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Joshi DC, Sharma A, Prasad S, Singh K, Kumar M, Sherawat K, Tuli HS, Gupta M. Novel therapeutic agents in clinical trials: emerging approaches in cancer therapy. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:342. [PMID: 39127974 PMCID: PMC11317456 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel therapeutic agents in clinical trials offer a paradigm shift in the approach to battling this prevalent and destructive disease, and the area of cancer therapy is on the precipice of a trans formative revolution. Despite the importance of tried-and-true cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the disease continues to evolve and adapt, making new, more potent methods necessary. The field of cancer therapy is currently witnessing the emergence of a wide range of innovative approaches. Immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell treatment, and cancer vaccines, utilizes the host's immune system to selectively target and eradicate malignant cells while minimizing harm to normal tissue. The development of targeted medicines like kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies has allowed for more targeted and less harmful approaches to treating cancer. With the help of genomics and molecular profiling, "precision medicine" customizes therapies to each patient's unique genetic makeup to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing unwanted side effects. Epigenetic therapies, metabolic interventions, radio-pharmaceuticals, and an increasing emphasis on combination therapy with synergistic effects further broaden the therapeutic landscape. Multiple-stage clinical trials are essential for determining the safety and efficacy of these novel drugs, allowing patients to gain access to novel treatments while also furthering scientific understanding. The future of cancer therapy is rife with promise, as the integration of artificial intelligence and big data has the potential to revolutionize early detection and prevention. Collaboration among researchers, and healthcare providers, and the active involvement of patients remain the bedrock of the ongoing battle against cancer. In conclusion, the dynamic and evolving landscape of cancer therapy provides hope for improved treatment outcomes, emphasizing a patient-centered, data-driven, and ethically grounded approach as we collectively strive towards a cancer-free world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Chandra Joshi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, Dist., Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Anurag Sharma
- Invertis Institute of Pharmacy, Invertis University Bareilly Uttar Pradesh, Bareilly, India
| | - Sonima Prasad
- Chandigarh University, Ludhiana-Chandigarh State Highway, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Karishma Singh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Mayank Kumar
- Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy, Road, Near Suketi Fossil Park, Kala Amb, Hamidpur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Kajal Sherawat
- Meerut Institute of Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India.
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Xiao L, Zuo Z, Zhao F. Microbiome in Female Reproductive Health: Implications for Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 22:qzad005. [PMID: 38862423 PMCID: PMC11104452 DOI: 10.1093/gpbjnl/qzad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome plays a critical role in the process of conception and the outcomes of pregnancy. Disruptions in microbiome homeostasis in women of reproductive age can lead to various pregnancy complications, which significantly impact maternal and fetal health. Recent studies have associated the microbiome in the female reproductive tract (FRT) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, and restoring microbiome balance has been shown to improve fertility in infertile couples. This review provides an overview of the role of the microbiome in female reproductive health, including its implications for pregnancy outcomes and ARTs. Additionally, recent advances in the use of microbial biomarkers as indicators of pregnancy disorders are summarized. A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the microbiome before and during pregnancy and its impact on reproductive health will greatly promote maternal and fetal health. Such knowledge can also contribute to the development of ARTs and microbiome-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zuo
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Wang N, Lin K, Zhao X, Zhang P. The effect of an extended culture period on birth weight among singletons born after single or double vitrified embryo transfer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1184966. [PMID: 38567304 PMCID: PMC10985195 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1184966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the effect of an extended culture period on birth weight among singletons born after vitrified-warmed embryo transfer. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed among 12400 women who gave birth to 1015, 1027, 687, and 9671 singletons after single blastocyst transfer, single cleavage-stage embryo transfer, double blastocyst transfer, and double cleavage-stage embryo transfer, respectively. Results The unadjusted birth weight of singletons born after vitrified blastocyst transfer were heavier than those born after cleavage-stage transfer (β=30.28, SE=13.17, P=0.022), as were the adjusted birth weights (β=0.09, SE=0.03, P=0.007). In addition, there was a 37% increased odd of having an infant with high birth weight after vitrified blastocyst transfer compared with vitrified cleavage stage transfer (OR=1.37, 95% CI:1.07-1.77). Conclusion The unadjusted and adjusted birth weight and odds of having an infant with high birth weight significantly increased after blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in vitrified-warmed cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningling Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaibo Lin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxi Zhao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Sciorio R, Campos G, Tramontano L, Bulletti FM, Baldini GM, Vinciguerra M. Exploring the effect of cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology and potential epigenetic risk. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:420-432. [PMID: 37409505 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first baby by in vitro fertilization in 1978, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using medically assisted reproductive treatments. Fertilization naturally takes place in the maternal oviduct where unique physiological conditions enable the early healthy development of the embryo. During this dynamic period of early development major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Increasingly, over the past 20 years concerns relating to the increased incidence of epigenetic anomalies in general, and genomic-imprinting disorders in particular, have been raised following assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatments. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period and non-physiological conditions such as ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedure, might have the potential to independently or collectively contribute to epigenetic dysregulation. Therefore, this narrative review offers a critical reappraisal of the evidence relating to the association between embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation and the consequences on gene expression together with long-term consequences for offspring health and wellbeing. Current literature suggests that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles are sensitive to the stress induced by vitrification, in terms of osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, it is therefore, critical to have a more comprehensive understanding and recognition of potential unanticipated iatrogenic-induced perturbations of epigenetic modifications that may or may not be a consequence of vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneve University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, Geneve 14, Switzerland
