herbio

Alexia

Chatziparasidou

MSc. PMI-RMP

Embryolab Academy Co-Founder and Director, Consultant Sr. Clinical Embryologist,

Co-Founder of Embryolab Fertility Clinic

Mrs. Alexia Chatziparasidou is a Consultant Clinical Embryologist with extensive experience in assisted reproduction, having conducted over 45,000 cycles. Her scientific interests focus on oocyte and embryo freezing methods, male subfertility, and azoospermia.

In 2004, Mrs Chatziparasidou co-founded Embryolab, a well-known and modern state of the art fertility clinic, located in Thessaloniki Greece. In 2007 she was awarded with her Master degree (MSc) on Clinical Embryology (Leeds University) and in 2008 she was certified by ESHRE as senior Clinical Embryologist.

Since 2007, she has specialized in Total Quality Management (TQM) and Risk Management (RM) in ART units, emphasizing process optimization, standardization, and risk mitigation strategies.
In 2013 she co-founded Embryolab Academy and co-organized a series of international workshops on TQM and RM for ART units, cryopreservation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT).

In 2020 she was certified with the PMI Risk Management Professional diploma (RMP-PMI).
Alexia Chatziparasidou travels the world as invited speaker in conferences and hands on workshops, is actively involved in research projects and training for all the modern ART lab techniques and is the author of a number of scientific articles, posters and chapters.

Her latest project is her thesis under the title: “The genetic basis of Azoospermia- The mystery that needs to be unraveled” in collaboration with the University of Thessaly. The aim of this project is to shed light in the genetic basis of azoospermia and set the basis for the development of personalized therapeutic options for men suffering from azoospermia.

Alexia Chatziparasidou enjoys to spend time with family and friends. She regards herself as very fortunate for being able to live her passion for science and be a part of all the latest scientific developments in the field of assisted reproduction but above all she feels extremely blessed for being able to serve and support men and women in their most wonderful journey: The journey to parenthood!

Certifications

2020: PMI Risk Management Professional diploma (RMP-PMI)
2008: Senior Clinical Embryologist, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, ESHRE

Career Highlights:

2023: Presented a TED Talk at the 10th TEDx University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki.

2020: Obtained the PMI Risk Management Professional diploma.

2019-present: PhD thesis on: “The genetic basis of Azoospermia- The mystery that needs to be unraveled”, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Greece.

2019: Became an Inspector of ART Centre Certification (ARTCC) for ESHRE.

2013: Co-founded Embryolab Academy, internationally known and appreciated for its training events.

2004-2019: Lab Director of Embryolab

2008: Certified by ESHRE as a Senior Clinical Embryologist.

2007: Earned a Master’s degree (MSc) in Clinical Embryology from Leeds University.

2004: Co-founded Embryolab, a state-of-the-art fertility clinic in Thessaloniki, Greece.

 

Education

2019-today: Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Greece.
• PhD under the title: “The genetic basis of Azoospermia- The mystery that needs to be unraveled”

2006: Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, UK.
• Master of Science “Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology”, with honors

1992: School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Bachelor of Science “Biology”

 

Professional Affiliations:
– European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE)
– American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
– Scientists in Reproductive Medicine (ALPHA)
– Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE)

Publications – Congresses

Chatziparasidou A, Kyrgiafini MA, Sarafidou T, Moutou KA, Mamuris Z. Genetic Insights into Azoospermia and Severe Oligozoospermia: Discovering Seven SNPs through GWAS and In Silico Analysis. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2024 Jun 27;46(7):6522-6532. doi: 10.3390/cimb46070389. PMID: 39057031; PMCID: PMC11276099.

Chatziparasidou, A. (2024). ‘Improving oocyte freezing for advanced maternal age’, Journal of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, 1(1), pp. 10-17. doi: 10.21608/jrme.2024.261045.1003
Kyrgiafini MA, Giannoulis T, Chatziparasidou A, Mamuris Z. Elucidating the Role of OXPHOS Variants in Asthenozoospermia: Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing and an In Silico Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 8;25(7):4121. doi: 10.3390/ijms25074121. PMID: 38612930; PMCID: PMC11012272.

