Andrology and Gender Endocrinology Unit
Research Team’s name
Andrology and Gender Endocrinology Unit
Coordinator
Prof. Linda Vignozzi
Brief Biographical sketch of the Coordinator
Born in Empoli (Florence, Italy) January 05, 1976
2001 Master Degree in Medical Science score 110 cum laude/110 - University of Florence
2006 PhD Degree in Endocrinological and Metabolic Science - University of Florence
2011 Diplomate Post-Graduate School of Endocrinology and Metabolism - University of Pisa
2009 Assistant Professor in Endocrinology at the University of Florence
2015 Associate Professor in Endocrinology at the University of Florence
2024 Full Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Florence
Coordinator of Andrology and Gender Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence
Chief of Andrology and Gender Endocrinology Unit at Careggi Hospital, Florence
Head of the Institutional Center for the Prevention, diagnosis and therapy of infertility at the University Careggi Hospital-Florence
Head of the Regional Clinical Service dedicated to couple infertility at the AUSL-Area Vasta Toscana Centro
Head of the reference regional center for diagnosis and therapy of erectile dysfunction, reference regional center for semen cryopreservation, reference center for management of subjects with gender incongruence (CRIG)
Member of “Tavolo tecnico per la ricerca e la formazione nella prevenzione e cura dell’infertilità” at the Ministry for Health of the Italian Government
President of the School of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Florence
President of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS).
Immediate Past President of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
General Secretary of the Permanent Conference of Presidents of Italian Schools of Medicine and Surgery
Chair of the Exam Committee of the European Multidisciplinary Joint Committee for Sexual Medicine (MJCSM)
Co-Coordinator of II level Master Degree Course of “Andrology and Sexual Medicine“, University of Florence
Co-Coordinator of II level Master Degree Course of “Biology and technologies for reproduction“ at the University of Florence
Principal Coordinator of I level Master Degree Course of “Gender Incongruence”, University of Florence
Principal Coordinator of I level Master Degree Course of “Gender Incongruence”, University of Florence
Member of the Scientific Board of the Doctorate/Phd Program in
Biochemical Sciences
Member of the following Scientific Societies
International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
European Academy of Andrology (ECA)
Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)
European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM)
Italian Society of Obesity (SIO)
Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS)
Member of editorial board of the following Journals
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation (Editorial Board)
Journal of Sexual Medicine (Deputy Editor in Chief)
Research Team
Gabriele Acciai
Ilaria Cellai
Sarah Cipriani
Paolo Comeglio
Sandra Filippi
Francesca Frizza
Sara Marchiani
Elisa Maseroli
Maria Emauela Ragosta
Giulia Rastrelli
Giulia Traini
Fabio Villanelli
Current research interest
Clinical research on erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism
Investigation of ultrasound correlates of male infertility, sexual dysfunctions, chronic pelvic pain and on the impact of obesity and metabolic syndrome on sonographic, seminal and sexual parameters
Psychobiological correlates of gender dysphoria in adulthood and adolescence
Psychobiological effects of gender transition
Transphobia and homophobia levels in general population and healthcare providers
Pathophysiology of the erectile function and investigation of the urogenital tract derangements induced by metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes and hypertension, by means of ex-vivo and in-vitro studies in rabbit and rat animal models
Bladder, prostate and corpora cavernosa dysfunction in animal models, with particular focus on the effects of PDE5 inhibitors and sexual hormones on the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms
Effect of physical activity on penile erection and peripheral vascular districts functional alterations induced by high-fat diet in an animal model of MetS
Studies on adipose tissue dysregulation and liver dysfunction associated with MetS features, including LUTS and inflammation, focusing on the role of androgen/estrogen ratio in pre-adipocytes from visceral adipose tissue in the rabbit animal model of MetS
Mechanisms regulating differentiation and function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in humans and MetS animal models
Study of DNA fragmentation in the viable sperm fraction of the ejaculate: comparison of infertile and fertile subjects and effect of the selection procedures used in Assisted Reproduction technologies
Cellular and nuclear oxidative stress in the viable sperm fraction of the ejaculate: detection in infertile men and in cancer patients
