Contact
Group lead
Lab/office contact number:
Rocio Castro-Seoane
Email: r.castro-seoane@imperial.ac.uk
Phone: 020 759 41380
What we do
Our research group investigates male and female reproductive health with the goal of improving clinical outcomes and informing public health strategies around fertility and reproductive wellbeing.
We are investigating key areas related to reproductive health including infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, the impact of anabolic steroid use, the adverse effect of obesity on fertility and reproductive aging.
Current research projects
We are studying endometrial function, including implantation and receptivity, using novel ultrasound techniques. We hope to provide crucial insights into conditions such as unexplained infertility, miscarriage and recurrent implantation failure, seen during assisted reproduction.
Androgen abuse can significantly impair reproductive function in both sexes, along with causing wider adverse health effects such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Our research focuses on identifying the best strategies to support recovery. We are also working to address the major evidence gap surrounding the adverse effect of androgens in women, who remain underrepresented in this field.
Our work in sperm function testing aims to identify subtle deficiencies in sperm beyond traditional semen analysis. We are also studying the most effective hormonal treatments to restore sperm production in men with conditions otherwise prohibiting spermatogenesis. In addition, we are using novel ultrasound techniques to investigate men with hypogonadism (a condition where there body does not produce enough sex hormones) and obesity.
Hypogonadism negatively affects bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Evidence shows that even with treatment, bone outcomes often remain suboptimal. We are investigating the underlying reasons for this and exploring strategies to improve bone health in people with hypogonadism.
We are interested in reproductive aging in both males and females. Understanding hormone changes seen during life transitions, such as the menopause, will aid development of better treatments for managing symptoms and long-term health risks. In addition, the impact of aging on the male reproductive system is being increasingly recognised.
Our multidisciplinary team is uniquely positioned to tackle these issues, drawing expertise from the fields of endocrinology, gynaecology, obstetrics, and embryology. This integrated approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of reproductive function, enabling the development of innovative treatments that address reproductive health challenges holistically.
How it can benefit patients
Our Reproductive Endocrinology group aims to translate our innovative research into clinical practice, to improve fertility outcomes, offer evidence-based solutions for patients, and enhance societal understanding of reproductive health.
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 1 in 100 couples attempting to conceive and often remains unexplained. By exploring potential vascular, immunological, and hormonal contributing factors, we strive to uncover new diagnostic markers that can provide hope to those experiencing repeated miscarriage. We have already identified specific sperm impairments that increase the chances of this often devastating condition. However, it remains in over half of couples affected by RPL no cause is found. Through our work and media engagement we hope to empower individuals and couples with knowledge and renewed optimism for building their families.
Androgen abuse has negative effects on multiple systems of the body, and has been associated with an increased mortality risk, making this a key public health issue. Currently there are no evidence-based treatments to manage the physical and psychological effects of androgen abuse, which can be debilitating. As hypogonadism secondary to androgen abuse becomes increasingly common in the general population it is vital clinicians have effective management strategies to support individuals to recovery. Our research is providing crucial contributions to the current knowledge base regarding androgen abuse, and we strive to ensure this can be used to empower clinicians and patients to make informed decisions when managing the adverse effects associated with androgen abuse.
Alongside androgen abuse for fitness gains, there is a growing trend of men seeking testosterone replacement, despite having normal levels, fuelled by its portrayal on social media and online platforms as a wellness treatment for symptoms that testosterone has not been shown to improve. As a research group, we are committed to providing evidence- based information to help the public make informed decisions and avoid preventable harm.
Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 couples, with male factors contributing to up to half of cases. Despite this, there are limited tools available to evaluate male infertility. We are investigating novel imaging methods and advanced semen analysis techniques to address this important gap, enabling more accurate diagnosis and personalised management of male factor infertility.
Obesity is a global health issue and negatively impacts fertility. We are currently investigating the effect of obesity in men with hypogonadism, using novel ultrasound imaging techniques, and which treatments are effective in improving reproductive outcomes for these individuals.