Oraiopoulou C, Karagianni M, Papatheodorou A, Toumpa O, Papadopoulou M, Christophoridis N, Drakopoulos P, Chatziparasidou A. Double vitrification of embryos adversely affects clinical outcomes. JBRA Assist Reprod. 2024 Mar 28. doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38546119.

Karagianni M, Papadopoulou MI, Oraiopoulou C, Christoforidis N, Papatheodorou A, Chatziparasidou A. Embryos from vitrified vs. fresh oocytes in an oocyte donation program: a comparative morphokinetic analysis. F S Sci. 2024 May;5(2):174-181. doi: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.03.002. Epub 2024 Apr 4. PMID: 38580180.

Kyrgiafini MA, Giannoulis T, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Mamuris Z. Unveiling the Genetic Complexity of Teratozoospermia: Integrated Genomic Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into lncRNAs’ Role in Male Infertility. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 9;24(19):15002. doi: 10.3390/ijms241915002. PMID: 37834450; PMCID: PMC10573971.

Kyrgiafini MA, Giannoulis T, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Mamuris Z. Whole-Genome Profile of Greek Patients with Teratozοοspermia: Identification of Candidate Variants and Genes. Genes (Basel). 2022 Sep 8;13(9):1606. doi: 10.3390/genes13091606. PMID: 36140773; PMCID: PMC9498395.

Kyrgiafini MA, Sarafidou T, Giannoulis T, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Mamuris Z. Gene-by-Sex Interactions: Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Five SNPs Associated with Obesity and Overweight in a Male Population. Genes (Basel). 2023 Mar 26;14(4):799. doi: 10.3390/genes14040799. PMID: 37107557; PMCID: PMC10137758.

Markantoni M, Sarafidou T, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Mamuris Z. Male infertility and the impact of lifestyle in the Greek population: A case- control study. Health Sci Rep. 2022 Jun 15;5(4):e675. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.675. PMID: 35755412; PMCID: PMC9201462.

Markantoni M, Sarafidou T, Kyrgiafini MA, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Dafopoulos K, Mamuris Z. Replicating a GWAS: two novel candidate markers for oligospermia in Greek population. Mol Biol Rep. 2021 May;48(5):4967-4972. doi: 10.1007/s11033-021-06470-2. Epub 2021 Jun 7. PMID: 34097203.

Oraiopoulou C, Vorniotaki A, Taki E, Papatheodorou A, Christoforidis N, Chatziparasidou A. The impact of fresh and frozen testicular tissue quality on embryological and clinical outcomes. Andrologia. 2021 Jun;53(5):e14040. doi: 10.1111/and.14040. Epub 2021 Mar 7. PMID: 33682176.

Golchin A, Chatziparasidou A, Ranjbarvan P, Niknam Z, Ardeshirylajimi A. Embryonic Stem Cells in Clinical Trials: Current Overview of Developments and Challenges. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020 Nov 7. doi: 10.1007/5584_2020_592. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33159303.

Kyrgiafini MA, Markanton M, Sarafidou T, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Mamuris Z (2020) Genome-wide association study identifies candidate markers related to lincRNAs associated with male infertility in the Greek population. J Assist Reprod Genet Nov;37(11):2869-2881.

Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Samolada G, Nijs M. Sperm aneuploidy in infertile male patients: a systematic review of the literature. Andrologia. 2015 Oct;47(8):847-60. doi: 10.1111/and.12362. Epub 2014 Oct 28. PMID: 25352353.

Chatziparasidou, A., Nijs, M., Moisidou, M., Chara, O., Ioakeimidou, C., Pappas, C., & Christoforidis, N. (2013). Accumulation of oocytes and/or embryos by vitrification: a new strategy for managing poor responder patients undergoing pre implantation diagnosis. F1000Res, 2, 240.

Chatziparasidou, A., Moissidou, M., Oraiopoulou, C., Ioakeimidou, C., Pappas, C., Nijs, M. and Christoforidis, N. (2013). The use of PGD in vitrified oocytes and embryos after repeat ovarian stimulation cycles in poor responder patients. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 26, Supplement no. 1.

