Professor Susan Laird BSc, PhD, SFHEA
Head of Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Professor of Reproductive Biology
Summary
I was appointed as a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University after completing a BSc in Biochemistry at Edinburgh University and a PhD at London University. I have taught physiology, immunology and advanced cell biology. I am an internationally known researcher in the area of Reproductive Biology. I also work closely with the Royal Society of Biology on the accreditation of degree courses.
About
I was appointed as a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam after completing a BSc in Biochemistry at Edinburgh University and a PhD at London University. During my teaching career at Sheffield Hallam I have taught physiology, immunology and advanced cell biology. I have always been interested in curriculum development and have led the introduction of a number of new courses in the department.
In collaboration with a number of clinicians I have an extensive research career focusing on female reproductive disorders including human endometrial function in health and disease, the role of cytokines in endometrial function and the nature of leukocyte populations in women with recurrent miscarriage and women with implantation failure after IVF. I have published over 130 papers and abstracts and regularly present my work at national and international meetings.
I act as a referee for numerous journals and grant awarding bodies including the MRC and Welcome Trust. I have been an associated editor for the journal "Human Reproduction" .
In my role as Head of Department I interact extensively with senior representatives from other organisations and in particular work closely with the Royal Society of Biology on the accreditation of degree courses. I chair a pharmaceutical and biosciences sector forum at the University, which comprises representatives from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Teaching
Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Projects
Research
Human endometrial function in health and disease
The role of the endometrium is to accept the implanting embryo; endometrial dysfunction can therefore lead to infertility and recurrent miscarriage. I study the physiology and pathology of the human endometrium, including the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in endometrial function and the role of the endometrium in recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure.
The role of cytokines in endometrial function
Cytokines are known to play an important role in the control of endometrial function. We are therefore using immunocytochemical, RT-PCR and western blot analysis to investigate the menstrual cycle dependent expression of cytokines and their receptors in the endometrium. A particular interest is in the cytokines, leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin 11, as experiments in knock out mice have suggested that these are particularly important in embryo implantation.
More recent work has involved looking at the expression of chemokines especially CXCL12. The expression of these proteins in the endometrium of normal fertile women and women who suffer recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure after IVF is being compared. Further studies using primary endometrial cell culture systems and human endometrial cell lines are being carried out to investigate the effects that these molecules have on endometrial function. In addition, we are investigating the intracellular signaling pathways from cytokine and chemokine receptors in endometrial cells.
The expression of leukocyte populations in women with recurrent miscarriage
The endometrium contains a specialist population of leucocytes, in particular a population of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells which are different from those in peripheral blood and are thought to play a role in implantation. We are investigating the numbers of these cells in the endometrium of fertile women and women with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure after IVF. We are also working with other groups to develop a reproducible method to measure uNK which may be of use in clinical practice.
Collaborators
Professor TC Li, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Mr Mostafa Metwally, Jessop Wing, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield UK
Dr Judith Bulmer, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Dr Gendie Lash, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
Publications
Journal articles
Metwally, M., Chatters, R., Dimairo, M., Walters, S., Pye, C., White, D., ... Cohen, J. (2021). A randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of the endometrial scratch procedure prior to first-time IVF, with or without ICSI. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 36 (7), 1841-1853. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab041