| | - Francesco M Bulletti
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section, University of Bari, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology 'Santa Caterina Novella', Galatina Hospital, Italy
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Shen X, Xiao T, Han W, Ye H, Zhang Y, Huang G. The bibliometric analysis of studies on intracytoplasmic sperm injection from 2002 to 2021. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1109623. [PMID: 36998479 PMCID: PMC10043366 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1109623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is estimated to occur in 1 out of every 4-7 couples. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a type of assisted reproduction introduced in 1992, has been used across the world for almost all indications of infertility, yielding high pregnancy rates. There is a growing concern worldwide about ICSI since semen quality has declined in recent years, accompanied with the potential risks of this technology. This study aims to analyze the current status and hotspots of ICSI via a bibliometric analysis. METHODS We retrieved publications on ICSI from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2002 to 2021. CiteSpace was used to summarize knowledge mapping of subject categories, keywords, and co-citation relationships with the strongest citation bursts. VOSviewer was used to explore co-citation and co-occurrence relationships for countries, organizations, references, authors, and keywords. RESULTS A total of 8271 publications were analyzed between 2002 and 2021. The major findings are as follows: the USA, China, Italy, Japan, and Belgium are the top five prolific countries. The Free University of Brussels, University of Copenhagen, University of Valencia, Ghent University, and the University of California San Francisco are the top five contributing organizations. Fertility and Sterility and Human Reproduction are the most productive and cited journals. The hotspot topics are risks of ICSI, oocyte preservation, live birth rate, infertile men, and embryo quality in the past two decades. CONCLUSION This study presents a research overview of ICSI from different perspectives. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the current status of ICSI research and provide hotspots and trends for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianbing Xiao
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Fengjie, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanfeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanfeng Zhang, ; Guoning Huang,
| | - Guoning Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanfeng Zhang, ; Guoning Huang,
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Sciorio R, El Hajj N. Epigenetic Risks of Medically Assisted Reproduction. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082151. [PMID: 35456243 PMCID: PMC9027760 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In vivo fertilization takes place in the maternal oviduct, where the unique physiological conditions guarantee the healthy development of the embryo. During early embryogenesis, a major wave of epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the correct development of the embryo. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes and non-physiological conditions such as those applied during in vitro culture, including shift in pH and temperature, oxygen tension, controlled ovarian stimulation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, as well as preimplantation embryo manipulations for genetic testing. In the last decade, concerns were raised of a possible link between ART and increased incidence of imprinting disorders, as well as epigenetic alterations in the germ cells of infertile parents that are transmitted to the offspring following ART. The aim of this review was to present evidence from the literature regarding epigenetic errors linked to assisted reproduction treatments and their consequences on the conceived children. Furthermore, we provide an overview of disease risk associated with epigenetic or imprinting alterations in children born via ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Nady El Hajj
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar;
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Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Contemporary Use of ICSI and Epigenetic Risks to Future Generations. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082135. [PMID: 35456226 PMCID: PMC9031244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 via IVF, reproductive specialists have acquired enormous knowledge and refined several procedures, which are nowadays applied in assisted reproductive technology (ART). One of the most critical steps in this practice is the fertilization process. In the early days of IVF, a remarkable concern was the unpleasant outcomes of failed fertilization, overtaken by introducing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), delineating a real breakthrough in modern ART. ICSI became standard practice and was soon used as the most common method to fertilize oocytes. It has been used for severe male factor infertility and non-male factors, such as unexplained infertility or advanced maternal age, without robust scientific evidence. However, applying ICSI blindly is not free of potential detrimental consequences since novel studies report possible health consequences to offspring. DNA methylation and epigenetic alterations in sperm cells of infertile men might help explain some of the adverse effects reported in ICSI studies on reproductive health in future generations. Collected data concerning the health of ICSI children over the past thirty years seems to support the notion that there might be an increased risk of epigenetic disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal alterations, and subfertility in babies born following ICSI compared to naturally conceived children. However, it is still to be elucidated to what level these data are associated with the cause of infertility or the ICSI technique. This review provides an overview of epigenetic mechanisms and possible imprinting alterations following the use of ART, in particular ICSI. It also highlights the sperm contribution to embryo epigenetic regulation and the risks of in vitro culture conditions on epigenetic dysregulation. Lastly, it summarizes the literature concerning the possible epigenetic disorders in children born after ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas 13075-460, Brazil;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Xu X, Wu H, Bian Y, Cui L, Man Y, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhang C, Geng L. The altered immunological status of children conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:171. [PMID: 34836513 PMCID: PMC8620159 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increased use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), assessing the potential health risks of children conceived on ART important to public health. Most research in this area has focused on the effects of ART on perinatal, metabolic, and oncological risks in children. Although an increased risk of immune-related diseases has been reported in children born after ART, there are no studies on the immunological status of these children. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different embryo transfer methods and fertilization strategies on the immune status of the offspring. METHODS A total of 69 children born to women treated with ART and a matched control group of 17 naturally conceived (NC) children, all aged from 3 to 6 years, were recruited in the reproductive hospital affiliated to Shandong University. The frequency of immune cells in the peripheral blood was assayed using flow cytometry; plasma cytokine levels were determined by multiplex cytokine immunoassay with human cytokine magnetic beads. RESULTS Compared to children born after natural conception, children born after ART had elevated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels, regardless of embryo transfer and fertilization strategies. Children in the fresh-embryo transfer group had significantly higher IL-4 levels and a lower ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 than those in the NC group ((P = 0.004, 10.41 ± 5.76 pg/mL vs 18.40 ± 7.01 pg/mL, P = 0.023, 1.00 ± 0.48 vs 0.67 ± 0.32, respectively). Similar results were shown in either the in vitro fertilization (IVF) group or the intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) group (P < 0.05 and P = 0.08 for IVF; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 for ICSI, respectively). These alterations in IL-4 concentrations and the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 were statistically significantly correlated with supra-physical E2 (estradiol) levels on the day of hCG administration (R = 0.502, P = 0.017; R = - 0.537, P = 0.010, respectively). Consistently, the frozen embryo transfer did not result in alterations of these immune indicators in the offspring. Overall, there were no significant differences between the ART group and NC group in the frequencies of T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, T helper (TH)1 cells, TH17 cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells and cytokine levels of IL-10 and IL-17a (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Immunological alterations existed in children born after the use of ART. The elevated E2 levels before embryo implantation contributed to the increased IL-4 levels in children conceived by fresh embryo transfer. The assessment of immunological alteration is of importance to children conceived by ART for early monitoring and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Han Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yuehong Bian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Man
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Changming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Geng
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Wu S, Wang Y, Ding H, Sun N, Liu Y, Wang L, Sheng F, Zhang H, Yang F, Li W. The Efficacy and Safety of the mTOR Signaling Pathway Activator, MHY1485, for in vitro Activation of Human Ovarian Tissue. Front Genet 2021; 11:603683. [PMID: 33613618 PMCID: PMC7890121 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.603683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by abnormal ovarian function before the age of 40. POI showed that primordial follicles developed in disorder. mTOR signaling plays a vital role in the process of follicle development. It has been verified that the mTOR signaling pathway activator, MHY1485, can promote primordial follicle development in mice. We considered that MHY1485 would be a promising fertility preservation method for POI patients. Methods The fragmented ovarian tissues of normal woman was cultured with activator MHY1485 in vitro, and then the control and activated ovaries were transplanted into the kidney capsules of ovariectomized mice. We then used the Infinium Human Methylation EPIC BeadChip to verify the DNA methylation level of ovarian tissues, thus exploring the effectiveness of them. Results MHY1485 stimulated mTOR, S6K1, and rpS6 phosphorylation. Cultured with MHY1485, ovarian weights increased and endocrine function was restored. The number of growing follicles was increased. The in vitro activation process did not induce histological changes or abnormal DNA methylation occurrence. Conclusion MHY1485 for in vitro activation (IVA) is effective for ovarian rejuvenation and is a potential therapeutic treatment for POI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixiang Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningxia Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Sheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Ahmadi H, Fathi F, Karimi H, Amidi F, Mehdinejadiani S, Moeini A, Bahram Rezai M, Hoseini S, Sobhani A. Altered TH1, TH2, TH17 balance in assisted reproductive technology conceived mice. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 139:103117. [PMID: 32244165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND PURPOSE The higher prevalence rate of different diseases may accentuate the possible alteration of the immune system in individuals conceived through the assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The present study was conducted to evaluate the TH1, TH2, TH17 balance in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) - conceived mice in comparison to naturally conceived offspring. METHODS Mice (6-8 weeks) were divided into three groups (IVF- conceived, ICSI- conceived and naturally conceived). They were subjected to subcutaneous immunization witMycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The blood samples were taken and the sera were separated. Then the spleens were surgically removed at the time the mice were sacrificed. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-4 were detected by ELISA. Then the proportion of TCD4 cells possessing the T-bet+, GATA3+, and ROR-γt + were measured using FACS caliber flow cytometer. RESULTS In comparison with naturally conceived mice, intracellular expression of T-bet and serum levels of IFN-γ were significantly decreased in ART- conceived mice. Moreover, ART- conceived offspring showed marked increase in IL-4 and IL-17A. CONCLUSION It is concluded that compared to naturally conceived male mice, ART- conceived counterparts exhibit less efficient immune responses against BCG through further promotion of humoral and inflammatory related immune response characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Hiwa Karimi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ashraf Moeini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Bahram Rezai
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Hoseini
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IC-TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Aligholi Sobhani