Chatziparasidou, A. (2004). Micromanipulation and Azoospermia: 10 years of experience (in Greek), ΑΝΗΡ, 3,129-134.

Chatziparasidou, A. (2004). The fate of paternal mitochondria during micromanipulation in human (in Greek), ΑΝΗΡ, 3, 135-136.

Prapas, Y., Prapas, N., Hatziparasidou, A., Vanderzwalmen, P., Nijs, M., Prapa, S., & Vlassis, G. (2001). Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer maximizes the IVF results on day 3 and day 4 embryo transfer but has no impact on day 5. Hum Reprod, 16(9), 1904-1908.

Prapas, Y., Chatziparasidou, A., Vanderzwalmen, P., Nijs, M., Prapas, N., Lejeune, B., Schoysman, R. (1999). Spermatid injection: reconsidering spermatid injection. Hum Reprod, 14(9), 2186-2188.

Prapas, Y., Prapas, N., Jones, E. E., Duleba, A. J., Olive, D. L., Chatziparasidou, A., & Vlassis, G. (1998). The window for embryo transfer in oocyte donation cycles depends on the duration of progesterone therapy. Hum Reprod, 13(3), 720-723.

Vanderzwalmen, P., Nijs, M., Stecher, A., Zech, H., Bertin, G., Lejeune, B., …Chatziparasidou, A., Schoysman, R. (1998). Is there a future for spermatid injections? Hum Reprod, 13 Suppl 4, 71-84.

Prapas, Y., Prapas, N., Hatziparasidou, A., Prapa, S., Nijs, M., Vanderzwalmen, P., . . . Jones, E. E. (1995). The echoguide embryo transfer maximizes the IVF results. Acta Eur Fertil, 26(3), 113-115.

Prapas, Y., Prapas, N., Chatziparasidou, A., Konstantinou, P., & Vlassis, G. (1993). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and heterotopic pregnancy after IVF. Acta Eur Fertil, 25(6), 331-333.

Prapas, I., Prapas, Ν. Chatziparasidou, A., and Νikoletos, Ν. (1995). Isolation of spermatozoa after Swim up, mini-Percoll and after treatment with human follicular fluid: a comparative study. Iatriki Paideia (in Greek, Med.Educ.), 3(2) 46-51.

Karagianni M., Oraiopoulou, C., Christoforidis N., Papatheodorou A., Chatziparasidou A. The impact of one-step fast warming protocol on vitrified-warmed blastocysts on reproductive outcome, 40th Annual ESHRE meeting, Amsterdam, 7-10 July, 2024.
Achilleas Papatheodorou (2023). Embryologist versus machine: Measuring efficiency with AI for embryo evaluation.2023 IFFS World Congress, September 10-13, 2023, Athens, Greece (Oral)

P. Drakopoulos, M. Dimitraki, M. Kiriakidis, N. Anesidis, A. Aslanidis, D. Michalakis, A. Papatheodorou, A. Chatziparasidou, N. Christoforidis. Dual trigger does not improve reproductive outcomes in advanced maternal age women. 39th Hybrid Annual Meeting of the ESHRE, Copenhagen – Denmark, 25-28 June 2023

K Pantopikou, C Oraiopoulou, A Papatheodorou, P Drakopoulos, N Christoforidis, A Chatsiparasidou, P-057 Does sperm cryopreservation affect the clinical outcome? A retrospective study in an oocyte donation program, Human Reproduction, Volume 38, Issue Supplement_1, June 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dead093.422 (Poster)

M. Karagianni, M.I. Papadopoulou, P. Drakopoulos, C. Oraiopoulou, N. Christoforidis, A. Papatheodorou, A. Chatziparasidou. Morphokinetic analysis of cases with vitrified-warmedoocytes in oocyte donation program. 39th Hybrid Annual Meeting of the ESHRE, Copenhagen – Denmark, 25-28 June 2023

M. Karagianni, M.I. Papadopoulou, C. Oraiopoulou, N. Christoforidis, A. Papatheodorou, A. Chatziparasidou. The effect of laser assisted hatching (AHA) on vitrified-warmed blastocysts post warming on reproductive outcome. 38th Hybrid Annual Meeting of the ESHRE, Milan — Italy, 3–6 July 2022

Alexandra Chatziparasidou, Theologia Sarafidou, Katerina Moutou, Maria Markantoni, Themistoklis Giannoulis, Achilleas Papatheodorou, Chara Oraiopoulou 1, Glykeria Samolada, Nikos Christoforidis, Zissis Mamuris. (2022) Unraveling the genetic basis of Azoospermia: An RNA-Seq, and transcriptome profiling analyses in a Greek Population.24th IFFS Virtual World Congress, 4-7 April (Oral).