Study of methods of semen cryopreservation: effect on motility, viability, DNA integrity and levels of oxidative stress of human spermatozoa
Use of an in vitro model for studying mechanisms originating sperm DNA fragmentation and testing molecules with antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties
Current/Recent Sources of FundingAetiology and clinical management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Biological and psychological correlates of Vaginismus
Effects of sex steroids and metabolic factors on sexuality and clitoral Doppler parameters
Effects of oral contraceptives on sexuality and clitoral Doppler parameters
Organic and psycho-relational determinants of female sexual desire and dysfunction
Sexual and psychological symptoms in patients with eating disorders (e.g. anorexia nervosa), metabolic alterations (e.g. obesity) and history of sexual trauma
Evaluation of sexual dysfunction associated with abuse in childhood, adolescence or adulthood
Sexual dysfunction in menopausal women with and without a history of cancer
Disorders of pubertal development
Effect of the changing sex-steroid milieu on clitoris function in a rat model of ovariectomy
Sexual Behaviour in an animal model of ovariectomized rats treated with sexual hormones
Keywords
Sexual Medicine, Andrology, Gynecology, Endocrinology, Gender Incongruence
Current/recent sources of funding
Research Project funded by LIPOCINE - “Effects of preventive treatment with an oral androgen LPCN 1144 in a high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome and NAFLD animal model”
Research Project funded by LIPOCINE - “Treatment potential assessment of LPCN 1144 on lung health and metabolic regulation in a non-genomic, high fat diet rabbit model”
Research Project funded by GALECTO - “Study investigating the effect of a galectin-3 inhibitor in a high fat diet (HFD) rabbit model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)”
Research Project funded by GALECTO - “Study to investigate the effect of a galectin-3 inhibitor dosed therapeutically in a high fat diet (HFD) rabbit model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)”
Research Project funded by TEVA - “The Impact of Zoely on Metabolic and Sexual Health”
ISSWSH Research Grant - “Study of the in vivo effects of sex hormones supplementation on smooth muscle relaxation adenosine (ADO) mediated in the distal vagina in an animal experimental model of ovariectomy”
ISSWSH Research Grant - “Androgen Modulation of TRP Channels in Human Vagina Smooth Muscle Cells”
AIRC Research Grant - “Mammographic breast density and breast cancer risk: lifestyle and hormonal biomarkers in a longitudinal study” (Year 2019/23 – cod. 23702)
10 best pubblications of the last 5 years
Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Martinelli S, Villanelli F, Amore F, Rapizzi E, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Raddi C, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Danza G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. The regulatory effect of sex steroids on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the rat distal vagina. J Sex Med 20:1-13, 2023
Corona G, Rastrelli G, Bianchi N, Sparano C, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Hyperprolactinemia and male sexual function: focus on erectile dysfunction and sexual desire. Int J Impot Res. 2024 Jun;36(4):324-332. doi: 10.1038/s41443-023-00717-1
Ragosta ME, Traini G, Tamburrino L, Degl'Innocenti S, Fino MG, Dabizzi S, Vignozzi L, Baldi E, Marchiani S. Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test Detects Sperm NA Fragmentation Mainly Associated with Unviable Spermatozoa and Underestimates the Values with Respect to TUNEL Assay. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 19;25(8):4481. doi: 10.3390/ijms25084481
Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Lanzi V, Ravelli SA, Annunziato M, Alfaroli C, Lippi D, Cirillo M, Castellini G, Giraldi A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women: new possibilities to ensure better understanding, diagnosis, and response to treatment. J Sex Med. 2024 Sep 28;21(10):861-871. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae102
Fisher AD, Ristori J, Romani A, Cassioli E , Mazzoli F, Cocchetti C, Pierdominici M, Marconi M, Ricca V, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Castellini G. Back to the Future: Is GnRHa Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Only an Extended Evaluation Phase? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024 May 17;109(6):1565-1579. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad729
Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Guarnieri G, Acciai G, Cancedda C, Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Rastrelli G, Morelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Adenosine relaxes vagina smooth muscle through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent pathways. J Sex Med. 2025 Jan 3;22(1):14-25. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae150
