Research Fields

some of our publications

Circadian rhythms and neuro-immuno-endocrinology

Rhythm rules everything in our lives, and we believe that circadian biology can offer a key to understanding the unexplained or puzzling evidence in the complexity of endocrine feedback loops. The metabolic consequences of the disruption of clock genes are well-known. We are now adding a further level of complexity, showing how circadian rhythms of the immune system are tightly linked to the endocrine rhythms, especially that of glucocorticoids. The big picture we are in now is that of "neuro-immuno-endocrinology." We love it!

Circadian clock disruption impairs immune oscillation in chronic endogenous hypercortisolism: a multi-level analysis from a multicentre clinical trial

Hasenmajer V J et al., eBioMedicine. 2024.

Phase 3 Trial of Crinecerfont in Adult Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Auchus R J et al., New England Journal of Medicine. 2024.

Effect of once-daily, modified-release hydrocortisone versus standard glucocorticoid therapy on metabolism and innate immunity in patients with adrenal insufficiency (DREAM): a single-blind, randomised controlled trial

Isidori AM et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018.

Impaired Immune Function in Patients With Chronic Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism: Results of the EMPATHY Study

Puliani G et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021

The Immune System in Cushing's Syndrome

Hasenmajer V et al., Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2020.

Cardiovascular endocrinology

Cardiologists have taught us how to conduct large and rigorous clinical trials, but now cardiologists are using our endocrine tools! The beta-adrenergic signaling or the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and more recently the SGLT2 inhibitors, are examples of how neuroendocrine control is central to cardiovascular function. In 'endocrine hands', we are taking back such tools to reveal the molecular players involved. Using a range of approaches, from high-resolution imaging of living cells to in vivo genetic, surgical, and pharmacological manipulation, we address the potentials of neuroendocrine modulation of cardiac remodeling and repairing systems. As non-cardiologists, we managed to publish in Nature and top cardiology journals. We like tough challenges.

Kit cre knock-in mice fail to fate-map cardiac stem cells

Vicinanza C et al., Nature. 2018.

Sex-specific effects of daily tadalafil on diabetic heart kinetics in RECOGITO, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Pofi R et al., Sci Transl Med. 2022.

Diabetic Cardiomiopathy Progression is Triggered by miR122-5p and Involves Extracellular Matrix: A 5-Year Prospective Study

Pofi R et al., JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2021.

Inhibition of type 5 phosphodiesterase counteracts β2-adrenergic signalling in beating cardiomyocytes

Isidori AM et al., Cardiovasc Res. 2015.

Chronic Inhibition of cGMP phosphodiesterase 5A improves diabetic cardiomyopathy: a randomized, controlled clinical trial using magnetic resonance imaging with myocardial tagging

Giannetta E et al., Circulation. 2012

Adrenal and pituitary disorders

All glands are created equal, but some glands are more equal than the others. Understanding the complications and the development of new treatments for pituitary and adrenal disorders has exploded in the past decades. We have contributed to investigating and systematically analyzing the available evidence. Our favorite condition is the most difficult of them all, Cushing's syndrome. Nonetheless, the international community has also appreciated our research on obesity, the metabolic effect of GH, and the treatments used to manage its excess.

Complications of Cushing's syndrome: state of the art

Pivonello R et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2016.

Somatostatin Analogs and Glucose Metabolism in Acromegaly: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Interventional Studies

Cozzolino A et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018.

Altered Thyroid Feedback Loop in Klinefelter Syndrome: From Infancy Through the Transition to Adulthood

Carlomagno F et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023.

Pituitary stalk thickening: the role of an innovative MRI imaging analysis which may assist in determining clinical management.

Sbardella E et al., Eur J Endocrinol. 2016.

Plasma Renin Measurements are Unrelated to Mineralocorticoid Replacement Dose in Patients With Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Pofi R et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020.

Susceptibility and characteristics of infections in patients with glucocorticoid excess or insufficiency: the ICARO tool

Minnetti M et al., Eur J Endocrinol. 2022.

11β-HSD1 inhibition in men mitigates prednisolone-induced adverse effects in a proof-of-concept randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Othonos N et al., Nat Commun. 2023.

Andrological endocrinology

Our institution has a long-standing tradition in andrological research, with the first academic position being established in Rome in 1981. We have contributed to writing pioneering meta-analyses and national and international guidelines on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in male hypogonadism, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. In the past decade, we have focused on developing advanced imaging techniques for testicular disorders. We established the first International School of Ultrasound in Andrology for the European Academy of Andrology. First in the world, we applied contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to testicular tumors.

Erectile dysfunction.

Yafi FA et al., Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016.

Differential diagnosis of nonpalpable testicular lesions: qualitative and quantitative contrast-enhanced US of benign and malignant testicular tumors.

Isidori AM et al., Radiology. 2014.