Alexandra Chatziparasidou, Theologia Sarafidou, Katerina Moutou, Maria Markantoni, Themistoklis Giannoulis, Achilleas Papatheodorou, Chara Oraiopoulou 1, Glykeria Samolada, Nikos Christoforidis, Zissis Mamuris (2022). Unraveling the genetic basis of Idiopathic Azoospermia: Α transcriptome profiling analyses in a Greek Population. 38th ESHRE Annual Meeting, 3-7 July, Milan, Italy (Poster).

C Oraiopoulou, M Karagianni, O Toumpa, D Ioannidou, M Papadopoulou, N Christophoridis, A Papatheodorou, A Chatziparasidou, O-065 The effect of double vitrification on embryo reproductive potential and clinical outcome, Human Reproduction, Volume 37, Issue Supplement_1, July 2022, deac104.079, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac104.079 (Oral)

A Papatheodorou, D Gilboa, D Seidman, C Oraiopoulou, M Karagianni, M.I Papadopoulou, M Tsarfati, A Kubany, N Christoforidis, A Chatziparasidou, P-197 Successful implementation of an end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) platform in a busy IVF clinic: A prospective observational study, Human Reproduction, Volume 37, Issue Supplement_1, July 2022, deac107.190, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac107.190 (Poster)

M.I Papadopoulou, M Karagianni, A Vorniotaki, C Oraiopoulou, N Christophoridis, A Papatheodorou, A Chatziparasidou, P-169 Low 5% VS ultra-low 3% O2 concentration on embryo culture: Is there any difference in quality and ploidy?, Human Reproduction, Volume 37, Issue Supplement_1, July 2022, deac107.164, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac107.164 (Poster)

M I Papadopoulou, A Papatheodorou, A Vorniotaki, N Christoforidis, A Chatziparasidou, P–224 Multinucleated and non-multinucleated embryos in PGT-A cycles: Is there any difference?, Human Reproduction, Volume 36, Issue Supplement_1, July 2021, deab130.223, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab130.223 (Poster)

Chatziparasidou A, Sgoura S., Moysidou M, Christoforidis N. (2019) Day 4 embryo vitrification: is it a valid option for IVF lab practice? 35th Annual ESHRE meeting, 23-26 June, Vienna, Austria.

Karagianni M., Taki E., Moysidou M., Christoforidis N., Chatziparasidou A.(2019) From triggering to ICSI: Optimal timing between triggering, OPU, denudation and ICSI, 35th Annual ESHRE meeting, 23-26 June, Vienna, Austria.

N. Christoforidis, M. Dimitraki, C. Pappas, N. Anesidis, M. Kiriakidis, A. Karkanaki, K. Kalinderi, A. Chatziparasidou (2019) Vitamin d deficiency in oocyte donors and icsi Treatment outcome in oocyte donor recipients. 8th International IVIRMA Congress 4-6 April, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Moysidou M., Chatziparasidou, A., Oraiopoulou, C., Christoforidis, N. Pappas C. (2018) Risk analysis in ART units, from theory to practice. Oral presentation in the 3rd National meeting of Greek Society of Assisted Reproduction. 22-24 February, Athens.
G. Samolada, A. Chatziparasidou , A.Kougioumtzi, A. Kouvatsi , N. Christoforidis, V. Katsares (2017) How does genetic counselling help coping with male infertility and unexpected findings? Poster accepted in : 50th ESHG annual meeting, 27-30, May, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Chatziparasidou, A., Oraiopoulou, C., Moisidou, M., Ioakeimidou, C., Pappas, C. Nijs, M., and Christoforidis, N. (2014). Study of morphokinetic parameters in embryos originating from ejaculated or testicular spermatozoa. Poster presented in: 10th Biennal Alpha Meeting. Antalya, Turkey.