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Verheijen M, Lienhard M, Schrooders Y, Clayton O, Nudischer R, Boerno S, Timmermann B, Selevsek N, Schlapbach R, Gmuender H, Gotta S, Geraedts J, Herwig R, Kleinjans J, Caiment F. DMSO induces drastic changes in human cellular processes and epigenetic landscape in vitro. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4641. [PMID: 30874586 PMCID: PMC6420634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40660-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Though clinical trials for medical applications of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reported toxicity in the 1960s, later, the FDA classified DMSO in the safest solvent category. DMSO became widely used in many biomedical fields and biological effects were overlooked. Meanwhile, biomedical science has evolved towards sensitive high-throughput techniques and new research areas, including epigenomics and microRNAs. Considering its wide use, especially for cryopreservation and in vitro assays, we evaluated biological effect of DMSO using these technological innovations. We exposed 3D cardiac and hepatic microtissues to medium with or without 0.1% DMSO and analyzed the transcriptome, proteome and DNA methylation profiles. In both tissue types, transcriptome analysis detected >2000 differentially expressed genes affecting similar biological processes, thereby indicating consistent cross-organ actions of DMSO. Furthermore, microRNA analysis revealed large-scale deregulations of cardiac microRNAs and smaller, though still massive, effects in hepatic microtissues. Genome-wide methylation patterns also revealed tissue-specificity. While hepatic microtissues demonstrated non-significant changes, findings from cardiac microtissues suggested disruption of DNA methylation mechanisms leading to genome-wide changes. The extreme changes in microRNAs and alterations in the epigenetic landscape indicate that DMSO is not inert. Its use should be reconsidered, especially for cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes, since it may impact embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Verheijen
- Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - M Lienhard
- Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Y Schrooders
- Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - O Clayton
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - S Boerno
- Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - B Timmermann
- Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - N Selevsek
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - S Gotta
- Genedata AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Geraedts
- Genetics and Cell Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - R Herwig
- Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Kleinjans
- Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - F Caiment
- Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies and imprinting disorders: Results of a study from a French congenital malformations registry. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 61:518-523. [PMID: 29775803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is increasingly used to help infertile couples to have children around the world. A number of studies have been published reporting an increased risk of major malformations in children born following ART, especially an increased incidence of epigenetic diseases (ED). This study aimed to assess the incidence of epigenetic diseases with affected imprinting genes in infants or children from pregnancies obtained through IVF/ICSI compared to infants or children from pregnancies obtained spontaneously. PATIENT DATA This is a monocentric retrospective epidemiological study based on data from a French congenital malformations registry called REMERA (Registre des Malformations en Rhône-Alpes) which exhaustively monitors all pregnancies in Rhone-Alpes region, whatever their nature of onset (spontaneous pregnancies or pregnancies from ART). This registry collects all malformations, except minor malformations (EUROCAT), and all polymalformative syndromes concerning all fetuses and children born alive or not, from 20 weeks of pregnancy (or 22 weeks of amenorrhea) and all medical termination of pregnancy whatever the term. Inclusion criteria are all diagnoses of epigenetic diseases (ED) related to parental imprinting recorded in the period January 2006 to December 2015. METHODS For each year, the total number of births (including stillbirths) was collected from the annual activity reports of the registry. The exhaustive number of cases of epigenetic diseases was known in the registry. Were collected the number of births resulting from ART pregnancies in the study population. This incidence of ED was compared between births from spontaneous pregnancies and those obtained through ART (IVF/ICSI) with a generalized linear model (GLM: binomial regression). RESULTS In total, 46 cases of epigenetic diseases were analyzed on the REMERA registry files from 2006 to 2015. 4 cases from the 46 analyzed cases were from pregnancies induced by ART. ART was a risk factor for epigenetic disease (OR = 2.9 [1.06-8.22] (p = .039)). In ART-pregnancies there were 2 diagnoses: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) (3 cases out of 4) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) (1 out of 4). DISCUSSION Infants and children obtained through IVF/ICSI appear to be related to a higher risk of epigenetic diseases compared to naturally conceived children. The perspectives of this study are to raise awareness about the creation of registries of congenital malformations and genetic and epigenetic syndromes with systematic and strict reports of all the cases on all the French territory and thus to widen this study with a bigger cohort.
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Mohammadi A, Zangi BM, Azari MD, Alizadeh R, Salehi M, Daneshi E, Rezaei MJ, Abbasi M. The effect of the ovarian varicose vein on the DNA methylation in the rat's oocyte. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2017; 20:1166-1171. [PMID: 29147493 PMCID: PMC5673702 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2017.9449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective(s): We intended to determine whether the ovarian varicose which is one of the common etiologies of the pelvic congestion syndrome, has the ability to interfere with the DNA methylation reprogramming in the oocyte and thereby affect the oocyte quality or not. Materials and Methods: Varicose model was induced according to the Turner’s method in the rats. Briefly, a 20-gauge needle was placed on the left renal vein and a thread was tied over both the needle and the renal vein medial to the insertion of the ovarian vein, and then the needle was removed. Evaluation of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) was assessed using specific kits and the expression level of the DNA methyltransferase genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3L was assessed by Real-time PCR. Immunofluorescent staining for 5-methylcytosine in the oocytes evaluated the global DNA methylation. Results: A significant PAB increase in the ovaries from varicose group was seen. Real-time PCR demonstrated a remarkable decrease in the expression of the Dnmt3a and Dnmt3L which are responsible for de novo DNA methylation in the oocytes. Immunofluorescent staining for 5-mC showed a reduction in the fluorescence intensity in the oocytes collected from the varicose group. Conclusion: Our findings from Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry suggest that the epigenetic parameters in the oocyte could be affected by varicose induction and these epigenetic alteration has the potential to affect the oocyte quality. We suggest that the epigenetic changes could happen in the oocytes after the induction of ovarian varicose and lead to the oocyte quality reduction or even infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahshid Delfan Azari