Summary of current research
- Investigating the effect of androgen abuse on reproductive, sexual and psychological function in men. Lead: Bonnie Grant
- Investigating the effect of androgen abuse on reproductive, sexual and psychological function in women. Lead: Elizabeth Hyams
- Investigating the value of new and evolving techniques to assess sperm function. Lead: Maha Gumsanni
- Investigating bone health outcomes in men with hypogonadism. Lead: Einas Mohamed
- Investigating male obesity-related hypogonadism. Lead Seraphina Luo
- Investigating a novel imaging tool to assess the endometrium. Lead: Rhianna Davies
- Investigating urine doping analysis techniques. Lead: Bonnie Grant
- Investigating a novel imaging tool to assess testicular function in men. Lead: Nikoleta Papanikoloau
- Analysis of treatment offered online for the menopause. Lead: Rhianna Davies
- Analysis of online content regarding testosterone replacement. Lead: Bonnie Grant
- Investigating fertility outcomes in hypogonadal men following treatment. Lead: Nipun De Silva and Bonnie Grant
- Investigating infertility in patients with loss of gonadal function. Lead: Omar El Tokhy
Information
Funders
Internal
External
- Jayasena CN, Devine K, Barber K et al. Society for endocrinology guideline for understanding, diagnosing and treating female hypogonadism. Clinical Endocrinology. 2024;101(5):409-442
- De Silva NL, Papanikolaou N, Grossmann N,….Jayasena CN. Male hypogonadism: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2024;12(10):761-774
- Sharma A, Papanikolaou N, Abou Sherif S, …Jayasena CN. Improvements in sperm motility following low or high intensity dietary interventions in men with obesity. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2024;109(2):449-460
- Grant B, Campbell J, Pradeep A,…Jayasena CN. Factors predicting normalization of reproductive hormones after cessation of anabolic-androgenic steroids in men: a single centre retrospective study. European Journal of Endocrinology. 2023; 189 (6): 601-610
- Hudson J, Cruickshank M, Quinto R,…Jayasena CN. Symptomatic benefits of testosterone treatment in patient subgroups: a systematic review, individual participant data meta-analysis, and aggregate data meta-analysis. The Lancet Healthy Longevity. 2023;4(10):e561-e572
- Hudson J, Cruickshank M, Quinto R,…Jayasena CN. Adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in men during testosterone treatment: an individual patient and aggregate data meta-analysis. The Lancet Healthy Longevity. 2022; 3(6):e381-e393
- Jayasena CN, Anderson RA, Llahana S, et al. Society for Endocrinology guidelines for testosterone replacement therapy in male hypogonadism. Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf). 2022; 96: 200-219
Dr Jayasena is passionate about engaging with the media to represent patient’s health concerns and offer clear, evidence-based information. See examples below:
British Broadcasting Corporation:
Guardian:
The Telegraph:
Independent:
Daily Mail:
The Express:
CNN:
Nature World News:
- 51³Ô¹ÏÍø NHS Healthcare Trust
- The Department of Bioengineering, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
- Wellbeing of Women
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS)
Team members
Professor Channa Jayasena
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Professor Channa Jayasena is Principal Investigator at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. He is also a Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College, St. Mary's and Hammersmith Hospitals, London, and Head of Andrology for North-West London Pathology Services. His clinic specialises in the treatment of all patients with complex or rare reproductive endocrine disorders. Dr. Jayasena qualified in medicine at Cambridge University, after which he undertook specialist training in Diabetes & Endocrinology in London and performed research at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College as a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Training Fellows and subsequently NIHR Clinical Lecturer. In 2018, Dr. Jayasena was awarded an NIHR Post-Doctoral Fellowship investigating the metabolic regulation of male infertility. His research focuses on improving the management of male reproductive disorders using clinical and translational approaches. Dr. Jayasena is also lead for the Society for Endocrinology (SfE) Specialist Endocrinology Network for Andrology and has led or participated in development of various clinical guidelines
Dr Rhianna Davies
Miss Rhianna Davies is an Obstetrics and Gynaecology SpR and clinical research fellow. She qualified from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with a medical degree and a BSc with 1st class hons in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Her research focus is a novel form of ultrasound imaging of the endometrial microvasculature.
