = 184) and a non-castrated group (PHNC; n = 131). The clinical signs of the PHC group showed significant improvement in the postoperative, short- and long-term follow-up phases (p < 0.001). The enlargement of the prostate gland, heterogeneous parenchyma, and intraparenchymal cystic lesions were observed to be less prevalent in the PHC compared to the other group (p < 0.001). The incidence of recurrent PH showed no significant differences (p = 0.5). In conclusion, castration combined with perineal herniorrhaphy offers significant advantages for improving outcomes and minimizing the recurrence of PH associated with prostatic pathologies following surgery. This is particularly relevant when managing prostatic cysts, including FNA for drainage, cyst or abscess resection, or partial prostatectomy with omentalization during surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Breakthroughs in Animal Reproductive Endocrinology)
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11 pages, 3550 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Nucleosome Landscapes Between Porcine Embryonic Fibroblasts and GV Oocytes
by Minjun Zhao, Shunran Zhao, Zhaoqi Pang, Chunhui Jia and Chenyu Tao
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233392 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 639
Abstract
(1) Background: Nucleosomes represent the essential structural units of chromatin and serve as key regulators of cell function and gene expression. Oocytes in the germinal vesicle (GV) stage will later undergo meiosis and become haploid cells ready for fertilization, while somatic cells undergo [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Nucleosomes represent the essential structural units of chromatin and serve as key regulators of cell function and gene expression. Oocytes in the germinal vesicle (GV) stage will later undergo meiosis and become haploid cells ready for fertilization, while somatic cells undergo mitosis after DNA replication. (2) Purpose: To furnish theoretical insights and data that support the process of cell reprogramming after nuclear transplantation. (3) Methods: We compared the nucleosome occupancy, distribution, and transcription of genes between two types of cells: fully grown GV oocytes from big follicles (BF) and somatic cells (porcine embryonic fibroblast, PEF). (4) Results: The nucleosome occupancy in the promoter of BF was 4.85%, which was significantly higher than that of 3.3% in PEF (p < 0.05), and the nucleosome distribution showed a noticeable increase surrounding transcriptional start sites (TSSs) in BF. Next, we reanalyzed the currently published transcriptome of fully grown GV oocytes and PEF, and a total of 51 genes in BF and 80 genes in PEF were identified as being uniquely expressed. The nucleosome distribution around gene TSSs correlated with expression levels in somatic cells, yet the results in BF differed from those in PEF. (5) Conclusion: This study uncovers the dynamic nature and significance of nucleosome positioning and chromatin organization across various cell types, providing a basis for nuclear transplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Breakthroughs in Animal Reproductive Endocrinology)
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Review

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13 pages, 2582 KiB  
Review
Establishment and Maintenance of Feline Pregnancy—A Comprehensive Review
by Sabine Schäfer-Somi
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091249 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
Cats are different from dogs, and many questions remain open concerning the establishment of pregnancy. In cats, as in dogs, no feto-maternal signaling leading to establishment of pregnancy is known. But as opposed to dogs, the placenta is a source of steroid hormones [...] Read more.
Cats are different from dogs, and many questions remain open concerning the establishment of pregnancy. In cats, as in dogs, no feto-maternal signaling leading to establishment of pregnancy is known. But as opposed to dogs, the placenta is a source of steroid hormones and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Scarce information is available on physiological mechanisms at the uterine level during early gestation; more studies are needed on lymphocyte subsets, feto-maternal crosstalk and other mechanisms leading to local immunosuppression, allograft acceptance and embryo nidation and invasion. Recent studies investigate the function of extracellular vesicles (EVs); however, there is no study on embryo- or endometrium-derived EV. During pregnancy, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum concentrations were found to be higher than in non-pregnant cats, and a recent study found that supraphysiological levels may lead to pregnancy loss; the function of AMH during pregnancy warrants investigation. Most information is available on corpus luteum development and function, showing some similarities to dogs. Some information on maintenance of feline pregnancy was obtained by ovariectomy (OE) or the use of endocrine disruptors, showing that OE does not lead to pregnancy loss in all cases, especially when performed after day 35; the variable effect is still not fully understood. Antiprogesterone, dopamine agonists and prostaglandins were used in different dosages and treatment schemes and showed variable effect during the second half of gestation, highlighting progesterone and prolactin as key hormones for the maintenance of gestation. Some events during early gestation are comparable with the canine species, even though they appear earlier, like the entrance of the zygote into the uterus and implantation; however, significant differences are present concerning the histomorphology of the placenta and, in a few cases, even the gross morphology as in some cats, where the zonary placenta does not completely surround the fetus. Sonographical monitoring of feline pregnancy requires knowledge of species-specific developmental steps and the differential appearance of fetal and maternal structures in comparison with dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Breakthroughs in Animal Reproductive Endocrinology)
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