Endocrine system articles from across Nature Portfolio

The ovarian cortical reserve of follicles is vital for fertility. Here, Rooda et al. find two distinct follicle types in the human ovarian reserve, as well as key differences between child and adult follicles, calling for more precise follicle analysis in fertility preservation and continued research on their roles in fertility.

This Review discusses the importance of adequate iodine intake for thyroid function, outlining the varying global intake recommendations. Iodine is also considered in the context of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as dietary trends such as cardioprotective salt restriction and plant-based diets.

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion from benign adrenocortical adenomas (usually diagnosed incidentally) is associated with cardiometabolic risk and other comorbidities, but without the signs of overt Cushing syndrome. This Review outlines the mechanisms, complications and comorbidities, diagnosis and management of mild autonomous cortisol secretion.

The pancreatic islets of Langerhans play a pivotal role in regulating blood glucose homeostasis through the regulated secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon. Here, the authors use deep tissue 3D imaging to re-construct the entire human pancreas at microscopic resolution and display previously unrecognized heterogeneities in the islet’s cellularity with pre-clinical and clinical implications.

Many proteins in the mouse ovary are extremely stable; they enhance proteostasis and limit protein aggregation, thereby supporting the maintenance of the long-lived oocytes.