Medically Assisted Reproduction . Endocrine Signaling . Maternal-Child Outcomes . Endometriosis . Cardiovascular Health . Reproductive Aging .
Reproductive Biology and Health
Reproductive health is fundamental to individual well-being and quality of life for couples and their offspring, as well as to the long-term health of society. Hormones, genetics, diseases, and increasingly environmental factors influence fertility and reproductive health. An advanced maternal age at the time of childbearing represents a major risk factor for infertility and contributes to the rising number of births achieved through medically assisted reproduction (MAR).
Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of reproductive biology and health through interdisciplinary basic science, translational, and clinical research approaches.
A primary focus of our basic research is investigating the reasons and mechanisms underlying differences in maternal and child outcomes following assisted reproductive technology procedures. We are particularly interested in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and fetal growth. Within this topic, we explore the role of endocrine signals from the corpus luteum in decidualization and endothelial biology.
Additionally, we dedicate research efforts to exploring the pathomechanisms of endometriosis that may contribute to impaired fertility. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting millions of women worldwide, characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Beyond its well-established impact on fertility, emerging evidence indicates that endometriosis is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, potentially due to chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Our research investigates the molecular mechanisms linking endometriosis to both reproductive dysfunction and cardiovascular pathology using 3D and organoid models.
We are also investigating factors contributing to reproductive aging and premature vascular aging, which may lead to increased cardiovascular risk in later life among women with fertility disorders. Understanding these interconnected pathways is essential for developing comprehensive preventive strategies that address both reproductive health and long-term cardiovascular integrity in women experiencing fertility challenges. This integrative approach recognizes that reproductive health and cardiovascular health are not isolated domains but are deeply interconnected, requiring coordinated care and prevention strategies that span the entire lifespan of women affected by fertility disorders.
Connection to Clinical Practice
The insights gained from our studies on endocrine regulation are being translated into clinical protocols for women utilizing assisted reproductive technologies. Our work on endometriosis pathomechanisms is contributing to the development of early diagnostic tools and preventive strategies that could reduce both fertility and pregnancy complications and long-term cardiovascular risks in affected women. This translational research bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life for women across their reproductive and cardiovascular lifespans.