- Department of Radiology, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rafieh Alizadeh
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Department of Biotechnology, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erfan Daneshi
- Department of Anatomy, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kosteria I, Anagnostopoulos AK, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Chrousos GP, Tsangaris GT. The Use of Proteomics in Assisted Reproduction. In Vivo 2017; 31:267-283. [PMID: 28438852 PMCID: PMC5461434 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the explosive increase in the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) over the last 30 years, their success rates remain suboptimal. Proteomics is a rapidly-evolving technology-driven science that has already been widely applied in the exploration of human reproduction and fertility, providing useful insights into its physiology and leading to the identification of numerous proteins that may be potential biomarkers and/or treatment targets of a successful ART pregnancy. Here we present a brief overview of the techniques used in proteomic analyses and attempt a comprehensive presentation of recent data from mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies in humans, regarding all components of ARTs, including the male and female gamete, the derived zygote and embryo, the endometrium and, finally, the ART offspring both pre- and postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kosteria
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George T Tsangaris
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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15
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The health outcomes of human offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART). J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 8:388-402. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised about the health and development of children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) since 1978. Controversially, ART has been linked with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes, an increased risk of birth defects, cancers, and growth and development disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that ART treatment may also predispose individuals to an increased risk of chronic ageing related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This review will summarize the available evidence on the short-term and long-term health outcomes of ART singletons, as multiple pregnancies after multiple embryos transfer, are associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery, which can separately increase risk of adverse postnatal outcomes, and impact long-term health. We will also examine the potential factors that may contribute to these health risks, and discuss underlying mechanisms, including epigenetic changes that may occur during the preimplantation period and reprogram development in utero, and adult health, later in life. Lastly, this review will consider the future directions with the view to optimize the long-term health of ART children.
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Ozturk S, Yaba-Ucar A, Sozen B, Mutlu D, Demir N. Superovulation alters embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (Epab) and poly(A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (Pabpc1) gene expression in mouse oocytes and early embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:375-83. [PMID: 25034140 DOI: 10.1071/rd14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (EPAB) and poly(A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) play critical roles in translational regulation of stored maternal mRNAs required for proper oocyte maturation and early embryo development in mammals. Superovulation is a commonly used technique to obtain a great number of oocytes in the same developmental stages in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in clinical or experimental animal studies. Previous studies have convincingly indicated that superovulation alone can cause impaired oocyte maturation, delayed embryo development, decreased implantation rate and increased postimplantation loss. Although how superovulation results in these disturbances has not been clearly addressed yet, putative changes in genes related to oocyte and early embryo development seem to be potential risk factors. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of superovulation on Epab and Pabpc1 gene expression. To this end, low- (5IU) and high-dose (10IU) pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were administered to female mice to induce superovulation, with naturally cycling female mice serving as controls. Epab and Pabpc1 gene expression in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes, MII oocytes and 1- and 2-cell embryos collected from each group were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Superovulation with low or high doses of gonadotropins significantly altered Epab and Pabpc1 mRNA levels in GV oocytes, MII oocytes and 1- and 2-cell embryos compared with their respective controls (P<0.05). These changes most likely lead to variations in expression of EPAB- and PABPC1-regulated genes, which may adversely influence the quality of oocytes and early embryos retrieved using superovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Aylin Yaba-Ucar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul Bilim University, School of Medicine, 34394, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Derya Mutlu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Necdet Demir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
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Liu Y, Zheng H, Guo P, Feng S, Zhou X, Ye D, Chen X, Chen S. DNA methyltransferase 3A promoter polymorphism is associated with the risk of human spontaneous abortion after assisted reproduction techniques and natural conception. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:245-252. [PMID: 27817038 PMCID: PMC5306405 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore the association of the DNA-methyltransferase (DNMT)-3A and DNMT3B promoter polymorphisms with the risk of human spontaneous abortion after assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) and natural conception. METHODS We collected tissues from women who underwent abortion procedures: (a) chorionic villus samples (CVS) and muscle samples (MS) from spontaneous abortions conceived by ART and natural cycle (study group), n = 152; and (b) CVS and MS from normal early pregnancy and second trimester (control group), n = 155. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -448A > G in the DNMT3A promoter region and -149C/T polymorphism of DNMT3B were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS The allele frequency of -448A among pregnancy loss group and control group was 34.2 % vs. 16.5 %, respectively. Compared with GG carriers, the DNMT3A -448AA homozygotes had an about 16-fold increased risk of spontaneous abortion [odds ratio (OR) = 16.130, 95 % confidence interval (CI), 3.665-70.984], and AG heterozygotes had an OR of 2.027 (95 % CI, 1.247-3.293). However, the distribution of -448A > G in individuals derived from ART pregnancies was not statistically significantly compared with those derived from spontaneous pregnancies (P = 0.661). For DNMT3B, we observed genotype frequencies of 100 % (TT) in the study group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS The DNMT3A -448A > G polymorphism may be a novel functional SNP and contribute to its genetic susceptibility to spontaneous abortion in Chinese women, and ART may not affect the distribution of -448A > G in pregnancy loss and normal pregnancy. The observed TT genotype of DMNT3B suggests that this is the predominant genotype of this population. The findings provide new insights into the etiology of human spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingping Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxian Feng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Desheng Ye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiling Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
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Zacchini F, Toschi P, Ptak GE. Cobalamin supplementation during in vitro maturation improves developmental competence of sheep oocytes. Theriogenology 2017; 93:55-61. [PMID: 28257867 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancies obtained by Assisted Reproductive Technologies are at higher risk of miscarriage than those obtained naturally. Previously, we reported impaired placental vascular development of in vitro produced (IVP) sheep embryos and defective DNA methylation in the placentae of those embryos. One reason behind these observed defects may be an impaired One Carbon Metabolism (OCM) The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that Cobalamin (Vitamin B12, an important OCM co-factor) supplementation during IVM corrects DNA methylation of IVP embryos and, consequently, ameliorates placental vasculogenesis. To this aim, embryos derived from oocytes matured with Cobalamin (B12 group) or without (negative control group, -CTR) were transferred to synchronized recipient sheep. At day 20 of pregnancy, collected embryos were morphologically evaluated while placentae were subjected to qPCR and histological analysis. The positive control group (+CTR) consisted of conceptuses obtained from naturally mated sheep. Results showed an increased fertilization rate in the B12 group vs -CTR (69.56% vs 57.91% respectively, P = 0.006) not associated with quantitative improvement in blastocyst and/or implantation rate (44.32% vs 36.67% respectively, P > 0.05). Moreover, Cobalamin supplementation during oocyte IVM ameliorated resulting conceptuses quality, in terms of placental vascularization (vessels' maturity and vasculogenetic factors' expression). The expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B) was also improved in placentae from the B12 group. In conclusion, Cobalamin supplementation during oocyte IVM improves IVP embryo quality. These results suggest that Cobalamin should be included in standard IVM media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zacchini
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, 36a Postepu str., Poland
| | - Paola Toschi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, via Renato Balzarini, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Grazyna Ewa Ptak
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, 36a Postepu str., Poland; National Research Institute of Animal Production, ul. Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice n. Krakow, Poland.
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Zhang T, Shen W, De Felici M, Zhang XF. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate: Adverse effects on folliculogenesis that cannot be neglected. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2016; 57:579-588. [PMID: 27530864 DOI: 10.1002/em.22037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Primordial follicle formation and the subsequent transition of follicles through primary and secondary stages constitute crucial events of oogenesis. In particular, in mammals, defects in the processes that precede and accompany the formation of the primordial follicle pool can affect the size of this population significantly, while alterations in follicle activation, growth and maturation can result in premature depletion of the follicle reserve or cause follicle arrest at immature stages. Over the last decade, in vitro and in vivo approaches have been used to provide evidence that exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP), the most widely used plasticizer, has a deleterious effect on various stages of folliculogenesis in rodents. There is growing concern, supported by epidemiological and experimental data, that DEHP may have similar effects in women. This article reviews the evidence, with particular reference to our own findings, that DEHP may actually exert a variety of adverse effects on mammalian folliculogenesis from early to final stages of oogenesis, including altered development of the primordial germ cells, impaired fetal oocyte survival and meiotic progression, reduced oocyte nest breakdown, acceleration of primordial follicle activation, altered follicle steroidogenesis and increased follicle atresia. These effects can cause serious complications for reproductive and nonreproductive women's health. In addition, emerging data indicate that phthalates, including DEHP, may cause subtle epigenetic changes in germ cells that can be transmitted to subsequent generations, with potential negative effects on human health. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:589-604, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Xi-Feng Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China.
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Epigenetic legacy of parental experiences: Dynamic and interactive pathways to inheritance. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1219-1228. [PMID: 27687718 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The quality of the environment experienced by an individual across his or her lifespan can result in a unique developmental trajectory with consequences for adult phenotype and reproductive success. However, it is also evident that these experiences can impact the development of offspring with continued effect on subsequent generations. Epigenetic mechanisms have been proposed as a mediator of both these within- and across-generation effects, and there is increasing evidence to support the role of environmentally induced changes in DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs in predicting these outcomes. Advances in our understanding of these molecular modifications contribute to increasingly nuanced perspectives on plasticity and transmission of phenotypes across generations. A challenge that emerges from this research is in how we integrate these "new" perspectives with traditional views of development, reproduction, and inheritance. This paper will highlight evidence suggestive of an epigenetic impact of the environment on mothers, fathers, and their offspring, and illustrate the importance of considering the dynamic nature of reproduction and development and inclusive views of inheritance within the evolving field of behavioral and environmental epigenetics.
