Research: circulating microRNAs and other non-invasive biomarkers as predictive factors for sperm retrieval in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia undergoing testicular sperm extraction
Education and Training:
Enrico Delli Paoli (Agropoli, 26 October 1993) is a medical doctor and specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, currently a PhD candidate in Endocrinological Sciences (2024–2027) at Sapienza University of Rome.
He graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Sapienza University of Rome in 2020 with full marks and honours (110/110 cum laude), defending a thesis in neurology entitled “Impact of Pre-Stroke Pharmacological Therapy on Collateral Circulation and Functional Recovery in Patients with Acute Ischaemic Stroke Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy.” He subsequently undertook his residency training in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the same university, completing it in 2025 with full marks and honours (70/70 cum laude). His specialist thesis focused on the impact of testosterone-based gender-affirming hormone therapy on erythropoiesis in transgender individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), with particular attention to serum erythropoietin levels and epigenetic modifications of its receptor.
Previously, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Health Biotechnology from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome in 2014 with full marks and honours (110/110 cum laude), presenting an experimental thesis on the analysis of the muscular phenotype in a knock-in mouse model for the dystroglycan gene.
Clinical Activity, Professional Experience and Specific Skills:
During his clinical training, Enrico Delli Paoli developed advanced expertise in endocrinology and andrology through his work in the endocrinology outpatient clinics of the Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital in Rome. In this setting he was involved in the management of complex endocrine disorders, including thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, adrenal, pituitary and parathyroid disorders, osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia.
Within the same clinical environment he developed a particular interest in clinical andrology and reproductive medicine, gaining experience in testicular ultrasonography, the diagnostic evaluation of male infertility and the clinical pathways related to surgical sperm retrieval and cryopreservation. He also collaborated with the clinic dedicated to gender incongruence, contributing to the management of gender-affirming hormone therapy with particular attention to both clinical and psychosocial aspects of care.
Since 2025 he has been a member of the multidisciplinary working group of the Testis Unit, which integrates hormonal diagnostics, seminology and sperm banking services. At the Sperm Bank he acquired experience in fertility preservation for oncological patients. From November 2023 he actively contributed to the reactivation of the testicular tissue cryopreservation service at the “Loredana Gandini” Sperm Bank. In this context he has been specifically involved in the management of patients with infertility, from the diagnostic work-up to surgical treatment through testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and micro-TESE procedures. To this end, he collaborated with colleagues from the Urology Unit of Policlinico Umberto I in the clinical and surgical andrological activities performed in the operating theatres of the Department of Urology.
During his residency training he also carried out clinical activity at San Camillo Hospital and at the National Cancer Institute (IFO) in Rome, where he achieved autonomy in performing and interpreting thyroid and parathyroid ultrasonography.
Research Activity:
Enrico Delli Paoli’s research activity focuses primarily on reproductive endocrinology, reproductive medicine and clinical andrology.
His PhD project, entitled “Investigation of Circulating microRNAs and Other Non-Invasive Biomarkers as Predictive Factors for Sperm Retrieval in Patients with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Undergoing Testicular Sperm Extraction,” arises from the need to improve the diagnostic stratification of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a complex clinical condition characterised by impaired spermatogenesis and marked biological heterogeneity.
At present, surgical sperm retrieval procedures such as TESE or micro-TESE represent the only possibility of obtaining gametes suitable for assisted reproductive technologies in these patients. However, success rates remain highly variable, and no clinical or laboratory parameters are currently able to predict the outcome of these procedures with sufficient accuracy. The project therefore aims to identify non-invasive biomarkers, particularly circulating microRNAs in serum and seminal plasma, as potential predictors of successful sperm retrieval. The study protocol involves the recruitment of patients with NOA who are candidates for TESE or micro-TESE. For each patient, detailed clinical, anamnestic, hormonal, ultrasonographic, genetic and molecular data will be collected, together with biological samples for the analysis of microRNA expression.
In parallel, in collaboration with bioengineering and computational research groups, a predictive model based on machine-learning algorithms will be developed to integrate the different clinical and biological variables in order to create a clinical decision-support tool. The ultimate aim is to improve the selection of patients undergoing surgical sperm retrieval procedures, thereby reducing unnecessary invasive interventions and promoting a more personalised approach to the management of male infertility.
Publications and Abstracts
He is the author and co-author of several scientific publications in national and international journals, including Endocrine, Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, and Andrology, addressing topics such as male hypogonadism, gender-affirming hormone therapy, male infertility and testicular cancer.
