Endocrine Journal
Online ISSN : 1348-4540
Print ISSN : 0918-8959
ISSN-L : 0918-8959
Featured articles
Displaying 1-20 of 52 articles
  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 7 Pages 811-826
    Emerging human cell-based in vitro models for studying pituitary development and disorders Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor
    The pituitary gland is a master endocrine organ regulating diverse physiological functions via coordinated hormone secretion. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary development and disorders have been extensively studied in animal models, significant species-specific differences limit the direct translation of these findings to human biology. In this issue, Dr. Ryusaku Matsumoto at Kyoto University and his colleagues contribute an excellent review comprehensively summarizing current human cell-based in vitro models for investigating pituitary development and disorders. They systematically discuss the advantages and limitations of available experimental platforms, ranging from conventional two-dimensional cell lines and primary tumor cultures to cutting-edge three-dimensional organoid systems derived from pituitary tumor tissues and human pluripotent stem cells. Our editorial team is confident that this timely and insightful review will provide readers with up-to-date knowledge of this rapidly evolving field and serve as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians engaged in pituitary biology and endocrine medicine.

  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 6 Pages 709-719
    Impacts of the use of chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay-measured plasma aldosterone concentration in the diagnostic process of unilateral primary aldosteronism: a real-world multicenter study in Japan Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor
    Establishing the cutoff values that indicate the need for adrenal venous sampling (AVS) for accurate diagnosis of unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) has been desired. In this issue, Dr Shoichiro Izawa in Tottori University and the JPAS-II Study Group members conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 443 patients with PA and clearly identified the cutoff values for AVS, based on LC–MS/MS-equivalent CLEIA-measured, as aldosterone-to-renin ratio(ARR)of >153 pg/mL/ng/mL/h after captopril challenge test (CCT) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) of >48 pg/mL after saline infusion test (SIT). Our editorial team is confident that this excellent paper will be helpful for clinicians and endocrinologists in deciding whether or not to perform AVS.

  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 5 Pages 597-605
    Use, efficacy, and safety of desmopressin for congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in children: a nationwide survey Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor
    Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by polyuria, growth retardation, and dehydration. Japanese guidelines indicate that DDAVP is effective in some cases when used in combination with conventional therapies. However, until now, no studies have investigated the CNDI patients who were responsive to DDAVP. In this issue, Dr Kento Ikegawa in Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center and his colleagues aimed to clarify the use, efficacy, and safety, and characteristics of the patients who were responsive to DDAVP. They clearly demonstrated that DDAVP is effective for CNDI with residual V2R function and the water deprivation test with vasopressin injection and genetic testing may be useful in predicting responsiveness to DDAVP. Our editorial team is confident that this excellent report provides readers with the latest knowledge on the treatment of CNDI with DDAVP.

  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 4 Pages 529-537
    Detection rate and maximum diameter of thyroid cysts among children and adolescents in thyroid ultrasound examination, The Fukushima Health Management Survey Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor
    The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami damaged the reactors at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant and caused the release of radioactive materials. In response, Fukushima Prefecture launched a Prefectural Health Management Survey to monitor the health status of Fukushima residents, including a thyroid ultrasound examination (TUE) program targeting residents aged 18 or younger who were living in Fukushima at the time of the nuclear accident. In this issue, Dr Mahiro Asano and her colleague analyzed the survey data from 284,074 individuals and reported highly significant results regarding the detection rate and maximum diameter of thyroid cysts, especially association factors with appearance and disappearance of cysts. This valuable report is expected to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the formation and disappearance of thyroid cysts.

  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 3 Pages 367-373
    Endocrinology in maternal-fetal synchronization and developmental origins of susceptibility to metabolic diseases Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor
    Although alterations in maternal circadian rhythms are thought to affect the metabolic state of offspring, the mechanism linking maternal circadian disruptions to offspring remain unclear. In this issue, Drs Kenichiro Kinouchi and Hiroshi Itoh in Keio University contribute an excellent review focusing on maternal circadian rhythms, hormones, metabolism and the microbiota, all of which are involved in maternal-fetal communication. Our editorial team believes this excellent review provides all readers with up-to-date knowledge of maternal-fetal synchronization and susceptibility to metabolic diseases.

  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 2 Pages 275-289
    Palopegteriparatide in Japanese adults with hypoparathyroidism: 52-week results from the phase 3 PaTHway Japan trial Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease caused by shortage of action of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Importantly, patients affect not only circulating imbalance between calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) but also systemic severe complications. However, managements for Hypoparathyroidism have long remained traditional supplementation of Ca and active form of vitamin D without correction of considerably low level of PTH. In this issue, Dr. Kenji Ashida, Dr. Yasuhiro Takeuchi and colleague provide us with well-organized, state-of-the-art original article on phase 3 Japan trial of palopegteriparatide, a potent pro-drug of PTH administered once daily via subcutaneous injection. Our editorial team would greatly appreciate if readers go over the article and enjoy the true pleasure of cutting edge clinical endocrinology.