Chen, X., Zhang, T., Liu, Y., Cheung, W.C., Zhao, Y., Wang, C.C., ... Li, T.C. (2021). Uterine CD56+ cell density and euploid miscarriage in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage: A clinical descriptive study. European Journal of Immunology, 51 (2), 487-489. http://doi.org/10.1002/eji.202048868
Zhao, Y., Zhang, T., Guo, X., Wong, C.K., Chen, X., Chan, Y.L., ... Li, T.C. (2020). Successful implantation is associated with a transient increase in serum pro-inflammatory cytokine profile followed by a switch to anti-inflammatory cytokine profile prior to confirmation of pregnancy. Fertility and Sterility. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.10.031
Zhang, T., Zhu, W., Zhao, Y., Cheung, W.C., Liu, Y., Chen, X., ... Li, T.C. (2020). Early transient suppression of immune checkpoint proteins T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 and programmed cell death-1 in peripheral blood lymphocytes after blastocyst transfer is associated with successful implantation. Fertility and Sterility, 114 (2), 426-435. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.12.022
Cooper, S., Laird, S., Mariee, N., Li, T.C., & Metwally, M. (2019). The effect of prednisolone on endometrial uterine NK cell concentrations and pregnancy outcome in women with reproductive failure. A retrospective cohort study. Journal of reproductive immunology, 131, 1-6. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2018.10.001
Liu, Y., Chen, X., Huang, J., Wang, C.-.C., Yu, M.-.Y., Laird, S., & Li, T.-.C. (2018). A comparison of the prevalence of chronic endometritis determined by the use of different diagnostic methods in women with and without reproductive failure. Fertility and Sterility, 109 (5), 832-839. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.022
Pye, C., Chatters, R., Cohen, J., Brian, K., Cheong, Y.C., Laird, S., ... Metwally, M. (2018). Induced endometrial trauma (endometrial scratch) in the mid-luteal menstrual cycle phase preceding first cycle IVF/ICSI versus usual IVF/ICSI therapy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ open, 8 (5), e020755. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020755
Chen, X., Mariee, N., Jiang, L., Liu, Y., Wang, C.C., Li, T.C., & Laird, S. (2017). Measurement of uterine natural killer cell percentage in the periimplantation endometrium from fertile women and women with recurrent reproductive failure: establishment of a reference range. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 217 (6), 680.el-680.e6. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.09.010
Liu, L., Huang, J., Li, T.C., Hong, X.T., Laird, S., Dai, Y.D., ... Zhang, S. (2017). The effect of elevated progesterone levels before oocyte retrieval in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment on the genomic profile of peri-implantation endometrium. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 121, 17-25. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2017.05.001
Huang, J., Qin, H., Yang, Y., Chen, X., Zhang, J., Laird, S., ... Li, T.C. (2017). Endometrial transcriptome in recurrent miscarriage and recurrent implantation failure. Reproduction, 153 (6). http://doi.org/10.1530/REP-16-0574
Lash, G.E., Bulmer, J.N., Li, T.C., Innes, B.A., Mariee, N., Patel, G., ... Laird, S. (2016). Standardisation of uterine natural killer (uNK) cell measurements in the endometrium of women with recurrent reproductive failure. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 116, 50-59. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2016.04.290
Liu, L., Sailan, S., Li, T., Mariee, N., Laird, S., Jiang, Z., & Zhang, S. (2015). The effect of a high progesterone concentration before oocyte retrieval on the peri-implantation endometrium. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 31 (6), 739-746. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.09.003
Wong, A.W.Y., Archer, B., Mariee, N., Li, T.C., & Laird, S.M. (2014). Do uterine natural killer cell numbers in peri-implantation endometrium predict hypertensive disorder in pregnancy in women with a history of reproductive failure? Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 106, 34-40. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2014.04.005
Liu, B., Mariee, N., Laird, S., Smith, J., Li, J., & Li, T.C. (2014). The prognostic value of uNK cell count and histological dating in the mid-luteal phase of women with reproductive failure. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 181, 171-175. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.07.010
Coughlan, C., Sinagra Viphakone, M., Ledger, W., Li, T.C., & Laird, S. (2013). Endometrial integrin expression in women with recurrent implantation failure after in vitro fertilization and its relationship to pregnancy outcome. Fertility and sterility, 100 (3), 825-830. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.05.007
