Gujarat University Tackles Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
A groundbreaking initiative at Gujarat Biotechnology University, led by Prof Rohini Nair, aims to address Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) with the support of the Gates Foundation. This project is focused on developing affordable, scalable, and minimally invasive RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The goal is to improve menstrual health management, especially for women in underserved regions of India.
With a generous funding of around Rs 1.3 crore, the research project has been accepted under the Gates Foundation's Grand Challenges Support. Prof Nair explained that HMB is a critical women's health issue that often goes unnoticed. The initiative will enable earlier detection and personalized treatment, helping millions of women affected by this condition.
The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Rohina Aggarwal, Dean and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) in Ahmedabad. Dr. Aggarwal will be instrumental in patient identification and clinical evaluation, while Prof Nair's laboratory will focus on various aspects of women's health, including Repeated Implantation Failure and Endometriosis.
HMB affects millions of women globally, leading to anaemia, chronic fatigue, and a diminished quality of life. The impact is especially profound in low-resource settings, where timely diagnosis and effective treatment are often unattainable. The project will explore ways to enhance acceptance and accessibility of treatments, such as hormonal intrauterine devices, for women in such areas.
Despite the prevalence of HMB, the biological mechanisms behind it remain poorly understood, causing delays in care and perpetuating stigma. Prof Nair highlighted that women, regardless of age, often suffer in silence due to social structures that discourage open discussion about such health issues.
The project's aim is to close existing gaps by mapping cellular and molecular drivers of HMB. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers expect to generate a comprehensive atlas of the endometrial microenvironment, providing crucial insights into pathways and biomarkers related to abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Gujarat Biotechnology University recognizes this achievement as a significant milestone in India's contribution to global women's health research. Dean Research Prof Sudhir Pratap Singh emphasized the university's commitment to fostering impactful and science-driven innovations in health.
