Research | IVF Treatment Centre

Research activities for greater chance of parenthood and improved patient care

The Institute of Reproductive Medicine (IRM) in Kolkata is committed to improving patient care and increasing the chances of parenthood through extensive research activities. The institute's research focuses on a variety of infertility-related topics, including the development of new diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and advancements in assisted reproductive technology. The institute conducts clinical research and trials and studies to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies, which enables them to offer cutting-edge treatments and personalized care to patients.

In addition to clinical research, the Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Kolkata also conducts basic science research to gain a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility. The institute's basic science research activities encompass a range of topics, including embryology, reproductive endocrinology, molecular biology and genetics. By combining clinical research with basic science research, we can better understand the complex processes involved in infertility and develop more effective treatments for patients. The Institute of Reproductive Medicine's commitment to both clinical and basic science research positions it as a leading institution in the field of reproductive medicine.

These research activities not only improve the institute's success rates in achieving pregnancy but contribute to advancing the field of reproductive medicine. Overall, the Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Kolkata is dedicated to providing the best possible care for its patients through continued research and innovation.

Late. Prof. (Dr.) BN Chakravarty, MO, FRCOG, DSc (hon causa):

Late. Dr. BN Chakravarty was a renowned figure in the field of reproductive medicine and one of the pioneers of IVF in India. He worked alongside Dr. Subhas Mukherjee at NRS Medical College, sharing a common interest in independently developing IVF techniques in the country. In 1983, Dr. Chakravarty initiated his ART work and achieved a significant milestone by delivering the second IVF baby in India in 1986. Throughout his illustrious career, he exhibited a remarkable dedication to clinical and basic science research, which greatly contributed to enhancing our understanding of various female and male infertility conditions and improving IVF outcomes for couples struggling with infertility. He actively collaborated with esteemed research institutes like IIT Kharagpur, CSIR-CCMB Hyderabad, CSIR-IICB Kolkata, and Calcutta University. Dr. Chakravarty was involved in numerous government-funded research projects, displaying his commitment to advancing the field. His initial focus was on innovative surgical corrections for Mullerian anomalies, congenital absence of the vagina, cervicovaginal atresia, reconstructive surgery of ambiguous external genitalia, and the recanalization of blocked tubes and vas deferens. Later, he dedicated himself entirely to IVF and infertility research. His recent works encompassed a modern approach to infertility management, such as identifying markers for predicting success and finding measures to prevent failures. He also delved into research on endometrial receptivity, luteal phase support, and recurrent miscarriage. Dr. Chakravarty authored the highly acclaimed textbook series "Clinics in Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Technology" (Volume I-IV), and edited five textbooks, contributed to 34 chapters in national and international textbooks, and published over 100 scientific papers in reputable journals. His remarkable contributions and unforgettable role in advancing infertility treatment and IVF have been widely acknowledged and honored globally, receiving 25 prestigious awards, including lifetime achievement recognition.

List of Publication: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=TQYzs8wAAAAJ

Dr. Ratna Chattopadhyay, MBBS, PhD:

Dr. Chattopadhyay is the Chief Embryologist and faculty member at the IRM, Kolkata. Additionally, she holds an honorary lecturer position at the University of Calcutta and is a faculty member of the ART training programs conducted by IRM and IRRH. With over three decades of research experience, her recent research interests include idiopathic male infertility, oocyte cumulus metabolism, and PCOS. Dr. Chattopadhyay has also conducted extensive research on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in male infertility and the use of antioxidants in its management. She is currently exploring the concept of personalized embryo culture to improve pregnancy outcomes. Her work has been published in 27 reputable international and national journals, and she has contributed chapters to 10 national textbooks. She is a frequent presenter at conferences and symposiums such as ESHRE, ASRM, ISAR, ACE, and BOGS, where she serves as a speaker and faculty member.

Ongoing projects:

Characterising transcriptomic niche of Sertoli cell from azoospermic men for drug efficacy testing and designing of biotechnology based therapeutic strategy for male infertility [Funded by Department of Health Research, ICMR]-Co Principal Investigator.

