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Preservation of Testicular Function: From Andrological Pathologies to Testis Cancer

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 437

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Interests: PDAC; cancer stem cells; mitochondria; ROS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Interests: pancreatic cancer; cancer stem cells; cancer metabolism; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Testicular function plays a pivotal role in male reproductive and endocrine health. This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research into molecular mechanisms and translational, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies for preserving testicular function across a broad spectrum of conditions—from common andrological disorders to testicular cancer.

We invite contributions from basic scientists and translational researchers exploring topics such as fertility preservation, hormonal regulation, testicular tissue engineering, effects of systemic diseases or treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy), and innovative approaches in early diagnosis and intervention.

By bridging diverse areas of expertise, this issue seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and advance understanding of testicular physiology and pathology. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that can contribute to improving male reproductive health.

Dr. Elisa Dalla Pozza
Dr. Ilaria Dando
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • testicular function
  • male infertility
  • fertility preservation
  • spermatogenesis
  • oxidative stress
  • cell death
  • testicular cancer
  • testosterone

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

23 pages, 1689 KB  
Article
Pubertal Development Following Paediatric Gonadotoxic Treatment and Immature Testicular Tissue Banking
by Emily Delgouffe, Marius Regin, Veerle Vloeberghs, Caroline Ernst, Herman Tournaye, Inge Gies and Ellen Goossens
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052139 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Paediatric gonadotoxic treatments can compromise male fertility, yet prospective data systematically tracking pubertal development are scarce. Immature testicular tissue banking (TTB) has been introduced as an experimental fertility preservation option for (pre-)pubertal boys, but its long-term safety and interaction with gonadotoxic treatment are [...] Read more.
Paediatric gonadotoxic treatments can compromise male fertility, yet prospective data systematically tracking pubertal development are scarce. Immature testicular tissue banking (TTB) has been introduced as an experimental fertility preservation option for (pre-)pubertal boys, but its long-term safety and interaction with gonadotoxic treatment are not fully understood. This single-centre prospective cohort study systematically followed 23 boys, treated for malignant or non-malignant conditions, between 2017 and 2025 [median 4.0 (0.1–6.9) years], including 15 who underwent TTB. Unlike previous studies, this research combined repeated assessments of pubertal staging, testicular volumes, parenchymal integrity, reproductive hormones, and bone age and density, enabling a multidimensional evaluation of pubertal development. Gonadotoxic treatments, particularly myeloablative conditioning, were associated with reduced post-pubertal testicular volumes and altered hormone profiles, including elevated luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and reduced inhibin B, while anti-Müllerian hormone remained largely stable. Puberty occurred spontaneously and testosterone production was preserved in all patients. The testicular parenchyma appeared unaffected by the biopsy, and although some biopsied testes showed lower volumes, similar reductions could be observed in non-biopsied testes. These results support the safety of TTB, with no evident adverse effects on testicular structure or function; however, larger multicentric prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
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