He has also contributed to book chapters and scientific commentaries, including the chapter on controversies in the use of GnRH analogues in the Manuale di Sessuologia Clinica.
His research has been presented at national and international scientific meetings, including the European Congress of Andrology, through oral communications and poster presentations focusing on reproductive endocrinology and fertility medicine.
11573/1759713 - 2026 - Effect of gender affirming hormone therapy on bone mineral density and bone marrow composition in transgender adults. DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DIACINTI, DAVIDE; CIPRIANI, CRISTIANA; DIACINTI, DANIELE; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; PEPE, JESSICA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: ENDOCRINE (New York, Berlin: Springer Totowa, N.J. : Humana Press) pp. - - issn: 1559-0100 - wos: (0) - scopus: (0)
11573/1760338 - 2026 - Semen Cryopreservation in Testicular Cancer: Before or After Orchidectomy?BUONACQUISTO, ALESSANDRA; POZZA, CARLOTTA; CICOLANI, GAIA; CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; CAPONECCHIA, LUISA; BIANCHINI, SERENA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; TENUTA, MARTA; GIANFRILLI, DANIELE; ISIDORI, ANDREA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO; PALLOTTI, FRANCESCO; PAOLI, DONATELLA - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: ANDROLOGY (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013-) pp. - - issn: 2047-2919 - wos: WOS:001684854800001 (0) - scopus: (0)
11573/1747784 - 2025 - Hormones and Identity: Lived Experiences of Gender-Affirming Care. GIOVANARDI, GUIDO; DI GIANNANTONIO, BIANCA; DE NOTO, FRANCESCA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO - 04d Abstract in atti di convegnocongresso: XXV Congresso Nazionale Sezione di Psicologia Clinica e Dinamica (Perugia; Italy)libro: Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology - ()
11573/1759152 - 2025 - Male hypogonadism in transition age: fertility outcomes and practical management. SPAZIANI, MATTEO; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; ANGELINI, FRANCESCO; CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO; PAOLI, DONATELLA - 01g Articolo di rassegna (Review)rivista: ENDOCRINE (New York, Berlin: Springer Totowa, N.J. : Humana Press) pp. 1079-1088 - issn: 1559-0100 - wos: WOS:001634409200001 (0) - scopus: 2-s2.0-105025051571 (0)
11573/1722452 - 2024 - Antisperm antibodies in Zinner syndrome. DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; CICOLANI, GAIA; BUONACQUISTO, ALESSANDRA; CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; BIANCHINI, SERENA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; PAOLI, DONATELLA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 04f Posterrivista: ANDROLOGY (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013-) pp. 51-148 - issn: 2047-2919 - wos: (0) - scopus: 2-s2.0-85203110013 (0)congresso: 13th European Congress of Andrology (Stockholm, Sweden)libro: Special issue: 13th european congress of andrology, september 4–6, 2024, stockholm, sweden - ()
11573/1722454 - 2024 - Erectile function and androgen and estrogen beta receptor gene polymorphisms in acromegalic men. COSTA, DENISE; HIRSCH, MARIA NEVE; MERCURI, VALERIA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; FAJA, FABIANA; RIZZO, FLAVIO; LENZI, ANDREA; PAOLI, DONATELLA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO; GARGIULO, PATRIZIA - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION (Sprimger Milano: Kurtis) pp. 141-147 - issn: 1720-8386 - wos: WOS:001004848300002 (4) - scopus: 2-s2.0-85161624637 (4)
11573/1722457 - 2024 - Impatto della terapia ormonale gender affirming sulla qualità seminale e preservazione della fertilità in soggetti transgender assegnati maschi alla nascita (AMAB). CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; CICOLANI, GAIA; BIANCHINI, SERENA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; PALLOTTI, FRANCESCO; PAOLI, DONATELLA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: L'ENDOCRINOLOGO (Milano: Editrice Kurtis.) pp. 273-280 - issn: 1590-170X - wos: (0) - scopus: (0)
