Male Reproductive Health and Infertility: A Look Towards the Future

Dear Colleagues,

The testicular milieu harboring germ cell progression is coordinated by gonadotropins, steroid hormones, and a complex network of autocrine and paracrine factors. The final goal of spermatogenesis is the production of highly specialized cells, the spermatozoa, essential for species continuation. Furthermore, morphological, molecular, and epigenetic quality of sperm cells is a crucial aspect to guarantee successful fertilization and a regular embryo development. Nuclear remodeling during spermatogenesis is also critical for sperm quality, since it influences acrosome biogenesis, flagellum formation, and chromosome distribution.

Paternal health at the time of conception is increasingly considered a key factor affecting offspring health. Meanwhile, paternal lifestyle, including exposure to endocrine disruptors and nutrition, can alter the phenotype of future generations, especially by remodeling the epigenetic blueprint of sperm. Following the substantial decline of sperm quality in recent decades and the strong correlation between male infertility and comorbidities such as oncologic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases, the need is clear to adequately study this alarming global health issue.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a global overview of male fertility ranging from the molecular mechanisms driving a normal spermatogenesis to the molecular remodeling of sperm during epididymal transit, with a special focus on cell communication mediated by free or exosome-embedded molecules. This Special Issue focuses on innovative technological strategies, including testicular organ culture systems and emerging pluripotent stem cell technology that are expected to provide in vitro spermatogenesis in the future.

Moreover, this Issue will also cover the molecular, genetic/epigenetic, and endocrine aspects that may provide new, interesting clues in male infertility. Another important aspect will be the identification of new effective biomarkers for an early and reliable diagnosis of male infertility that may make possible the specific pharmacological management of patients.

Prof. Dr. Paola Piomboni
Dr. Alice Luddi
Dr. Rosanna Chianese
Guest Editors

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• sperm
• male infertility
• spermatogenesis
• epigenetics
• fertilization
• exosomes
• cell communication
• oxidative stress
• biomarkers