Overview
The Al-Hendy laboratory uses methods of basic, translational, clinical, and community-based research to address important medical diseases. Areas of research focus include the developmental origin of gynecologic conditions, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. The Al-Hendy lab also develops and investigates the efficacy of novel, non-surgical treatment options for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and more.
Currently, the Al-Hendy research team is developing innovative therapeutics against female infertility using mesenchymal stem cells and/or its exosomes. The lab's research is funded by various agencies, including several R01 grants from the NIH (NICHD, NIEHS, NIMHD, ODS, OD, NCRR), USDA, other national and international organizations as well as pharmaceutical collaborative research agreements and contracts.
Main projects in the laboratory
- Studying the efficacy of various nutritional supplements as possible non-surgical therapy options for individuals with uterine fibroids. Currently, the lab is conducting studies on the efficacy of EGCG (green tea extract) as an alternative to surgery for patients with uterine fibroids. The Al-Hendy lab also investigates the contribution of vitamin D deficiency in fibroid development as well as the use of vitamin D as a therapeutic option for uterine fibroids.
- Characterizing stem cells from human and rat tissue samples to understand the role of developmental epigenetic and epitranscriptomics reprogramming and early life adverse environmental exposures in adult-onset uterine fibroids.
- Utilizing human mesenchymal stem cells to treat animal models of female infertility (with a primary focus on premature ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome) and translating the findings to innovative human clinical trials.
Collaboration
To reach our goals our lab collaborates with physicians and scientists from around the world.
Funding
The Al-Hendy lab receives substantial funding from various public and private organizations.
Publications
Publishing research findings is a top priority in the lab, with Dr. Al-Hendy and co-investigators having published more than 200 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier scientific journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility and Sterility, and more.
- Dr. Al-Hendy recently worked alongside colleague Dr. Sandra Laveaux on an impactful paper in the Journal of Clinical Medicine entitled, What We Know about the Long-term Risks of Hysterectomy for Benign Indication - A Systematic Review
- Dr. Al-Hendy co-authored a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2021. This study, "Treatment of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms with Relugolix Combination Therapy," suggests that once-daily relugolix combination therapy in women with uterine fibroids and heavy bleeding significantly reduces symptoms while avoiding hypoestrogenic effects.
Podcast Features
- Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis. (Podcast Series) Episode 3
- Relugolix Combination Therapy for Uterine Leiomyoma-Associated Pain in the LIBERTY Randomized Trials. Obstetrics & Gynecology Editor's Pick for December 2022
Laboratory Awards & Leadership
- 2021 ASRM Fibroid Prize Paper: Maria Victoria Bariani, PhD, Transcriptomics Analysis Shows Profound Ethnic Differences in At Risk Pre-Fibroid Myometrium
- 2021 ASRM Corporate Member Council In-Training Award: Mohamed Ali, PhD, Pub Number: Downregulation of SIRT3 Contributes to Uterine Fibroid Phenotype, which is Inhibited by Natural SIRT3 Activator Honokiol
- 2021 ASRM Prize Paper Selection: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PhD, (O-5) Liberty Randomized Withdrawal Study: 2-year efficacy and safety of relugolix combination therapy in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids
- Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy elected as 70th President-Nominee of the Society of Reproductive Investigation (SRI)