Chatziparasidou, A., Oraiopoulou, C., Moisidou, M., Ioakeimidou, C., Pappas, C. Nijs, M., and Christoforidis, N. (2014). Study of morphokinetic parameters in embryos produced from fresh or frozen testicular spermatozoa. Poster presented in: 10th Biennal Alpha Meeting. Antalya, Turkey.

Chatziparasidou, A., Moisidou, M. , Oraiopoulou, C. , Ioakeimidou, C., Papas, C. , Nijs, M., and Christoforidis, N. (2013). Successful Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Program For Poor Responder Patients After Consecutive Ovarian Stimulation Cycles With Cumulative Oocyte Or Embryo Vitrification. Poster presented in: 12th International Conference on PGD. Instabul, Turkey.

Chatziparasidou, A., Moisidou M., Oraiopoulou, C., Ioakeimidou, C., Papas C., Nijs,M., Christoforidis, N. (2013). Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis program in poor responder patients after consecutive ovarian stimulation cycles and embryo vitrification. Poster presented in: 5th International IVI Congress. Sevilla, Spain.

Christoforidis, N., Ioakimidou, C., Pappas, C., Moysidou, M., Chatziparasidou, A. (2013). Effectiveness of vitrification in women undergoing elective freezing of oocytes and/or embryos when embryo transfer conditions are suboptimal. Poster presented in ESHRE Annual meeting. London, UK.

Christoforidis, N., Ioakimidou, C., Pappas, C., Chatziparasidou, A. (2013). P-083 Effectiveness of vitrification in women undergoing elective freezing of oocytes and/or embryos when embryo transfer conditions are suboptimal ESHRE, Hum. Reprod. 28 (suppl 1):i152

Christoforidis, N., Ioakimidou, C., Pappas, C., Chatziparasidou, A., (2013). The use of low-dose B-HCG in late follicular phase in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in oocyte donors. Conference: COGI Vienna, Austria 24-27/10 2013

Chatziparasidou, A., Christoforidis, N., Tsakos, E., Naitenski. (2007). Triplonuclear embryos in ICSI cycles. Poster presented in:19th World Congress on Fertility and Sterility IFFS. Durban, South Africa.

Chatziparasidou A., Elder K., Christoforidis N., Tsakos E., Nainteski R. (2007). Seminal Plasma infections. Poster presented in: 23rd Annual Meeting, ESHRE. Lyon, France.

Chatziparasidou A., Prapas I., Prapas N., Vlassis G. (2000). Day 5 embryo transfer. Poster presented in 10th National Meeting in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Thessaloniki, Greece.

Nijs M., Bosmans E., Chatziparasidou A., Cox A., Jacobs B., Janssen M., Kinget K., Prapas N., Ruis H., Vandereycken G., Wissmann D. and Ombelet W. (2000). Human blastocyst culture: Factors influencing its results. Poster presented in: International Congress on Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Chatziparasidou A., Prapas I., Prapas N., Vlassis G. (2000). Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection in couples with oligoasthenozoospermia and azoospermia. 10th National Meeting in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Thessaloniki, Greece.

Chatziparasidou A., Prapas I., Prapas N., Vlassis G. (2000). Azoospermia: Microinjection with fresh and frozen testicular spermatozoa. Oral Presentation in: 10th National Meeting in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Thessaloniki, Greece.

Drakopoulos A., Prapas Ν, Prapas Ι, Chatziparasidou Α., Nijs M. and Vanderzwalmen P. (1996). TESE and ICSI in cases with azoospermia. Poster presented in: 2nd National Andrology Meeting.Thessaloniki, Greece.

Prapas Y., Chatziparasidou A., Vanderzwalmen P., Nijs M., Prapas N., Drakopoulos A., Lejeune B., Vlassis G. and Schoysman R. (1997). Retrieval of spermatozoa and spermatids from testicular ESHRE. Edinburg, UK.