  • Volume 73 (2026) Issue 1 Pages 1-12
    Recent progress in pathophysiology of cortisol-producing adrenal tumor Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    As well known, the landscape of molecular pathophysiology around cortisol-producing adrenal tumors is expeditiously evolving and expanding. In this issue, the former professor of Fukuoka University, Dr. Toshihiko Yanase, a world-renowned physician scientist of adrenal gland, contributes a well-organized, cutting-edge review with a particular focus on updated understanding of Cushing’s syndrome, mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) under hypercortisolemic conditions. Our editorial team has a firm belief that all readers will definitely be fascinated by the full of academic incense contained.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 12 Pages 1339-1355
    GPR75 signaling is dispensable for reproduction but contributes to feeding and body growth in rats on normal chow and is involved in high-fat diet-induced hyperphagia, obesity, and hyperglycemia development Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Inter-relationship between body weight regulation and fertility has long fascinated researchers and clinicians in the area of endocrinology. However, an avalanche of enigmas still remains around the molecular mechanism. In this issue, Dr. Yuki Otsuka, Dr. Yoshitaka Uenoyama, Professor Hiroko Tsukamura and colleague at Nagoya University unravel a role of “orphan ligand” receptor, GPR75, in the control of appetite and reproduction in knockout rat models. Because loss of function variants of GPR75 gene is implicated in the protection of obesity in humans via the worldwide, large-scale exome sequencing, this excellent article provides all readers with fresh avenue to integrate the latest genome science and such a sophisticated basic research.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 11 Pages 1205-1215
    Altered expression of autophagy-related molecules and β-catenin in different subtypes of thyroid cancer: co-localization in intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Although thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, clinicopathological features in relation to tumor aggressiveness have not been fully investigated. In this issue, Dr. Sailaubekova and colleague at Nagasaki University provide fresh insight into the expression profile of autophagy-related genes, presumably linking with genomic instability and resultant accelerated growth of cancer cells via a line of cutting-edge technique. This excellent article surely provides all endocrinologists with updated viewpoint of thyroid cancer.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 10 Pages 1069-1078
    Advancing liver metabolic zonation with single-cell and spatial omics Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Metabolic zonation in liver has been highlighted in terms of hepatic carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in both physiology and pathophysiology as well as in molecular bases for a line of intractable liver diseases. In this issue, Dr. Masanori Fujimoto and Professor Tomoaki Tanaka at Chiba University contribute a well-organized, comprehensive review article particularly focusing on recent research progress of metabolic zonation in liver enabled by single-cell and spatial omics technologies. We have a firm belief that this article gives all readers in a variety of clinical and research fields a valuable hint to expand and extend individual expertise. 

