von Schönfeldt V

ObjectiveRecent studies revealed intriguing associations between cholecalciferol (D3) and reproductive functions. Seasonal changes of D3 concentrations are well known; however, they are not always considered in the context of reproductive f…

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) are two nuclear receptors that exert their effects by binding with ligands and forming a molecular complex. These complexes translocate to the nucleus and activate the express…

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has rapidly developed and is now widely practised worldwide. Both the characteristics of ART (handling gametes/embryos in vitro) and the infertility backgrounds of ART parents (such as infertility dise…

BackgroundWe recently demonstrated the increased abundance of anti-trophoblast antibodies (ATAB) in sera of patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriages (uRM). Further, the ATAB-positive sera bound to JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells i…

PurposeThe nuclear hormone receptor estrogen receptor α (ERα) is pivotal for numerous processes in the cell. As a transcription factor, it regulates eukaryotic gene expression and affects cellular proliferation and differentiation in target…

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is well described to be associated with both endometrial functions and disorders. The primary aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms that affect the growth and function of endometrial epithelium a…

Normal pregnancy is a state of hypercoagulability with diminishing fibrinolytic activity, which is mainly caused by an increase of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 is the main inhibitor of plasminogen activators, includ…