Li, W., Ma, N., Laird, S.M., Ledger, W.L., & Li, T.C. (2013). The relationship between serum prolactin concentration and pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 33 (3), 285-288. http://doi.org/10.3109/01443615.2012.759916
Mariee, N., Li, T., & Laird, S. (2012). Expression of leukaemia inhibitory factor and interleukin 15 in endometrium of women with recurrent implantation failure after IVF : correlation with the number of endometrial natural killer cells. Human Reproduction, 27 (7), 2946-2954. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/des134
Mariee, N., Tuckerman, E., Ali, A., Li, W., Laird, S., & Li, T.C. (2012). The observer and cycle-to-cycle variability in the measurement of uterine natural killer cells by immunohistochemistry. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 95 (1-2), 93-100. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2012.05.001
Mariee, N.G., Tuckerman, E., Laird, S., & Li, T.C. (2012). The correlation of autoantibodies and uNK cells in women with reproductive failure. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 95 (1-2), 59-66. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2012.04.003
Udayashankar, R., Baker, D., Tuckerman, E., Laird, S.L., Li, T.C., & Moore, H.D. (2011). Characterization of invasive trophoblasts generated from human embryonic stem cells. Human reproduction, 26 (2), 398-406. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deq350
Laird, S.L., Mariee, N., Wei, L., & Li, T.C. (2011). Measurements of CD56+ cells in peripheral blood and endometrium by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining in situ. Human Reproduction, 26 (6), 1331-1337. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/der104
Laird, S.L., Widdowson, R., El-Sheikhi, M., Hall, A., & Li, T.C. (2011). Expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in human endometrium; effects of CXCL12 on MMP production by human endometrial cells. Human Reproduction, 26 (5), 1144-1152. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/der043
Tuckerman, E., Mariee, N., Prakash, A., Li, T.C., & Laird, S. (2010). Uterine natural killer cells in peri-implantation endometrium from women with repeated implantation failure after IVF. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 87 (1-2), 60-66. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2010.07.001
Cocksedge, K.A., Saravelos, S.H., Wang, Q., Tuckerman, E., Laird, S.M., & Li, T.C. (2008). Does free androgen index predict subsequent pregnancy outcome in women with recurrent miscarriage? Human reproduction, 23 (4), 797-802. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/den022
Prakash, A., Tuckerman, E., Laird, S., Ola, B., Li, T.C., & Ledger, W.L. (2008). A preliminary study comparing the endometrial expression of inhibin, activin and follistatin in women with a history of implantation failure after IVF treatment and a control group. British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 115 (4), 532-536. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01624.x
Tuckerman, E., Laird, S.M., Prakash, A., & Li, T.C. (2007). Prognostic value of the measurement of uterine natural killer cells in the endometrium of women with recurrent miscarriage. Human reproduction, 22 (8), 2208-2213. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem141
Metwally, M., Tuckerman, E.M., Laird, S.M., Ledger, W.L., & Li, T.C. (2007). Impact of high body mass index on endometrial morphology and function in the peri-implantation period in women with recurrent miscarriage. Reproductive biomedicine online, 14 (3), 328-334. http://doi.org/10.1016/S1472-6483(10)60875-9
Amer, S.A., Laird, S., Ledger, W.L., & Li, T.C. (2007). Effect of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy on circulating inhibin B in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction, 22 (2), 389-94. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del373
Amer, S.A., Laird, S., Ledger, W.L., & Li, T.C. (2007). Effect of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy on circulating inhibin B in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. HUMAN REPRODUCTION, 22 (2), 389-394. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del373
Prakash, A., Li, T.C., Tuckerman, E., Laird, S., Wells, M., & Ledger, W.L. (2006). A study of luteal phase expression of inhibin, activin, and follistatin subunits in the endometrium of women with recurrent miscarriage. Fertility and sterility, 86 (6), 1723-1730. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.05.040
Tuckerman, E.M., Laird, S.M., Prakash, A., & Li, T.C. (2006). Expression of integrins in the endometrium of women with recurrent miscarriage. Fertility and sterility, 86 (3), 755-7. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.02.099
Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., & Li, T.-.C. (2006). Cytokine expression in the endometrium of women with implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. Reproductive biomedicine online, 13 (1), 13-23.