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 9 Pages 967-978
    Biased antibodies and beyond: a new era in the diagnosis of PTH-dependent hypercalcemia Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Despite frequently encountered situation, the entire picture of molecular basis on hypercalcemia is not necessarily understood widely. In this issue, Dr. Noriko Makita and colleague at the University of Tokyo, world-renowned cutting-edge scientists on hypercalcemia, contribute a well-organized and sophisticated review article of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), and acquired hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (AHH) caused by blocking antibodies against the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). We are sure that readers will be fascinated by the updated, profound world of calcium handling and dysmetabolism.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 8 Pages 863-875
    Generation of parathyroid glands from pluripotent stem cells Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Hypoparathyroidism is commonly caused by neck surgery for thyroid malignancy and rarely by genetic problems. Noteworthy is the observation that even when the level of circulating calcium (Ca) is within normal range, quality of life (QOL) in patents with hypothyroidism receiving conventional therapy such as oral intake of Ca and vitamin D analogs is apparently inferior, underscoring the negative impact of parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency per se on such a decline of QOL. In this issue, Dr. Mayuko Kano at St. Marianna University contributes an elegant, updated review article particularly focusing on how to generate parathyroid glands from pluripotent stem cells via blastocyst complementation (BC). A line of cutting-edge approach does open a fresh avenue of regenerative medicine for basic research and clinics in endocrinology.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 7 Pages 751-764
    Physiology and clinical applications of GIP Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Exactly the insightful story of incretin hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic hormone (GIP) has long attracted broad attention among basic and clinical fields of endocrinology. A series of drugs co-stimulating multiple gut hormone receptors are now applied in clinics of type 2 diabetes, obesity disease and relevant metabolic diseases. In this issue, Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University, Dr. Nobuya Inagaki and his colleague, world-renowned pioneering scientists of GIP research, contribute a sophisticated and cutting-edge review on update of physiology and clinical applications of GIP. Our editorial team has a firm belief that all readers will definitely be fascinated and moved by the full of academic incense contained.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 6 Pages 649-662
    Hypopituitarism: genetic, developmental, and acquired etiologies with a focus on the emerging concept of autoimmune hypophysitis Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Amazing progress in research and clinics on molecular pathophysiology of hypopituitarism has recently attracted broad interest from endocrinologists. Particularly noteworthy is the great contribution of Japanese scientists to such an accomplishment. In the June issue, Dr. Hironori Bando and colleague at Kobe University provide us with cutting-edge, comprehensive review article on the update of hypopituitarism with a specific emphasis on paraneoplastic autoimmune hypopituitarism.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 5 Pages 463-473
    Management of Cushing’s disease in the initial phase~From detection to surgery~ Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    As well known, Cushing’s disease is a symbolic endocrine disorder in which a variety of basic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic insights are crystallized. Unexpectedly, however, there have still been unsolved issues in early diagnosis, interpretation for endocrinologic testing, and preoperative management. To better understand the latest situation around the clinics on Cushing’s disease, Dr. Hidenori Fukuoka seasonably provides a fascinating and comprehensive overview in the May Issue. Our editorial team has a firm belief that all readers will definitely be satisfied by the empirical knowledge of an expert endocrinologist.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 4 Pages 341-353
    Ghrelin–LEAP2 interactions along the stomach–liver axis Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    There are examples where distinct two peptide ligands respectively act as an agonist and antagonist on the same receptor. To my knowledge, the best-known one is related with the story that alpha-MSH and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) act on the melanocrtin-4 receptor (MC4R) as an agonist and antagonist, thereby minutely regulating appetite and body weight. In this issue, Dr. Katsuya Sakai and Professor Masamitsu Nakazato, a world-renowned physician scientist on research of orexigenic hormone ghrelin, provide us with well-organized, fabulous review article focusing on the dynamic interaction between ghrelin and LEAP-2 (liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2) in terms of stomach-liver axis-driven appetite control. Indeed, ghrelin and LEAP-2 respectively act as an agonist and antagonist on the same receptor, GHSR (growth hormone secretagogue receptor). Our editorial team has a firm belief that all readers are surely motivated by the real deal of authentic endocrinology and cutting-edge medicine on GPCR signal transduction in this article.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 3 Pages 259-272
    Epidermal growth factor receptor contributes to indirect regulation of skeletal muscle mass by androgen Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Reflecting an expeditious increase in elder patients with sarcopenia notably in industrialized countries, endocrinologic research on molecular basis of muscle mass and strength has attracted great attention in both academic and clinical fields. In this issue, Dr. Tomoya Onishi, Professor Yuuki Imai and colleague provide fresh insight into unexpected interplay between androgens and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) EGFR in the molecular pathophysiology of shrinkage of muscle mass. This excellent article provides all endocrinologists with updated viewpoint of sarcopenia science.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 2 Pages 131-148
    Role of radiologists in the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Radiographic diagnosis and therapeutic approach are requisite for clinics of endocrinology, especially for a series of adrenal diseases. From the unique standpoint of proficient radiologist, Dr. Oguro and colleague contribute a comprehensive and extensive review article focusing on this issue with a particular emphasis on segmental adrenal venous sampling (SAVS) and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA), shedding light on the importance of collaborative approach toward intractable endocrine diseases.

  • Volume 72 (2025) Issue 1 Pages 23-36
    A narrative review of long-term inorganic iodine monotherapy for Graves’ disease with a historical relationship between iodine and thyroid Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    It has been well recognized that inorganic iodine persistently suppresses thyroid function in some cases with Graves’ disease, and can be introduced as an alternative for patients with adverse events on antithyroid drugs. However, scientific bases are not fully elucidated and still remains empirical. In this issue, Dr. Natsuko Watanabe, an editorial board member of Endocrine Journal (EJ), contributes a well-organized, insightful narrative review focusing on this issue. The editorial team of EJ has a firm belief that all readers will be fascinated by an implicative “historical tale” around the relation between iodine and thyroid.

  • Volume 71 (2024) Issue 12 Pages 1103-1123
    Osilodrostat treatment in patients with Cushing’s disease of Asian or non-Asian origin: a pooled analysis of two Phase III randomized trials (LINC 3 and LINC 4) Read more
    Editor's pick

    Recommendation from the Editor in Chief
    Ethnicity-dependent differences in drug responsiveness have attracted broad attention also in endocrinological science. In this issue, Dr. Akira Shimatsu and Professor Beverly MK Biller at Massachusetts General Hospital, an active member of international honorary editors of Endocrine Journal, contribute an insightful original article focusing on ethnicity-related impact of oral 11beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, Osilodrostat between patients with Cushing’s disease of Asian and non-Asian origin. In comparison with non-Asians, Asian patients required apparently-lower doses of the drug to achieve clinical benefits, whereas adverse events related with hypocortisolism were manifested in Asians. As authors stated, this study is the first to compare the impact of drug therapy for patients with Cushing’s disease between Asian and non-Asian origin. Although ethnicity-dependent differences in bioavailability of the drug would be involved, elucidation of the entire picture is strongly anticipated.

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