Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.2
2.9
Journals
JCM
Special Issues
Recent Developments in Reproductive Endocrinology
jcm-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for JCM Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Recent Developments in Reproductive Endocrinology

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology & Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2026 | Viewed by 10049

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Birute Žilaitiené

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: male infertility; polycystic ovary syndrome; contraception
Dr. Jonas Čeponis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: male reproductive endocrinology; male hypogonadism; metabolic and cardiovascular implications of male hypogonadism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue examines advances in reproductive endocrinology, providing comprehensive insights into the mechanisms regulating fertility, hormonal balance, and reproductive health in both men and women. It addresses a wide range of challenges and innovative solutions in the field. Key topics include sex hormone imbalances and their implications, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a focus on novel therapeutic targets to enhance ovulation and metabolic outcomes, as well as understanding testosterone deficiency in men, its systemic effects, and cutting-edge treatment approaches.

It also explores advancements in fertility, including assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), sperm retrieval techniques, personalized hormone protocols, and novel contraceptive methods. Additionally, it highlights the impact of environmental toxins on reproductive health, strategies for mitigation, and the roles of genetics and epigenetics in reproductive disorders, emphasizing personalized medicine approaches.

Finally, clinical implications of the disease and reproductive innovations may be discussed, encompassing ways to promote equitable access to care. This compilation will serve as a resource for clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders in shaping the future of reproductive health.

Prof. Dr. Birute Žilaitiené
Dr. Jonas Čeponis
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • hypogonadism
  • infertility
  • sex hormone deficiency
  • reproductive endocrinology
  • sexual health
  • assisted reproduction

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

15 pages, 1211 KB  
Article
DASS-21 Stress, but Not Anxiety or Depression, Is Associated with Premenstrual Stress
by Joseph V. Turner, Yolaine Alefsen, Lucas A. McLindon, Damien V. Turner and René Ecochard
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8619; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248619 - 5 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Most women experience premenstrual symptoms. We examined how the eleven DSM-5 premenstrual symptoms relate to concurrent indicators of psychological distress. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 847 participants completed a premenstrual symptom checklist and the DASS-21 between 2011 and 2021. Associations between [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Most women experience premenstrual symptoms. We examined how the eleven DSM-5 premenstrual symptoms relate to concurrent indicators of psychological distress. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 847 participants completed a premenstrual symptom checklist and the DASS-21 between 2011 and 2021. Associations between each DSM-5 premenstrual symptom and DASS-21 depression, anxiety, and stress scores were estimated using univariable and multivariable models, adjusting for the other two DASS-21 subscales and prespecified confounders. Results: Eight of the eleven premenstrual symptoms, loss of interest, impaired concentration, depressed mood (p < 0.01), loss of control, anxiety, sleep disturbance, emotional lability, and irritability (p < 0.05), were independently associated with higher DASS-21 stress scores. After adjusting for stress, no associations were observed with DASS-21 anxiety or DASS-21 depression. Conclusions: In this sample, stress was the principal psychological correlate of multiple premenstrual symptoms. These findings indicate co-occurrence rather than causation: the cross-sectional design does not establish directionality, and the observed patterns are compatible with several possibilities (such as stress contributing to, resulting from, or sharing common determinants with premenstrual symptoms). The lack of independent associations with DASS-21 anxiety and depression suggests these symptoms are not merely concurrent expressions of acute anxiety or depressive states. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to test causal pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Reproductive Endocrinology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1182 KB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Endometrial Scratching on IVF/ICSI Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
by Rimantas Gricius, Kamilė Piesliakaitė, Ramunė Narutytė, Donatas Austys and Diana Ramašauskaitė
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3340; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093340 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 399
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Infertility affects about 17.5% of people globally, with higher rates in women. Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies, success remains limited. Endometrial scratching (ES) is proposed to enhance implantation by altering cytokines and gene expression, but evidence is conflicting. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Infertility affects about 17.5% of people globally, with higher rates in women. Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies, success remains limited. Endometrial scratching (ES) is proposed to enhance implantation by altering cytokines and gene expression, but evidence is conflicting. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with ES performed in the luteal phase of the cycle preceding IVF or ICSI, were included. Results: The meta-analysis included 3210 patients and 1445 clinical pregnancies (754 in the ES group and 691 in the control group). In the ES group, a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.18, p = 0.02) was revealed. Pooled data from six studies reporting live birth rates (1268 births) showed a significant increase in the LBR after ES (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.22, p = 0.01). The ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) was also statistically significant in the ES group (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26, p = 0.03). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows a small but statistically significant and consistent positive effect of ES on the LBR, CPR, and OPR in women undergoing IVF or ICSI, with a modest but measurable absolute benefit of approximately 4–5 additional events per 100 individuals. This procedure may particularly benefit patients with impaired endometrial receptivity, potentially enhancing reproductive outcomes while reducing the time and cost required to achieve a successful pregnancy. Further research is warranted to optimize its use and identify patients most likely to benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Reproductive Endocrinology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 574 KB  
Systematic Review
The Association Between Vitamin D Levels and Erectile Dysfunction in Men: A Systematic Review
by Radvilė Matukaitienė, Augustė Pikelytė, Birutė Žilaitienė, Robertas Lažauskas, Rasa Verkauskienė and Jonas Čeponis
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8630; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248630 - 5 Dec 2025
Viewed by 7890
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual disorder in men, frequently linked to endothelial dysfunction affecting penile vasculature. Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin D (VD) status may influence endothelial function and, consequently, erectile function. VD deficiency has also been associated with cardiovascular [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual disorder in men, frequently linked to endothelial dysfunction affecting penile vasculature. Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin D (VD) status may influence endothelial function and, consequently, erectile function. VD deficiency has also been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, which are well-known contributors to ED. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, analyzing studies from PubMed and Cochrane databases published between 2010 and 2025. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot clinical trials examining the relationship between VD levels and ED in the general male population were included. Results: Out of 1335 identified articles, 10 studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing over 13,000 men. Observational studies consistently showed that men with moderate-to-severe or arteriogenic ED had significantly lower serum VD levels and poorer erectile function scores compared to those with mild ED. VD deficiency was independently associated with higher ED prevalence, irrespective of lifestyle, cardiovascular risk, or sex hormone levels. Although several observational studies suggested a potential optimal vitamin D threshold, definitive recommendations cannot be established due to the heterogeneity of available evidence and conflicting findings from randomized controlled trials. The latter demonstrated inconsistent effects of vitamin D supplementation on erectile dysfunction outcomes, with the largest trial reporting no significant reduction in disease prevalence. These findings underscore the critical need for rigorously designed trials targeting populations with severe VD deficiency and arteriogenic ED. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights an association between vitamin D status and erectile dysfunction, particularly in men with moderate-to-severe or arteriogenic ED. However, most of the evidence is derived from low-certainty observational studies. While observational data suggest potential benefits of adequate VD levels for sexual health, well-designed randomized controlled trials are essential to delineate causal relationships and potential for therapeutic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Reproductive Endocrinology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-3
Back to TopTop