Testicular microvascular flow is altered in Klinefelter syndrome and predicts circulating testosterone.

Carlomagno F et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021.

Clinical presentation, management and follow-up of 83 patients with Leydig cell tumors of the testis: a prospective case-cohort study.

Pozza C et al., Hum Reprod. 2019.

Testicular Dysfunction in 47,XXY Boys: When It All Begins. A semilongitudinal Study

Carlomagno F et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023.

Shorter androgen receptor polyQ alleles protect against life-threatening COVID-19 disease in European males.

Baldassarri M et al., EBioMedicine. 2021.

Extra-Gonadal and Non-Canonical Effects of FSH in Males

Spaziani M et al., Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023.

The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), along with ten other Italian Scientific Societies, guidelines on the diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction

Corona G, J Endocrinol Invest. 2023.

Molecular & Metabolic Endocrinology

We are exploring new players involved in the interplay between metabolism and intracrinology. Using a mixed basic and translational approach, we are fascinated by how the complexity of phosphodiesterases and intracellular hormonal metabolism can shape adipocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, stem cells, and cancer cells response to challenges. If you are interested in shaping receptor responsiveness through second messengers, do not forget about the cyclic nucleotides (our favorite is cGMP) and the important network of their hydrolyzing enzymes (the PDEs).

PDE5 inhibition Stimulates Tie2-Expressing Monocytes and Angiopoietin-1 Restoring Angiogenic Homeostasis in Diabetes.

Venneri MA et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019.

Chronic phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition has beneficial effects on subcutaneous adipose tissue plasticity in type 2 diabetic mice.

Fiore D. et al. J Cell Physiol. 2018.

Sildenafil Prevents Podocyte Injury via PPAR-γ-Mediated TRPC6 Inhibition.

Sonneveld R et al. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2017.

Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2 in metabolic disorders: therapeutic strategies to restore the highs and lows of angiogenesis in diabetes.

Isidori AM, J Endocrinol Invest. 2016.

Safety and Efficacy of PTH 1-34 and 1-84 Therapy in Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Trials

Puliani G, J Bone Miner Res. 2022.

Oncological Endocrinology

Working in the largest University Hospital in central Italy, we are a referral center for oncological patients suffering from a variety of tumors and/or developing endocrine complications. This comprises a lot of clinical work that gives us the opportunity to improve their quality of life, morbidity and mortality. We strive to give the most to our patients, and they give back energy, motivation and their happy participation in several clinical studies. For us, it is another way to bond with them, merging clinical dedication with a passion for research and the hope of making the difference. Therefore, we are very proud of our endo-onco research.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic features in detecting thyroid cancer in the transition age: a meta-analysis

Cozzolino A et al., Eur Thyroid J. 2022.

Calcitonin in thyroid and extra-thyroid neuroendocrine neoplasms: the two-faced Janus.

Giannetta E et al., Eur J Endocrinol. 2020.

Lanreotide Therapy vs Active Surveillance in MEN1-Related Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors < 2 Centimeters.

Faggiano A et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020.

Quality of Life in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: The Role of Severity, Clinical Heterogeneity, and Resilience.

Scandurra C et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021.

Sunitinib Treatment for Advanced Paraganglioma: Case Report of a Novel SDHD Gene Mutation Variant and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Sesti F et al., Front Oncol. 2021.

Characterization of circulating immune cells and correlation with Tie2/Angiopoietins level in well differentiated neuroendocrine gastroenteropancreatic tumors: a cross-sectional analysis

Sesti F et al., Endocrine 2022.

Rare diseases

We are a national referral center for rare endocrine and andrological diseases. We follow-up disorders presenting with impaired gonadal maturation, altered metabolic phenotype and bone complications. We have a particular interest in Klinefelter syndrome and high-grade sexual chromosomes aneuploidies (HGAs). We are at the last stage of evaluation for approval by the ERN – European Endocrine Reference Network for rare diseases.

From Klinefelter Syndrome to High Grade Aneuploidies: Expanding the Gene-dosage Effect of Supernumerary X Chromosomes

Spaziani M*, Carlomagno F* et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024.

Characteristics of a nationwide cohort of patients presenting with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH).

Bonomi M et al., Eur J Endocrinol. 2018.

The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) ultrasound study on healthy, fertile men: Scrotal ultrasound reference ranges and associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical characteristics

Lotti F et al., Andrology. 2021.

European academy of andrology guidelines on Klinefelter Syndrome Endorsing Organization: European Society of Endocrinology.

Zitzmann M et al., Andrology. 2020.

Klinefelter syndrome, cardiovascular system, and thromboembolic disease: review of literature and clinical perspectives.

Salzano A et al., Eur J Endocrinol. 2016.

cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 8A and 8B isoforms are differentially expressed in human testis and Leydig cell tumor

Campolo F et al., Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022.

Report abuse