Professor Ernest HY Ng
Dr Calvin KF Lee
In the area of Reproduction, the research theme is "The way to a healthy child: from gamete to childhood". Current research foci of this them include pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, gene regulation of spermatogenesis, roles of male sex accessory glands secretions in fertilization and embryo development, interactions within female reproductive tract, endometrial receptivity, fertility regulation, gestational diabetes, etc.
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These research activities have been fruitful and have secured over $15M of external research funding since 1991. There were many significant achievements during this period:
- identification of glycodelin F as the factor in the follicular fluid which inhibits the sperm-zona pellucida binding;
- identification of complement 3 as one of the important embryotrophic factors secreted by the oviduct (a worldwide patent application has been submitted for using this in clinical assisted reproduction programme);
- elucidation of the mechanism for the adverse effects of high serum oestradiol levels on the embryo implantation;
- introduction of levonorgestrel as the drug of choice for emergency contraception;
- improvement in methods of medical abortion;
- establishment of the first pre-implantation genetic diagnosis service in Hong Kong;
- demonstration of the long term effect of the secretion of male sex accessory gland on fertilization and embryo development.