Mara Simopoulou, Professor of Physiology-Clinical Embryology

Research Focus

      The research conducted focuses on the areas of Physiology of Reproduction, Infertility, Assisted Reproduction and Clinical Embryology.

      More specifically our research focuses on the following areas: understanding the perplexing pathophysiological mechanisms of ovarian dysfunction and poor ovarian response, the investigation of the efficiency of innovative therapies for the treatment of ovarian dysfunction emphasizing on Reproductive Regenerative Medicine approaches, the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, the diagnosis and treatment of chronic endometritis, the evaluation of Preimplantation Genetic Testing, the investigation of the influence of various pathological conditions on the physiology of the reproductive system, the evaluation of new methods for assessing embryo developmental potential emphasizing on time-lapse technology and artificial intelligence (AI), assessment of innovative methods for addressing abnormal fertilization of oocytes, the development of new methods for improving in vitro maturation of immature oocytes and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in supporting early embryo development enhancing embryo implantation potential.

Educational Work in Clinical Embryology

      The Unit of Physiology of Reproduction & Clinical Embryology has been providing in recent years significant educational work aiming at the specialized, thorough, and in-depth training of Bioscientists and Health Scientists in the fields of Clinical Embryology, Preimplantation Genetics and Reproductive Medicine.

      In 2021, in collaboration with the Center of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, the first Specialized Course in Clinical Embryology & Preimplantation Embryo Physiology was founded by Professor Mara Simopoulou. This International Course is unique in Greece and one of the few Postgraduate Training Programs focusing on the Preimplantation Embryo worldwide, providing specialized knowledge on a variety of topics related to Clinical Embryology, from Embryo and Gamete Cryopreservation Banks to Preimplantation Genetic Testing. More than 80 renowned Academics, Researchers and Clinical Scientists serve as instructors from Greece, Italy, Spain, UAE, Australia, UK, USA. The instructors, cover a wide range of disciplines, providing a complete and thorough educational experience. From October 2022 the Course is offered at an International Level with the title ”Advanced Clinical Embryology”, addressing trainees from at least 10 different countries. For more information you can visit the following link: https://clinicalembryology.cce.uoa.gr/.

      Kicking off from the Academic Year 2022-2023 and within the framework of the Master of Science Programme ”Molecular & Applied Physiology”, for the first time in Greece a specialization in ”Clinical Embryology and Preimplantation Embryo Genetics” is offered. For more information you can visit the following link:

https://www.molecularandappliedphysiologymedicaluoa.com/about-5

Selected Publications

1. Pantos K, Maziotis E, Trypidi A, Grigoriadis S, Agapitou K, Pantou A, Nikolettos K, Kokkini G, Sfakianoudis K, Pomeroy KO, Simopoulou M. The Effect of Open and Closed Oocyte Vitrification Systems on Embryo Development: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2024 Apr 30;13(9):2651. doi: 10.3390/jcm13092651.
2. Farkouh A, Agarwal A, Hamoda TAA, Kavoussi P, Saleh R, Zini A, Arafa M, Harraz AM, Gul M, Karthikeyan VS, Durairajanayagam D, Rambhatla A, Boitrelle F, Chung E, Birowo P, Toprak T, Ghayda RA, Cannarella R, Phuoc NHV, Dimitriadis F, Russo GI, Sokolakis I, Mostafa T, Makarounis K, Ziouziou I, Kuroda S, Bendayan M, Kaiyal RS, Japari A, Simopoulou M, et al. Controversy and Consensus on the Management of Elevated Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations. World J Mens Health. 2023 Oct;41(4):809-847. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.230008.
3. Mertes H, Harper J, Boivin J, Ekstrand Ragnar M, Grace B, Moura-Ramos M, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Simopoulou M, Hammarberg K, International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration Irhec OBOT. Stimulating fertility awareness: the importance of getting the language right. Hum Reprod Open. 2023 Apr 2;2023(2):hoad009. doi: 10.1093/hropen/hoad009.
4. Sfakianoudis K, Maziotis E, Grigoriadis S, Pantou A, Kokkini G, Trypidi A, Giannelou P, Zikopoulos A, Angeli I, Vaxevanoglou T, Pantos K, Simopoulou M. Reporting on the Value of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting the Optimal Embryo for Transfer: A Systematic Review including Data Synthesis. Biomedicines. 2022 Mar 17;10(3):697. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10030697.
5. Pantos K, Grigoriadis S, Maziotis E, Pistola K, Xystra P, Pantou A, Kokkali G, Pappas A, Lambropoulou M, Sfakianoudis K, Simopoulou M. The Role of Interleukins in Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 16;23(4):2198. doi: 10.3390/ijms23042198.
6. Sfakianoudis K, Maziotis E, Karantzali E, Kokkini G, Grigoriadis S, Pantou A, Giannelou P, Petroutsou K, Markomichali C, Fakiridou M, Koutsilieris M, Asimakopoulos B, Pantos K, Simopoulou M. Molecular Drivers of Developmental Arrest in the Human Preimplantation Embryo: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Leading to Mapping Future Research. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Aug 3;22(15):8353. doi: 10.3390/ijms22158353. PMID: 34361119; PMCID: PMC8347543.
7. Simopoulou M, Sfakianoudis K, Maziotis E, Tsioulou P, Grigoriadis S, Rapani A, Giannelou P, Asimakopoulou M, Kokkali G, Pantou A, Nikolettos K, Vlahos N, Pantos K. PGT-A: who and when? Α systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2021 Aug;38(8):1939-1957. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02227-9. Epub 2021 May 25.
8. Sfakianoudis K, Simopoulou M, Grigoriadis S, Pantou A, Tsioulou P, Maziotis E, Rapani A, Giannelou P, Nitsos N, Kokkali G, Koutsilieris M, Pantos K. Reactivating Ovarian Function through Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Intraovarian Infusion: Pilot Data on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Poor Responder Women. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 10;9(6):1809. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061809.
9. Sfakianoudis K, Pantos K, Grigoriadis S, Rapani A, Maziotis E, Tsioulou P, Giannelou P, Kontogeorgi A, Pantou A, Vlahos N, Koutsilieris M, Simopoulou M. What is the true place of a double stimulation and double oocyte retrieval in the same cycle for patients diagnosed with poor ovarian reserve? A systematic review including a meta-analytical approach. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2020 Jan;37(1):181-204. doi: 10.1007/s10815-019-01638-z.
10. Simopoulou M, Harper JC, Fragouli E, Mantzouratou A, Speyer BE, Serhal P, Ranieri DM, Doshi A, Henderson J, Rodeck CH, Delhanty JD. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities: implications from the outcome for couples with chromosomal rearrangements. Prenat Diagn. 2003 Aug;23(8):652-62. doi: 10.1002/pd.662.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Simopoulou+M&sort=date&sort_order=desc