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Han JY, Park J, Jang W, Chae H, Kim M, Kim Y. A twin sibling with Prader-Willi syndrome caused by type 2 microdeletion following assisted reproductive technology: A case report. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:18-22. [PMID: 27330749 PMCID: PMC4906703 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurobehavioral imprinting disorder, which arises due to an absence of paternally expressed genes within the 15q11.2-q13 region. This occurs via one of the three main genetic mechanisms, as follows: Deletion of the paternally inherited 15q11.2-q13 region, maternal uniparental disomy and imprinting defect. Recent studies have reported an association between imprinting disorders and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The current study presents a 6-year-old female patient who is a dizygotic twin, in which one was born with de novo microdeletion at 15q11.2-q13.1 following in vitro fertilization. The patient had characteristic facial features including narrow bifrontal diameter, strabismus, downturned mouth, feeding problems and generalized hypotonia during infancy, developmental delay, mental retardation and rapid weight gain. Based upon phenotypic resemblance and the medical records, methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and array-based comparative genome hybridization analyses demonstrate type 2 microdeletion between breaking point 2 (BP2) and BP3, which occur from MKRN3 through HERC2 at 15q11.2-q13.1. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report a PWS case born following ART reported in South Korea. In addition to previous studies, the present study contributes to the consensus regarding genotype-phenotype comparisons in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yoon Han
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonhong Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Woori Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojin Chae
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungshin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggoo Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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Ventura-Juncá P, Irarrázaval I, Rolle AJ, Gutiérrez JI, Moreno RD, Santos MJ. In vitro fertilization (IVF) in mammals: epigenetic and developmental alterations. Scientific and bioethical implications for IVF in humans. Biol Res 2015; 48:68. [PMID: 26683055 PMCID: PMC4684609 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-015-0059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in animals and humans implies an extraordinary change in the environment where the beginning of a new organism takes place. In mammals fertilization occurs in the maternal oviduct, where there are unique conditions for guaranteeing the encounter of the gametes and the first stages of development of the embryo and thus its future. During this period a major epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the normal fate of the embryo. This epigenetic reprogramming is very vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions such as the ones implied in IVF, including in vitro culture, nutrition, light, temperature, oxygen tension, embryo-maternal signaling, and the general absence of protection against foreign elements that could affect the stability of this process. The objective of this review is to update the impact of the various conditions inherent in the use of IVF on the epigenetic profile and outcomes of mammalian embryos, including superovulation, IVF technique, embryo culture and manipulation and absence of embryo-maternal signaling. It also covers the possible transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic alterations associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including its phenotypic consequences as is in the case of the large offspring syndrome (LOS). Finally, the important scientific and bioethical implications of the results found in animals are discussed in terms of the ART in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Ventura-Juncá
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Bioethics Center, Universidad Finis Terrae, Pedro de Valdivia 1509, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, 7501015, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Isabel Irarrázaval
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Augusto J Rolle
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Juan I Gutiérrez
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Manuel J Santos
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Mainigi M, Rosenzweig JM, Lei J, Mensah V, Thomaier L, Talbot CC, Olalere D, Ord T, Rozzah R, Johnston MV, Burd I. Peri-Implantation Hormonal Milieu: Elucidating Mechanisms of Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:785-94. [PMID: 26614264 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115618280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
While live births resulting from assisted reproductive technology (ART) exceed 1% of total births annually, the effect of ART on fetal development is not well understood. Data have demonstrated that IVF leads to alterations in DNA methylation and gene expression in the placenta that may have long-term effects on health and disease. Studies have linked adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes to ART, although human studies are inconclusive. In order to isolate the peri-implantation environment and its effects on brain development, we utilized a mouse model with and without superovulation and examined the effect of adult behavior as well as adult cortical neuronal density. Adult offspring of superovulated dams showed increased anxiety-like behavior compared to offspring of naturally mated dams (P < .05). There was no difference in memory and learning tests between the 2 groups. The adult brains from offspring of superovulated recipients had fewer neurons per field compared to naturally mated control offspring (P < .05). In order to examine potential pathways leading to these changes, we measured messenger RNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression in fetal brains at E18.5. Microarray analysis found that miRNAs miR-122, miR-144, and miR-211, involved in regulation of neuronal migration and differentiation, were downregulated in brains of offspring exposed to a superovulated environment(P < .05). There was also altered expression of genes involved in neuronal development. These results suggest that the peri-implantation environment can affect neurodevelopment and can lead to behavioral changes in adulthood. Human studies with long-term follow-up of children from ART are necessary to further investigate the influence of ART on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason M Rosenzweig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Virginia Mensah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren Thomaier
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C Conover Talbot
- Microarray Core, Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Devvora Olalere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Teri Ord
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rayyan Rozzah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Neuroscience, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Neuroscience, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Kaartinen N, Kananen K, Rodriguez-Wallberg K, Tomás C, Huhtala H, Tinkanen H. Male gender explains increased birthweight in children born after transfer of blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2312-20. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Padhee M, Zhang S, Lie S, Wang KC, Botting KJ, McMillen IC, MacLaughlin SM, Morrison JL. The periconceptional environment and cardiovascular disease: does in vitro embryo culture and transfer influence cardiovascular development and health? Nutrients 2015; 7:1378-425. [PMID: 25699984 PMCID: PMC4377860 DOI: 10.3390/nu7031378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) have revolutionised reproductive medicine; however, reports assessing the effects of ARTs have raised concerns about the immediate and long-term health outcomes of the children conceived through ARTs. ARTs include manipulations during the periconceptional period, which coincides with an environmentally sensitive period of gamete/embryo development and as such may alter cardiovascular development and health of the offspring in postnatal life. In order to identify the association between ARTs and cardiovascular health outcomes, it is important to understand the events that occur during the periconceptional period and how they are affected by procedures involved in ARTs. This review will highlight the emerging evidence implicating adverse cardiovascular outcomes before and after birth in offspring conceived through ARTs in both human and animal studies. In addition, it will identify the potential underlying causes and molecular mechanisms responsible for the congenital and adult cardiovascular dysfunctions in offspring whom were conceived through ARTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monalisa Padhee