Comeglio P, Guarnieri G, Filippi S, Cellai I, Acciai G, Holyer I, Zetterberg F, Leffler H, Kahl-Knutson B, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Maggi M, Slack RJ, Vignozzi L. The galectin-3 inhibitor selvigaltin reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis in a high fat diet rabbit model of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis. Front Pharmacol. 2024 Jul 31;15:1430109. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1430109
Sparano C, Corona G, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Vignoli D, Maggi M. Is 'living apart together' a real advantage for patients consulting for sexual dysfunction? A cohort study. Andrology. 2025 Nov;13(8):2246-2256. doi: 10.1111/andr.70023
Calamai C, Tanturli M, Conti D, Leter G, Vignozzi L, Giovannelli L, Muratori M. Induction of Sperm DNA Fragmentation by Cryopreservation and In Vitro Incubation: Comparison of TUNEL, SCSA, SCD Test and COMET Assay. Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Sep 15;26(18):8978. doi: 10.3390/ijms26188978
Maseroli E, Pesce F, Yannas D, Cipriani S, Ravelli S, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Jannini EA. The squirt game. Psychosexual characteristics of women experiencing squirting: insights from a case-control study. J Sex Med. 2026 Jan 7;23(2):qdaf389. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf389
Previous research experiences
2001-2002 Fellow Researcher Assistant at the Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence
2002 Researcher Assistant at Dept. Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence
2003-2005 PhD student at Dept. Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence
2006 Fellow Researcher recipient of a special research grant from BioXell, Milan
2006-2009 Student at the post-graduated school of Endocrinology and Metabolic disease, University of Florence
Main scientific contributions
1. Metabolic Endocrinology and Men’s Health - A significant portion of my work investigates the intersection between metabolic diseases and endocrine health. Prof. Vignozzi published extensively on how the metabolic syndrome (MetS), obesity, and diabetes impact reproductive health and erectile function. Her research has specifically highlighted the role of hypogonadism and testosterone deficiency as both a consequence and a contributor to metabolic dysfunction in the aging male.
2. Pathophysiology of Sexual and Reproductive Health - Extensive contributions to understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing male and female sexual function. Prof. Vignozzi research focuses on the signaling pathways (such as the NO/cGMP and RhoA/ROCK pathways) that regulate genital tissue contractility. She has been a leading voice in defining the biological basis of female sexual dysfunction, including hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and the physiological impact of menopause on sexual health.
3. Gender-Incongruence and Gender-Specific Medicine - As the director of a specialized unit at Careggi University Hospital, Prof. Vignozzi contributed to the clinical and scientific advancement of gender-affirming endocrine care. Her work in this field focuses on optimizing hormone therapy protocols and understanding the long-term endocrine health of individuals with gender incongruence.
4. Translational Research in Reproductive Endocrinology - Prof. Vignozzi scientific output includes critical studies on the pathophysiology of reproduction, specifically looking at sperm quality, DNA fragmentation, and the effects of hormonal and metabolic environments on fertility. This work bridges the gap between basic laboratory findings and clinical applications in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
5. Leadership in Global Clinical Guidelines - Prof. Vignozzi led scientific committees to develop consensus statements and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of sexual and endocrine disorders, ensuring that research evidence is translated into standard medical practice.
Collaborations
EAA Training Center of Rome, Department of Medical Pathophysiology University "La Sapienza" Rome
EAA Andrology Training Center, Endocrinology, Andrology Unit, Department of Medicine and Applied Biotechnologies, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona
University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila
Diabetes Agency, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence
Department of Urology, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence
Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin
Department of Endocrinology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam
Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health
Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi
Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, University of Florence
Radiotherapy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence
Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Osservatorio Nazionale Ovaio Policistico e Sindrome da Eccesso di Androgeni - Club SIE Endocrinologia della Donna
Ultimo aggiornamento
04.06.2026