Prakash, A., Li, T.C., Laird, S., Nargund, G., & Ledger, W.L. (2006). Absence of follicular phase defect in women with recurrent miscarriage. Fertility and sterility, 85 (6), 1784-90. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.11.045
Harun, R., Ruban, L., Matin, M., Draper, J., Jenkins, N.M., Liew, G.C., ... Moore, H.D.M. (2006). Cytotrophoblast stem cell lines derived from human embryonic stem cells and their capacity to mimic invasive implantation events. HUMAN REPRODUCTION, 21 (6), 1349-1358. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del017
Prakash, A., Laird, S., Li, T.C., & Ledger, W.L. (2006). Preliminary prospective study of the endocrinology of conception cycles and early pregnancy in women with antiphospholipid syndrome treated with low molecular weight heparin. Fertility and sterility, 85 (1), 165-170. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.07.1288
Harun, R., Ruban, L., Matin, M., Draper, J., Jenkins, N.M., Liew, G.C., ... Moore, H.D.M. (2005). Cytotrophoblast stem cell lines derived from human embryonic stem cells and their capacity to mimic invasive implantation events. Human reproduction, 21 (6), 1349-1358. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del017
Prakash, A., Laird, S., Tuckerman, E., Li, T.C., & Ledger, W.L. (2005). Inhibin A and activin A may be used to predict pregnancy outcome in women with recurrent miscarriage. Fertility and sterility, 83 (6), 1758-1763. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.11.072
Linjawi, S., Li, T.-.C., Laird, S., & Blakemore, A. (2005). Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1 beta polymorphisms in women with recurrent miscarriage. Fertility and sterility, 83 (5), 1549-1552. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.10.052
Christiansen, O.B., Nybo Andersen, A.-.M., Bosch, E., Daya, S., Delves, P.J., Hviid, T.V., ... van der Ven, K. (2005). Evidence-based investigations and treatments of recurrent pregnancy loss. Fertility and sterility, 83 (4), 821-39. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.12.018
Linjawi, S., Li, T.C., Tuckerman, E.M., Blakemore, A.I.F., & Laird, S.M. (2004). Expression of interleukin-11 receptor α and interleukin-11 protein in the endometrium of normal fertile women and women with recurrent miscarriage. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 64 (1-2), 145-155. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2004.08.007
Ng, E.H.Y., Laird, S.M., Li, T.C., Yeung, W.S.B., & Ho, P.C. (2004). Concentrations of endometrial protein PP 14 and CA-125 in uterine flushings performed in natural and stimulated cycles. Human Reproduction, 19 (4), 905-910. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh163
Tuckerman, E., Laird, S.M., Stewart, R., Wells, M., & Li, T.C. (2004). Markers of endometrial function in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: A comparison between morphologically normal and retarded endometrium. Human Reproduction, 19 (1), 196-205.
Quinton, N.D., Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., Cork, B.A., Li, T.C., & Blakemore, A.I.F. (2003). Expression of leptin receptor isoforms in vitro: Lack of effects of leptin on endometrial cytokine and MMP production. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 50 (3), 224-231. http://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0897.2003.00071.x
Cheong, Y.C., Shelton, J.B., Laird, S.M., Li, T.C., Ledger, W.L., & Cooke, I.D. (2003). Peritoneal fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and transforming growth factor-beta in women with pelvic adhesions. Fertility and Sterility, 79 (5), 1168-1175. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(03)00079-7
Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., Cork, B.A., Linjawi, S., Blakemore, A.I.F., & Li, T.C. (2003). A review of immune cells and molecules in women with recurrent miscarriage. Human reproduction update, 9 (2), 163-174. http://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmg013
Li, T.C., Iqbal, T., Anstie, B., Gillham, J., Amer, S., Wood, K., & Laird, S. (2002). An analysis of the pattern of pregnancy loss in women with recurrent miscarriage. Fertility and Sterility, 78 (5), 1100-1106. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(02)04207-3
Li, T.C., Makris, M., Tomsu, M., Tuckerman, E., & Laird, S. (2002). Recurrent miscarriage: Aetiology, management and prognosis. Human Reproduction Update, 8 (5), 463-481. http://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/8.5.463
Cork, B.A., Tuckerman, E.M., Li, T.C., & Laird, S.M. (2002). Expression of interleukin (IL)-11 receptor by the human endometrium in vivo and effects of IL-11, IL-6 and LIF on the production of MMP and cytokines by human endometrial cells in vitro. Molecular human reproduction, 8 (9), 841-848. http://molehr.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/8/9/841
Li, T.C., Tuckerman, E.M., & Laird, S.M. (2002). Endometrial factors in recurrent miscarriage. Human Reproduction Update, 8 (1), 43-52. http://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/8.1.43
Page, M., Tuckerman, E.M., Li, T.C., & Laird, S.M. (2002). Expression of nuclear factor kappa B components in human endometrium. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 54 (1-2), 1-13. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0378(01)00122-X
Cheong, Y.C., Laird, S.M., Shelton, J.B., Ledger, W.L., Li, T.C., & Cooke, I.D. (2002). The correlation of adhesions and peritoneal fluid cytokine concentrations: A pilot study. Human Reproduction, 17 (4), 1039-1045. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/17.4.1039
Cheong, Y.C., Shelton, J.B., Laird, S.M., Richmond, M., Kudesia, G., Li, T.C., & Ledger, W.L. (2002). IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in the peritoneal fluid of women with pelvic adhesions. Human Reproduction, 17 (1), 69-75.