List of Publication: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=ClZLZssAAAAJ

Dr. Sunita Sharma, MD, FNB:

Dr. Sharma is a Senior consultant and faculty in reproductive medicine and surgery. Her research interest includes minimal stimulation IVF and biomarkers of endometrial receptivity, Recurrent pregnancy loss, new approaches towards pain and infertility management in women suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis. Treatment of cervical atresia and creation of neo-cervix using regenerative medicine approach. She has published more than 14 research papers in international journal of repute an wrote many book chapters. She presents regularly at the ESHRE, ASRM, ISAR, BOGS and is a speaker and faculty at various national and international conferences and symposiums. She has won the prestigious Robert G. Edwards Prize paper for the best paper published in RBMO in 2019 in collaboration with COGI 2020.

List of Publication: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=K59MmsMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Ongoing projects:

A new approach towards pain and infertility management in women suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis [Funded by Department of Science and Technology, 2021-2024]-Principal Investigator.
TSLP modulates polarization of macrophage to M2 phenotype for a potential beneficial outcome in recurrent implantation failure [Funded by Department of Science and Technology, 2021-2024]-Co-Principal Investigator.

Dr. Pratip Chakraborty, PhD:

Dr. Chakraborty is a Senior scientist and faculty at IRM Kolkata. He is involved in basic science research related to ART at the Institute and in-charge of the animal research facility of the Institute. Overall theme of his research area is to understand the molecular basis for the pathogenic mechanism/s underlying complex female reproductive disease/s including PCOS, adenomyosis, endometriosis and unexplained spontaneous miscarriage. A member and speaks at ESHRE, ASRM and ISAR; Dr. Chakraborty served as a reviewer for formulation of guidelines of RPL and COS for IVF/ICSI by Early Pregnancy Guideline Development Group and Reproductive Endocrinology and Ovarian Stimulation Group of ESHRE in 2017 and 2019. He won the prestigious honorary membership by ASRM in 2013, and was awarded “Amongst the best” in Clinical Science Topic by ESHrRE in 2018.

List of Publication: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=mwyJ9acAAAAJ

Ongoing projects:

TSLP modulates polarization of macrophage to M2 phenotype for a potential beneficial outcome in recurrent implantation failure [Funded by Department of Science and Technology, 2021-2024]-Co-Principal Investigator.
Differential expression of Follicular fluid Fatty acids in women with polycystic ovaries: correlation with successful pregnancy outcome [Funded by Indian Council of Medical Research, 2023-2026]-Co-Principal Investigator.

COLLABORATIONS WITH PREMIER RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

Under the adept guidance and active involvement of the late Dr. BN Chakravarty, the IRM in Kolkata has a rich history of collaborations with esteemed research and educational institutions in India. Since the 1980s, Dr. Chakravarty ensured that IRM remained at the forefront of research initiatives and policy-making in IVF and reproductive medicine. He chaired the committee responsible for formulating ART guidelines by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi. IRM has enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with the renowned late Dr. Lalji Singh and subsequently with Dr. K Thangaraj at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) in Hyderabad, focusing on genetic studies in infertility research. IRM has also established long-standing collaborations with esteemed government research institutes such as CSIR-IICB and the Bose Institute in Kolkata. The institute maintains strong academic ties and joint research activities with the School of Medical Science and Technology and the School of Biological Sciences at IIT Kharagpur. Recently, IRM initiated a research collaboration with ICMR-NIRRH Mumbai, which shares a similar focus on reproductive health. West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS), Burdwan University, and North Bengal University have also collaborated with IRM at different times. WBUHS is the affiliating university for the PhD course conducted at IRM. IRM and Calcutta University have been longstanding partners in research and development activities in reproductive science, developing various courses and research areas. Through these collaborations, numerous government-funded projects have been executed, resulting in the publication of over 100 research papers to date. These valuable collaborations are expected to yield further fruitful outcomes, enhancing patient care and increasing the chances of parenthood.

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