Dr Bonnie Grant
is an Endocrinology and Diabetes SpR and clinical research fellow. She qualified from University College London with a medical degree and a BSc in Pharmacology. Her research focus is on the increasing use of anabolic steroids and its effect on male sexual function and health.
Dr Lizzie Hyams
Dr Lizzie Hyams is an Endocrinology and Diabetes SpR and a clinical research fellow. She qualified from Nottingham University. Her research focus is on the increasing use of anabolic steroids in women and it’s effect on reproductive and sexual function. She is also involved in the study of the endometrial microvasculature via a novel form of ultrasound.
Maha Gumssani
Ms Maha Gumssani is an embryologist and a second-year PhD researcher at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, specializing in male infertility. She previously worked as an embryologist at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh for five years. She holds a bachelor's degree from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, and a master's degree in Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Biology from Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her research focuses on the impact of oxidative stress markers including reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative reduction potential (ORP), DNA fragmentation, and leukocyte elastase on sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes. She also investigates leukocyte subtyping to better understand its role in male reproductive health. Additionally, she explores sperm morphology and the application of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine, aiming to advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for male infertility.
Dr Nikoleta Papanikolaou
Dr Nikoleta Papanikolaou is a Consultant Endocrinologist. She qualified from the University of Athens followed by medical training in the Northwest of England and London. She completed her PhD under the supervision of Dr Jayasena, studying a novel imaging modality to assess testicular function. She remains research active in the group alongside her newly appointed role as a locum consultant in Endocrinology and Diabetes in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Dr Nipun De Silva
Dr Nipun De Silva is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. He qualified in medicine from the University of Colombo in 2012, obtaining his MD in Medicine in 2019 Nipun undertook an extended period of clinical and research training with Dr Jayasena in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College Healthcare NHS Trust, returning to Sri Lanka to set up and lead a national reproductive endocrinology service.
Dr Omar El Tohky
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Dr Omar El Tohky is an Academic Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trainee with research interests in Reproductive Medicine and understanding the genetic basis of human infertility. His research seeks to understand the regulation of sperm production to develop new therapies for men experiencing infertility. In addition, he is aim to explore the links between male infertility and serious health problems later in life, such as cancer and chronic diseases.
Dr Suks Minhas
is a consultant andrologist at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College Healthcare NHS Trust and is centre director of the European Academy of Andrology at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College. He was awarded the British Association of Urological Surgeons Golden Telescope, an award given to urologists who have made a significant and lasting contribution to British urology. Dr Suks Minhas is a member of the Association of Academic European Urologists (AAEU). He has over 250 peer reviewed publications and given over 600 international keynote/state of the art lectures/chairperson at international meetings. His h index 52. He has held key national and international positions.
Dr Rong Luo (Seraphina), Clinical Research Fellow
Dr Rong Luo (Seraphina)
Dr Rong Luo (Seraphina) is an Endocrinology and Diabetes SpR and Academic Clinical Fellow. She has a medical degree from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and a First-Class BSc in Pharmacology from King’s College London. Her research focuses on reproductive endocrinology, particularly how lifestyle and metabolic factors affect male fertility, an area with limited evidence-based treatment options.
Dr. Einas Mohamed
Dr. Einas Mohamed is an Endocrinology and Diabetes Specialty Registrar and Clinical Research Fellow. She completed her primary medical qualification overseas and undertook her general medicine and endocrinology training within the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø NHS Trusts. Her current research focuses on bone mineral density improvement and normalisation with hormone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadism. She is also contributing to studies investigating testicular microvasculature in obese men with hypogonadism using novel ultrasound techniques.