Cheong, Y.C., Laird, S.M., Li, T.C., Shelton, J.B., Ledger, W.L., & Cooke, I.D. (2001). Peritoneal healing and adhesion formation/reformation. Human Reproduction Update, 7 (6), 556-566. http://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/7.6.556
Cork, B.A., Li, T.C., Warren, M.A., & Laird, S.M. (2001). Interleukin-11 (IL-11) in human endometrium: Expression throughout the menstrual cycle and the effects of cytokines on endometrial IL-11 production in vitro. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 50 (1), 3-17. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0378(00)00089-9
Li, T.C., Dinga, S.H., Anstie, B., Tuckerman, E., Wood, K., & Laird, S. (2001). Use of human menopausal gonadotropins in the treatment of endometrial defects associated with recurrent miscarriage: Preliminary report. Fertility and Sterility, 75 (2), 434-437. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(00)01708-8
Okon, M.A., Lee, S., Laird, S.M., & Li, T.C. (2001). A prospective randomized controlled study comparing two doses of gestodene in cyclic combined HRT preparations on endometrial physiology. Human Reproduction, 16 (6), 1244-1250. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/16.6.1244
Jivraj, S., Anstie, B., Cheong, Y.C., Fairlie, F.M., Laird, S.M., & Li, T.C. (2001). Obstetric and neonatal outcome in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage: A cohort study. Human Reproduction, 16 (1), 102-106. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/16.1.102
Laird, S.M., Quinton, N.D., Anstie, B., Li, T.C., & Blakemore, A.I.F. (2001). Leptin and leptin-binding activity in women with recurrent miscarriage: Correlation with pregnancy outcome. Human Reproduction, 16 (9), 2008-2013. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/16.9.2008
Tuckerman, E.M., Okon, M.A., Li, T.C., & Laird, S.M. (2000). Do androgens have a direct effect on endometrial function? An in vitro study. Fertility and Sterility, 74 (4), 771-779. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(00)00711-1
Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., Cork, B.A., & Li, T.C. (2000). Expression of nuclear factor κ B in human endometrium; role in the control of interleukin 6 and leukaemia inhibitory factor production. Molecular Human Reproduction, 6 (1), 34-40.
Li, T.C., Spuijbroek, M.D.E.H., Tuckerman, E., Anstie, B., Loxley, M., & Laird, S. (2000). Endocrinological and endometrial factors in recurrent miscarriage. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 107 (12), 1471-1479. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2000.tb11670.x
Quinton, N.D., Laird, S.M., Okon, M.A., Li, T.C., Smith, R.F., Ross, R.J.M., & Blakemore, A.I.F. (1999). Serum leptin levels during the menstrual cycle of healthy fertile women. British Journal of Biomedical Science, 56 (1), 16-19.
