Athanasios Zikopoulos

Ovarian function relies on a network of well-coordinated molecular mechanisms that regulate follicular development, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and corpus luteum function. When these processes are disrupted, infertility can result. Extrac…

In the human reproductive system, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as playing a vital role in mediating cell-cell communication. They are considered critical for embryo development, implantation, gamete interaction, and fer…

Background/Objectives: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an uncommon but treatable cause of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Fertility can often be restored with gonadotropin therapy. This study evaluated spermatogenic and reproductiv…

The potentially fatal condition known as ectopic pregnancy (EP) occurs when an embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. It accounts for approximately 1-2% of all pregnancies and remains a leading cause of matern…

The study of the microbiome has rapidly progressed over the past few decades, capturing the interest of both scientists and the general public. Nevertheless, there is still no widely agreed-upon definition for the term "microbiome" despite …

Background/Objectives: Infertility in both men and women can be significantly influenced by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. In women, OS disr…

Background/Objectives: Cumulus cells have been proposed to be indicators of oocyte quality. In this study, oocyte cumulus cells were analyzed for SERPINE gene expression. High SERPINE gene expression in cumulus cells is associated with redu…

The human gut microbiome is integral to maintaining systemic physiological balance, with accumulating evidence emphasizing its critical role in reproductive health. This review investigates the bidirectional interactions between the gut mic…

BackgroundHyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the leading cause of hospitalization during early pregnancy, affecting approximately 0.3-3% of pregnancies. It represents the most severe end of the nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) spectrum an…

Concern over COVID-19's long-term influence on women's reproductive health is growing, with emerging research suggesting potential links to ovarian dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.…

Poor ovarian response (POR) remains a significant challenge in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), as the quantity and quality of oocytes retrieved directly influence embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth …

Human infertility represents a multifaceted condition, with oxidative stress (OS) and microRNAs (miRNAs) emerging as key contributors to its pathophysiology. This comprehensive review explores the complex interplay between reactive oxygen s…

BackgroundThis case-control study investigates whether miR-27a rs895819 A>G polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Caucasian Greek women.MethodsThis study included 93 women with at least two u…

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential com…

The increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) globally, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), has highlighted the pressing need to determine the modifiable factors affecting the …

Background: Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, with causes including hormonal and structural abnormalities. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is commonly used for ovulation induction, but its role in various assisted reproducti…

Background/objectivesEndocrine disruptors (EDs) are xenobiotic chemicals that disrupt hormone signaling and homeostasis within the human body. Accumulative evidence proposes that EDs could affect systemic hormone balance and local microbial…

Globally, endometriosis affects almost 10% of reproductive-aged women, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) seem to play a pivotal role as a causal factor. The current manuscript aims to explain pote…

The purpose of this prospective case-control study is to investigate the correlation of the miR-143 gene rs353292 polymorphism in Caucasian women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared to a matched control group with at least one live…

Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition commonly seen in individuals designated female at birth; however, there has been limited research focused on its prevalence and impact among transgender men. This narrative review aims…

Antioxidants have a well-established effect on general health and are essential in preventing oxidative damage to cells by scavenging free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be neutralized by these substances, which include polyphenols,…

Infertility represents a significant global health challenge impacting millions of couples worldwide. Approximately half of all infertile couples exhibit compromised semen quality, indicative of diminished male fertility. While the diagnosi…

Background/objectivesEmbryo implantation is a highly complex process that requires the precise regulation of numerous molecules to be orchestrated successfully. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and…

Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive hereditary chronic hemolytic anemia characterized by a partial or complete deficiency in the synthesis of alpha- or beta-globin chains, which are essential components of adult hemoglobin. Mutations in t…

Bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), are among the most thoroughly investigated endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). BPA was the first synthetic estrogen to be identified, exerting its estrogenic effects through interaction with hu…