Themen des WSZs

Zweiter Themenleiter: Dr. VASS, Réka

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of infection, immune-mediated disorders, obesity, and even cancer. Recently it was found that breast milk contains a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the skim and fat layer that can be transferred to infants, and appear to play important roles in those biological functions. This study applies next generation sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis to determine the miRNA expression profile of the skim and fat fraction of human breast milk either  in its natural form or pasteurized.

Die Schwangerschaft ist eine einzigartige immunologische Situation, in der 2 allogene Organismen in enger Symbiose leben, ohne dass es dabei zu Abstoßungsreaktionen kommt. Wir forschen die Wechselwirkung des mütterlichen Immunsystems mit den kindlichen fremden Antigene durch die Untersuchung der Rolle von CD160 Rezeptor und gamma/delta T Zellen. Das bessere Verständnis dieser komplexen Regulationsmechanismen trägt auch zu neuen Therapieansätzen von Schwangerschaftserkrankungen bei. 

Zweiter Themenleiter: Dr. KOVÁCS, Kálmán

Background

The presence of microplastics in the environment can significantly impact reproductive success and the health of offspring. Studies suggest that microplastics may interfere with reproductive processes, such as fertilization, or disrupt proper developmental progression. Furthermore, the toxicity of microplastics can negatively affect offspring health, damaging rapidly developing organ systems. Detailed analysis of these effects is essential for understanding the environmental and health risks posed by microplastics and for developing effective mitigation strategies.

Objective
To assess the microplastic burden associated with reproductive events and understand its implications for reproductive health. The findings aim to inform the development of measures to support healthy reproduction, whether natural or through assisted reproductive techniques.

Study Design and Sample Collection
With informed consent and adherence to GDPR, we will conduct anonymized research involving samples (follicular fluid, semen, endometrium, placenta, breast milk) from couples undergoing infertility treatments, pregnant women, women who have experienced spontaneous miscarriage or elective pregnancy termination, and breastfeeding mothers. The microplastic burden will be determined with Raman spectroscopy.