Laird, S.M., Dalton, C.F., Okon, M.A., Bunning, R.A.D., Marshall, R., & Li, T.C. (1999). Metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in endometrial flushings from pre- and post-menopausal women and from women with endometrial adenocarcinoma. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 115 (2), 225-232. http://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.1150225
Li, T.C., Spring, P.G., Bygrave, C., Laird, S.M., Serle, E., Spuybroek, M., & Adekanmi, O. (1998). The value of biochemical and ultrasound measurements in predicting pregnancy outcome in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Human Reproduction, 13 (12), 3525-3529. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/13.12.3525
Okon, M.A., Lee, S., Laird, S.M., & Li, T.C. (1998). A prospective randomized controlled study comparing the morphological and biochemical responses of the endometrium to two different forms of 'period-free' hormone replacement therapy. Human Reproduction, 13 (8), 2261-2265. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/13.8.2261
Okon, M.A., Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., & Li, T.C. (1998). Serum androgen levels in women who have recurrent miscarriages and their correlation with markers of endometrial function. Fertility and Sterility, 69 (4), 682-690. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(98)00007-7
Li, T.C., Okon, M.A., Dalton, C.F., Heatley, M., & Laird, S.M. (1998). Is the measurement of placental protein-14 and CA-125 in plasma and uterine flushings useful in the evaluation of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal bleeding? Human Reproduction, 13 (10), 2895-2901. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/13.10.2895
Dalton, C.K., Laird, S.M., Estdale, S.E., Saravelos, H.G., & Li, T.C. (1998). Endometrial protein PP14 and CA-125 in recurrent miscarriage patients; Correlation with pregnancy outcome. Human Reproduction, 13 (11), 3197-3202. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/13.11.3197
Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., Dalton, C.F., Dunphy, B.C., Li, T.C., & Zhang, X. (1997). The production of leukaemia inhibitory factor by human endometrium: Presence in uterine flushings and production by cells in culture. Human Reproduction, 12 (3), 569-574. http://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/12.3.569
Maskill, J.K., Laird, S.M., Okon, M., Li, T.C., & Blakemore, A.I.F. (1997). Stability of serum interleukin-10 levels during the menstrual cycle. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 38 (5), 339-342. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0897.1997.tb00309.x
Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E.M., Saravelos, H., & Li, T.C. (1996). The production of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) by human endometrial cells in culture. Human Reproduction, 11 (6), 1318-1323. http://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a019379
Laird, S.M., Hill, C.J., Warren, M.A., Tuckerman, E.M., & Li, T.C. (1995). Physiology: The production of placental protein 14 by human uterine tubal epithelial cells in culture. Human Reproduction, 10 (6), 1346-1351. http://doi.org/10.1093/HUMREP/10.6.1346
Dalton, C.F., Laird, S.M., Serle, E., Saravelos, H., Warren, M.A., Li, T.C., & Bolton, A.E. (1995). The measurement of CA 125 and placental protein 14 in uterine flushings in women with recurrent miscarriage; relation to endometrial morphology. Human Reproduction, 10 (10), 2680-2684. http://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a135767
Laird, S.M., Tuckerman, E., Li, T.C., & Bolton, A.E. (1994). Implantation: Stimulation of human endometrial epithelial cell interleukin 6 production by interleukin 1 and placental protein 14. Human Reproduction, 9 (7), 1339-1343. http://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a138706
Laird, S.M., Li, T.C., & Bolton, A.E. (1993). The production of placental protein 14 and interleukin 6 by human endometrial cells in culture. Human Reproduction, 8 (6), 793-798. http://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a138144
Abayasekara, D.R.E., Onyezili, N.I., Whitehouse, B.J., Laird, S.M., & Vinson, G.P. (1993). Effects of chronic corticotrophin treatment on aldosterone metabolism in the rat. Journal of Endocrinology, 137 (3), 445-455. http://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1370445
Vinson, G.P., Laird, S.M., Hinson, J.P., & Teja, R. (1992). Origin of aldosterone in trypsin-stimulated rat adrenal zona glomerulosa incubations. Journal of Endocrinology, 135 (1), 125-133. http://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1350125
Barker, S., Laird, S.M., Ho, M.M., Vinson, G.P., & Hinson, J.P. (1992). Characterization of a rat adrenocortical inner zone-specific antigen and identification of its putative precursor. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 9 (2), 95-102. http://doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0090095
