Research
Area 3
Endocrinology, Gynecology and Human Reproduction
Team manager
Juan Balasch
(Hospital Clínic)
JBALASCH(ELIMINAR)@clinic.ub.es
Strategic objectives
The global objective of this research group for the coming years is to increase our knowledge of a broad spectrum of the pathophysiology of human reproduction, ranging from endocrinologic aspects to the most important benign and malignant organic processes of the female reproductive apparatus, including investigation and treatment of human reproductive failure.
More specifically, the principal objectives of our research group are to advance in the existing lines of research in order to achieve the following:
1. Determine the most relevant mechanisms in pathogenesis of reproductive failure (sterility, repeated abortion, repeated failure to implant following in vitro fertilization) and the principal pathologic processes of the female reproductive apparatus (endometriosis, uterine myoma, genital cancer).
2. Optimize and innovate as far as possible in terms of the preventive and/or therapeutic potential in the above situation.
Main lines of research
1. Markers of reproductive failure
Analyze the possible role of new markers of abnormal hemostasis as a new form of pathogenic mechanism of thrombotic disease in early and advanced pregnancy in patients with or without antiphospholipid syndrome. Study the value of immunohistochemical and quantitative and qualitative proteomic parameters in the human endometrium as markers of endometrial receptiveness. Study further the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in blockade of in vitro pre-implant embryo development.
2. Ovarian dysfunction and stimulation/hyperstimulation
Investigate the potential of both ultrasound and hormonal, endocrine-metabolic and genetic markers in their ability to predict the ovarian response. Study the role of LH and androgens as factors that sensitize the ovaries to subsequent stimulation with FSH. Investigate the possible role of ovarian follicular cells (granulosa cells, macrophages) in the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and aim to establish new guidelines for ovarian stimulation and/or endometrial preparation that improve the results of assisted fertilization techniques.
3. Optimization of surgical treatment of diseases of the reproductive apparatus
This line is aimed at analyzing the role of the surgical variables that make it possible to improve results and reduce morbidity in the surgical treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the female reproductive apparatus. It also involves establishing the prognostic value of detecting HPV (human papilloma virus) and viral typing as prognostic markers of the course of neoplasias in precancerous lesions of the neck of the uterus.