Molecular Research of Reproductive Toxicity

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, environmental pollution has represented a high risk for organism reproduction in aquatic and terrestrial environments. It could impact biodiversity, causing consequences for ecosystems at different levels, especially in areas where there is a higher concentration of environmental pollution. Understanding how chemical (drugs, microplastics, heavy metals) and physical (radiation, climate change) insults can disrupt normal development would help to safeguard the health of animal reproduction by improving risk assessments.

Focusing on the field of toxicology, this Special Issue focuses on all aspects of the reproductive and developmental effects induced by different environmental stressors, both chemical and physical. Molecular approaches to evaluate the impact on endocrine disruptors and reproductive disorders, including gametogenesis and sexual function and embryogenesis alterations, will be considered in in vitro and in vivo experiments using different model systems. Deep cytological and molecular investigations will be considered in order to clarify how exposure to different stressors can interfere with the mechanisms and gene expression regulation at basis of the correct processes of gametogenesis, fertilization and development, and how this exposure is responsible for hormone disorders, infertility or developmental malformations and teratogenesis.

This Special Issue will present original research articles, as well as mini and comprehensive reviews, including perspectives on biodiversity loss associated with failed reproductive success. New techniques to protect against and mitigate the impact of stressor agents and improve reproductive fitness are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Palma Simoniello
Dr. Luigi Rosati
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• cytotoxicity
• environmental stressors
• gametogenesis
• thermal stress
• apoptosis
• embryos
• developmental gene regulation
• endocrine disruption
• gene expression
• larval development
• reproductive toxicology
• teratogenesis
• xenobiotics
• heavy metals