11573/1723814 - 2024 - Oral Communications: The recommended timing for semen cryopreservation in testicular cancer: before or after orchiectomy? BUONACQUISTO, ALESSANDRA; CICOLANI, GAIA; CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; BIANCHINI, SERENA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; POZZA, CARLOTTA; GIANFRILLI, DANIELE; CAPONECCHIA, LUISA; PAOLI, DONATELLA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 04d Abstract in atti di convegnorivista: ANDROLOGY (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013-) pp. 34-50 - issn: 2047-2919 - wos: (0) - scopus: (0)congresso: 13th European Congress of Andrology (Stockholm, Sweden)libro: Andrology: Volume 12, Issue S2 Special Issue: 13th European Congress of Andrology, September 4–6, 2024, Stockholm, Sweden - ()
11573/1723815 - 2024 - Poster: Impact of ketogenic diet on semen quality in obesepatients: Cytological and molecular aspects, a pilot study. CICOLANI, GAIA; BUONACQUISTO, ALESSANDRA; CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; BIANCHINI, SERENA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; RUBERTO, MARTA; ABDEL MALEK, ROBERTO; ROSSETTI, REBECCA; GNESSI, LUCIO; LUBRANO, CARLA; CAPONECCHIA, LUISA; PAOLI, DONATELLA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 04f Posterrivista: ANDROLOGY (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013-) pp. 51-148 - issn: 2047-2919 - wos: (0) - scopus: (0)congresso: 13th European Congress of Andrology (Stockholm, Sweden)libro: Andrology: Volume 12, Issue S2 Special Issue: 13th European Congress of Andrology, September 4–6, 2024, Stockholm, Sweden - ()
11573/1726468 - 2024 - Poster P160 - Bone marrow composition: The effect of GAHT use in AFAB and AMAB transgender people. DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DIACINTI, DANIELE; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; ABDEL MALEK, ROBERTO; DI PIETRO, VITTORIO; PITTON, SARA; RUBERTO, MARTA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 04f Posterrivista: ANDROLOGY (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013-) pp. 51-148 - issn: 2047-2919 - wos: (0) - scopus: (0)congresso: 13th European Congress of Andrology, September 4–6, 2024, Stockholm, Sweden (, Stockholm, Sweden)libro: Volume 12: Special Issue: 13th European Congress of Andrology, September 4–6, 2024, Stockholm, Sweden - ()
11573/1735550 - 2024 - Inibitore della chinasi serina/treonina 33 (STK33): un nuovo target per la contraccezione reversibile non ormonale maschile. DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; PITTON, SARA; DI PIETRO, VITTORIO; ABDEL MALEK, ROBERTO; RUBERTO, MARTA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 01b Commento, Erratum, Replica e similirivista: L'ENDOCRINOLOGO (Milano: Editrice Kurtis.) pp. 725-726 - issn: 1590-170X - wos: (0) - scopus: (0)
11573/1713960 - 2023 - Safety of gender affirming treatment in assigned female at birth transgender people and association of androgen and estrogen β receptor polymorphisms with clinical outcomes. PALLOTTI, FRANCESCO; SENOFONTE, GIULIA; CONFLITTI, ANNA CHIARA; GIANCOTTI, ANTONELLA; ANZUINI, ANTONELLA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; FAJA, FABIANA; RIZZO, FLAVIO; SPINIELLO, LORENZO; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO; PAOLI, DONATELLA - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: ENDOCRINE (New York, Berlin: Springer Totowa, N.J. : Humana Press) pp. 621-630 - issn: 1559-0100 - wos: WOS:001009204700001 (9) - scopus: 2-s2.0-85162062340 (9)
11573/1722455 - 2023 - Androgen insensitivity syndrome: a review. DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; PAOLI, DONATELLA; LENZI, ANDREA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION (Sprimger Milano: Kurtis) pp. 2237-2245 - issn: 1720-8386 - wos: WOS:001004102800001 (21) - scopus: 2-s2.0-85161387230 (28)
11573/1654042 - 2022 - Environmental disruptors and testicular cancer. FAJA, FABIANA; PALLOTTI, FRANCESCO; CICOLANI, GAIA; DI CHIANO, SILVIA; DELLI PAOLI, ENRICO; LENZI, ANDREA; LOMBARDO, FRANCESCO; PAOLI, DONATELLA - 01a Articolo in rivistarivista: ENDOCRINE (New York, Berlin: Springer Totowa, N.J. : Humana Press) pp. - - issn: 1559-0100 - wos: WOS:000847269600002 (20) - scopus: 2-s2.0-85140018055 (20)
Clinical Trials
He participated as a sub-investigator in the international multicentre clinical trial: ADAM – Ferring; A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of FE999049 for the treatment of men with idiopathic infertility (completed in December 2024).