Smaragdi Christopoulou

Ms. Smaragdi Christopoulou


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
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DCDIMITRA CHATZOKOU
DIMITRA CHATZOKOU
ETErmioni Tsarna
Ermioni Tsarna
EDEfstathia Davoutis
Efstathia Davoutis
Charalampos SiristatidisCharalampos Siristatidis
Charalampos Siristatidis
SCSmaragdi Christopoulou
Smaragdi Christopoulou
Panagiotis ChristopoulosPanagiotis Christopoulos
Panagiotis Christopoulos
The semen microbiome, once believed to be sterile, is now recognized as a dynamic ecosystem containing a diverse range of microorganisms with potential implications for male fertility and reproductive health. We aimed to examine the relationship between the semen microbiome, male infertility, and reproductive outcomes, highlighting the transformative role of next generation sequencing techniques and bioinformatics in exploring this intricate interaction, and we present a critical review of the published literature on this issue. Current evidence suggests a complex association between the composition of the semen microbiome and male fertility, with certain bacterial genera, such as Lactobacillus and Prevotella that exert opposing effects on sperm quality and DNA integrity. In addition, the influence of the semen microbiome extends beyond natural fertility, affecting assisted reproductive technologies and pregnancy outcomes. Despite considerable progress, challenges remain in standardizing methodologies and interpreting findings. In conclusion, we identify the lack of a definitive management proposal for couples presenting with this phenomenon, and we underline the need for an algorithm and indicate the questions raised that point toward our goal for a strategy. Continued research is essential to clarify the role of the semen microbiome in male reproductive health and to advance the development of personalized fertility management approaches.

2 December 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SKSTAVROULA KYNIGOPOULOU
STAVROULA KYNIGOPOULOU
Alkis MatsasAlkis Matsas
Alkis Matsas
ETErmioni Tsarna
Ermioni Tsarna
SCSmaragdi Christopoulou
Smaragdi Christopoulou
PPPeriklis Panagopoulos
Periklis Panagopoulos
Panagiotis ChristopoulosPanagiotis Christopoulos
Panagiotis Christopoulos
This paper provides an overview of the social reasons that lead women to consider egg cryopreservation, as well as the attitudes and knowledge of women towards this procedure. Methods: For the creation of this article, a literature review was carried out both in the existing medical literature and in search engines. The key points are as follows: (1) The main reasons women choose to delay childbearing are the lack of a suitable male partner, education and career advancement, and financial instability. Women feel societal and family pressure to have children, even though they may not feel ready. (2) Women’s attitudes towards egg cryopreservation vary. While some are open to the idea, many are opposed to it, especially when it is used for non-medical reasons. There are concerns about the success rates, health risks, and ethical implications of the procedure. (3) The legal and regulatory framework around egg cryopreservation differs across countries. Some countries allow it only for medical reasons, while others have more permissive policies. The issue of who should bear the financial cost of the procedure is also debated. (4) There is a need to better educate women, as well as healthcare providers, about fertility decline and the options available for preserving fertility, including egg cryopreservation.

21 January 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Alkis MatsasAlkis Matsas
Alkis Matsas
DSDimitrios Stefanoudakis
Dimitrios Stefanoudakis
GKGeorgia Kotsira
Georgia Kotsira
SSSofoklis Stavros
Sofoklis Stavros
SGSpyridon Gkoufas
Spyridon Gkoufas
Panagiotis ChristopoulosPanagiotis Christopoulos
Panagiotis Christopoulos
Infertility remains a complex clinical challenge, with intrauterine pathologies contributing to a significant percentage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. Chronic endometritis (CE) has gained attention due to its potential association with unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage. This review explores the role of hysteroscopy in diagnosing and treating CE. The endometrium undergoes dynamic changes orchestrated by ovarian steroids, and disturbances may lead to CE, characterized by plasma cell infiltration. Diagnosis traditionally relies on histopathologic examination, but hysteroscopy offers real-time imaging, revealing the specific macroscopic alterations associated with CE. However, diagnostic accuracy varies, prompting the need for standardized criteria. CE has been linked to poor reproductive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of effective treatment. Antibiotic therapy is a common approach, with doxycycline as the first-line regimen. Hysteroscopic polypectomy, targeting non-infectious CE, emerges as a promising treatment, demonstrating fertility benefits. The review underscores the significance of hysteroscopy in diagnosing and treating CE, providing insights into its impact on reproductive outcomes in infertile women. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and establish unified diagnostic criteria.

10 October 2024 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
SKSTAVROULA KYNIGOPOULOU
STAVROULA KYNIGOPOULOU
Alkis MatsasAlkis Matsas
Alkis Matsas
ETErmioni Tsarna
Ermioni Tsarna
SCSmaragdi Christopoulou
Smaragdi Christopoulou
PPPeriklis Panagopoulos
Periklis Panagopoulos
Panagiotis ChristopoulosPanagiotis Christopoulos
Panagiotis Christopoulos
This paper provides an overview of the social reasons that lead women to consider egg cryopreservation, as well as the attitudes and knowledge of women towards this procedure. Methods: For the creation of this article, a literature review was carried out both in the existing medical literature and in search engines. The key points are 1. The main reasons women choose to delay childbearing are the lack of a suitable male partner, education and career advancement, and financial instability. Women feel societal and family pressure to have children, even though they may not feel ready. 2. Women's attitudes towards egg cryopreservation vary. While some are open to the idea, many are opposed to it, especially when it is used for non-medical reasons. There are concerns about the success rates, health risks, and ethical implications of the procedure. 3. The legal and regulatory framework around egg cryopreservation differs across countries. Some countries allow it only for medical reasons, while others have more permissive policies. The issue of who should bear the financial cost of the procedure is also debated. 4. There is a need to better educate women, as well as healthcare providers, about fertility decline and the options available for preserving fertility, including egg cryopreservation.