Our research develops the knowledge area of sexual, reproductive and perinatal health (human reproduction and the beginning of life).
Photo: iStockThe research is translational and organized in three subgroups/areas: Experimental research, Clinical trials and Global Reproductive Health. Our main vision is to improve management and access to sexual and reproductive health in a global perspective and translate our research into clinical praxis and policy; from bench to bed to the hands of women
Our focus is to explore the basics of female reproductive sciences at the molecular level to understand fertility and its associated disorders with the intention of translating the knowledge to clinical applications. The experimental group consists clinicians, embryologists, molecular biologists, biotechnologist and bioinformaticians.
Studies on human embryo implantation in managing infertility and fertility
Studies on endometrial receptivity – two sides of a coin: management of infertility and new strategies for fertility control. Understanding endometrial receptivity is vital in managing infertility and regulating fertility. We study the cellular and molecular aspects of endometrial function, particularly, endometrial mesenchymal cells and its niche factors on endometrial regeneration. Knowledge on the above is important in finding solution for infertility due to thin endometrium. We also have ongoing studies on embryo quality and development, with the intention to develop non-invasive methods for embryo quality assessment in assisted reproduction. We are studying different types of RNAs expressed in human embryos aa well as in the embryo spent media of healthy and compromised quality of embryos.
Understanding the aetiology of endometriosis and the link to ovarian cancer development
Endometriosis is a gynaecologic disorder with poorly understood aetiology, affecting 10-15% of women causing pelvic inflammation, chronic pain and infertility. The most widely accepted theory on the aetiology of endometriosis is Sampson’s retrograde menstruation. Endometrium consists of a variety of cells expressing markers relevant to attachment, adhesion, migration and stemness. Inappropriately shed endometrial cells during menstruation reach the peritoneal cavity, where they are able to adhere and establish endometriotic implants/lesions. We study the role of different endometrial cell types in the aetiology of endometriosis and its relation to ovarian cancer.
Bromocriptine on uterine adenomyosis
Clinical trial conducted by our group on the effect of bromocriptine on adenomyosis showed a significant reduction with the symptoms. Now, we are studying the possible molecules and the related pathways involved in improving the symptoms at endometrial level.
Our research wet lab is located at BioClinicum.
The research conducted at the WHO center including the development of medical abortion, misoprostol for use in obstetrics and gynaecology and new contraceptive methods such as emergency contraception, and intrauterine contraception has had a major impact on women's heath in Sweden and globally. A translational approach from experimental research to clinical trials and public health implementation. Unsafe abortion is a major contributor to maternal mortality. Therefore, effective methods for contraception and safe and acceptable methods for termination of unwanted pregnancies and treatment of incomplete abortion are prerequisites for reproductive health.
Medical abortion that was first invented by our research group and developed in collaboration with WHO is now increasingly used worldwide with major impact on women, their families and society. A simplified medical abortion procedure may include possibility for (i) home administration of misoprostol by the woman herself and; (ii) abortion care (including the examination and ultrasound) conducted by midwives; (Task shifting) (iii) self-assessment of the outcome of treatment (iv) medical abortion carried out by women themselves using telemedicine. Our research has led to the use of misoprostol on several indications (incl. postpartum hemorrhage, post-abortion care and labor induction) to reduce maternal mortality.
Our research also focuses on the development of new contraceptive methods containing new compounds such as progesterone receptor modulator, and on male hormonal contraception. In collaboration with WHO new methods for Emergency Contraception (EC) has been developed. However, the current EC Pills are only limited effective. Therefore an important part of the research programme is to develop highly effective Emergency contraceptive methods that can be used on demand and for dual protection as well as developing and promoting long acting reversible contraception (LARCs = implants and intrauterine contraception).
Although medical abortion is increasing world-wide with major impact on society a serious limitation with mifepristone is that it is only available in about 60 countries and frequently at a high cost. Therefore, misoprostol-alone regimens (although slightly less effective than the combined method and with more side effects) are used for medical abortion where mifepristone is not available.
The implementation of misoprostol has led to reduced maternal mortality and morbidity through treatment and prevention of post-partum haemorrhage, labor induction, treatment of incomplete abortion, and making legal abortion safer and more effective and illegal abortions less dangerous. Misoprostol is safe, easy to use and can be handled by nurse/midwives or women themselves. Read more at misoprostol.org
