Molecular, Metabolic, and Endocrine Mechanisms in Reproduction

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive health is regulated by a complex interplay of molecular, metabolic, endocrine, and environmental factors that influence fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term offspring health. In recent decades, the growing prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and endocrine disorders has highlighted the critical role of metabolic homeostasis in reproductive function. Disruptions in hormonal signaling pathways, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered adipokine secretion have emerged as key mechanisms linking metabolic health to reproductive disorders.

Advances in molecular biology, omics technologies, and translational medicine have significantly improved our understanding of the pathways governing gametogenesis, implantation, placentation, fetal development, and reproductive aging. At the same time, increasing evidence suggests that endocrine and metabolic disturbances contribute to the pathogenesis of conditions such as polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, infertility,  pregnancy loss, cardiometabolic pregnancy complications, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. In males, metabolic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of impaired spermatogenesis and reduced reproductive potential.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for original research articles, reviews, and systematic reviews addressing the molecular, metabolic, and endocrine determinants of reproductive health and disease. Topics of interest include reproductive endocrinology, metabolic regulation of fertility, maternal–fetal interactions, oxidative stress and inflammation in reproduction, reproductive consequences of obesity and diabetes, biomarkers of reproductive disorders, epigenetic regulation, reproductive aging, and novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of the pathologic mechanisms underlying reproductive disorders and to identify new opportunities for improving reproductive outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Stefanović
Guest Editor

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