Vinson, G.P., Laird, S.M., Whitehouse, B.J., Teja, R., & Hinson, J.P. (1991). The biosynthesis of aldosterone. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 39 (5 PART 2), 851-858. http://doi.org/10.1016/0960-0760(91)90035-4
Laird, S.M., Hinson, J.P., Vinson, G.P., Mallick, N., Kapas, S., & Teja, R. (1991). Control of steroidogenesis by the calcium messenger system in human adrenocortical cells. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 6 (1), 45-51. http://doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0060045
Vinson, G.P., Laird, S.M., Hinson, J.P., Mallick, N., Marsigliante, S., & Teja, R. (1990). Trypsin stimulation of aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone production by rat adrenal zona glomerulosa tissue is mediated by activation of protein kinase C. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 5 (1), 85-93. http://doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0050085
Vinson, G.P., Laird, S.M., Whitehouse, B.J., & Hinson, J.P. (1989). Specific effects of agonists of the calcium messenger system on secretion of 'late-pathway' steroid products by intact tissue and dispersed cells of the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 2 (2), 157-165. http://doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0020157
Henville, K.L., Hinson, J.P., Vinson, G.P., & Laird, S.M. (1989). Actions of desacetyl-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone on human adrenocortical cells. Journal of Endocrinology, 121 (3), 579-583. http://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1210579
Laird, S.M., Vinson, G.P., & Whitehouse, B.J. (1988). Monoclonal antibodies against rat adrenocortical cell antigens. Acta Endocrinologica, 119 (3), 420-426. http://doi.org/10.1530/acta.0.1190420
Laird, S.M., Vinson, G.P., & Whitehouse, B.J. (1988). Steroid sequestration within the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa. Journal of Endocrinology, 117 (2), 191-196. http://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1170191
Vinson, G.P., Whitehouse, B.J., Hinson, J.P., Porter, I.D., Laird, S.M., McAuley, M.E., & Abayasekara, D.R.E. (1987). Control of aldosterone secretion in zona glomerulosa cell suspensions and in the perfused adrenal gland of the rat. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, 27 (4-6), 929-934. http://doi.org/10.1016/0022-4731(87)90169-5
Watson, D., Taylor, G.W., Laird, S., & Vinson, G.P. (1987). Identification of steroids in rat adrenal glands by liquid chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry. Biochemical Journal, 242 (1), 109-114. http://doi.org/10.1042/bj2420109
Vinson, G.P., Whitehouse, B.J., Bateman, A., Dell, A., & Laird, S.M. (1986). The actions of N-terminal fragments of corticotrophin on steroidogenesis in dispersed rat adrenal cells in vitro. Journal of Endocrinology, 109 (2), 275-278. http://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1090275
Conference papers
Huang, J., Qin, H., Yang, Y.H., Chen, X.Y., Zhang, J.M., Laird, S., ... Li, T.C. (2016). A comparison of transcriptomic profiles in endometrium during window of implantation between women with unexplained recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. HUMAN REPRODUCTION, 31, 387-388.
Reports
Laird, S. (2016). Local endometrial trauma (Endometrial scratch): a treatment strategy to improve implantation rates. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/local-endometrial-trauma-endometrial-scratch-a-treatment-strategy-to-improve-implantation-rates-scientific-impact-paper-no.-54/
Laird, S. (2016). The role of natural killer cells in human fertility. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/the-role-of-natural-killer-cells-in-human-fertility-scientific-impact-paper-no.-53/
Theses / Dissertations
Widdowson, R. (2011). The molecular basis of chemokine action in human endometrium. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hall, A., & Laird, S.
Linjawi, S.A. (2003). Cytokines in recurrent miscarriage : Genetic and molecular studies. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Laird, S., & Blakemore, A.
Cork, B.A. (2001). Cytokines and human endometrial function: Abnormalities in recurrent miscarriage women. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Laird, S., & Warren, A.
Other activities
Accreditor for Society of Biology Degree Advanced Accreditation and Accreditation scheme (2013-present)
HUBs representative for Society of Biology Degree Accreditation Committee (2014-present)
Postgraduate supervision
Nov 1997 - Nov 2000 - Role of cytokines in endometrial function
Sept 1999-Sept 2003 - Polymorphisms in genes important in human embryo implantation
Jun 2005-Jun 2009 - Chemokines and endometrial function
Sept 2006-Sept 2009 - The molecular basis of chemokine action in human endometrium
Sept 2006-Sept 2009 - The endometrium in recurrent implantation failure