Prof Håkan Billig

Research interest

Female reproductive endocrinology has remained my primary research interest throughout my research career I have had the opportunity to work on several levels: molecular, cellular, systemic and both in experimental animal models as well in clinical settings and patient materials
My research focus has developed based on the knowledge we have acquired and in parallel with the fast evolving international research in our and adjacent fields of research and with introduction of new techniques:

•   ovarian metabolism (-1988)
•   growth factor and GH effects on reproduction (1988-1995)
•   follicular development and gonadal apoptosis (1990-2009)
•   function of and metabolic regulation by prolactin on metabolism (2000-2011)
•   progesterone and estrogen receptor subtype regulation and function in reproductive tissues (2003-2012)
•   Fallopian tube physiology and tubal ectopic pregnancy (2006-2012)

Physiology of the fallopian tube and Ectopic Pregnancy

Our current research focus is ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is defined as pregnancy established outside the uterus, of which 97% occurs in the oviduct. The known risk factors for ectopic pregnancy are infections (particularly Chlamydia trachomatis), surgery, smoking and in vitro fertilization. Approximately 1-2% of all pregnancies are ectopic, the most common reason for maternal death during early pregnancy. The mechanism behind ectopic pregnancy is largely unknown which, in turn, limits the possibilities for early diagnosis and treatment. The current knowledge on ectopic pregnancy is mostly descriptive and experimental models in humans and animals are largely lacking.

Our working hypothesis: Chronic inflammation as a common denominator, induced by either Chlamydia infections or tobacco smoke exposure, exerts a critical role during the Fallopian tubal damage response, mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production followed by selective modulation of the microRNAs that, in turn, regulate multiple gene expression. Sex steroids may regulate this process.

Using molecular and cellular approaches, together with human/mouse tubal tissues in vitro and with animal models in vivo, we will investigate how Chlamydia infection affect Fallopian tubal cell abnormality, influence the tubal transport of embryos in vivo; determine how steroid hormones can prevent or protect from inflammation-induced tubal damage. Using this knowledge, we want to develop novel prediction, prevention and treatment for women with (or have increased risk for) ectopic pregnancy.

Contact and collaboration

Because research benefits from collaboration, we invite colleagues and researchers to develop joint projects with us.
Interested post-doctoral scientists and PhD students are welcome to contact us