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Song Zhang
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Shervi Lie
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Kimberley C Wang
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - I Caroline McMillen
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Severence M MacLaughlin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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26
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Gkourogianni A, Kosteria I, Telonis AG, Margeli A, Mantzou E, Konsta M, Loutradis D, Mastorakos G, Papassotiriou I, Klapa MI, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Chrousos GP. Plasma metabolomic profiling suggests early indications for predisposition to latent insulin resistance in children conceived by ICSI. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94001. [PMID: 24728198 PMCID: PMC3984097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been increasing indications about an epigenetically-based elevated predisposition of assisted reproductive technology (ART) offspring to insulin resistance, which can lead to an unfavorable cardio-metabolic profile in adult life. However, the relevant long-term systematic molecular studies are limited, especially for the IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) method, introduced in 1992. In this study, we carefully defined a group of 42 prepubertal ICSI and 42 naturally conceived (NC) children. We assessed differences in their metabolic profile based on biochemical measurements, while, for a subgroup, plasma metabolomic analysis was also performed, investigating any relevant insulin resistance indices. METHODS & RESULTS Auxological and biochemical parameters of 42 6.8±2.1 yrs old ICSI-conceived and 42 age-matched controls were measured. Significant differences between the groups were determined using univariate and multivariate statistics, indicating low urea and low-grade inflammation markers (YKL-40, hsCRP) and high triiodothyronine (T3) in ICSI-children compared to controls. Moreover, plasma metabolomic analysis carried out for a subgroup of 10 ICSI- and 10 NC girls using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated clear differences between the two groups, characterized by 36 metabolites linked to obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Notably, the distinction between the two girl subgroups was accentuated when both their biochemical and metabolomic measurements were employed. CONCLUSIONS The present study contributes a large auxological and biochemical dataset of a well-defined group of pre-pubertal ICSI-conceived subjects to the research of the ART effect to the offspring's health. Moreover, it is the first time that the relevant usefulness of metabolomics was investigated. The acquired results are consistent with early insulin resistance in ICSI-offspring, paving the way for further systematic investigations. These data support that metabolomics may unravel metabolic differences before they become clinically or biochemically evident, underlining its utility in the ART research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gkourogianni
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Kosteria
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristeidis G. Telonis
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
- Graduate Program “Biological Technology”, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Alexandra Margeli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Emilia Mantzou
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Evgenidion Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Konsta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- Division of In Vitro Fertilization, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Division of Endocrinology, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papassotiriou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria I. Klapa
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George P. Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
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27
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Johnson ML, Borowicz PP, Bilski JJ, Cymbaluk T, Norberg S, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: effects of embryo origin on vascularization. Reproduction 2014; 147:639-48. [PMID: 24472816 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Utero-placental growth and vascular development are critical for pregnancy establishment that may be altered by various factors including assisted reproductive technologies (ART), nutrition, or others, leading to compromised pregnancy. We hypothesized that placental vascularization and expression of angiogenic factors are altered early in pregnancies after transfer of embryos created using selected ART methods. Pregnancies were achieved through natural mating (NAT), or transfer of embryos from NAT (NAT-ET), or IVF or in vitro activation (IVA). Placental tissues were collected on day 22 of pregnancy. In maternal caruncles (CAR), vascular cell proliferation was less (P<0.05) for IVA than other groups. Compared with NAT, density of blood vessels was less (P<0.05) for IVF and IVA in fetal membranes (FM) and for NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA in CAR. In FM, mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01-0.08) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA compared with NAT for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor FLT1, placental growth factor (PGF), neuropilin 1 (NP1) and NP2, angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) and ANGPT2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and its receptor FGFR2. In CAR, mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01-0.05) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA compared with NAT for VEGF, FLT1, PGF, ANGPT1, and TEK. Decreased mRNA expression for 12 of 14 angiogenic factors across FM and CAR in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA pregnancies was associated with reduced placental vascular development, which would lead to poor placental function and compromised fetal and placental growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
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28
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Hei MY, Yi ZW. Environmental factors for the development of fetal urinary malformations. World J Pediatr 2014; 10:17-23. [PMID: 24464659 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-014-0449-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of the kidneys and other organs of the urinary tract also follow the natural rule of gene-environment-lifestyle interaction. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors may be associated with the etiology of various kinds of urinary malformations. The environmental factors belong to extrinsic factors, which have attracted increasing attention from researchers. METHODS Publications about urinary malformations were searched from databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Chemical Abstract, Excerpta Medica, Chinese Hospital Knowledge Database and Wanfang Database. RESULTS Urinary malformation is associated with low birth weight, maternal diseases, placental insufficiency, maternal drug exposure, and maternal exposure to environmental pesticides. Living environment and socioeconomic factors may also influence the incidence of urinary malformation. CONCLUSION It is important to understand the association of environmental factors with the development of the renal system and urinary malformation in order to decrease the incidence of urinary malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yan Hei
- Department of Pediatrics, the Third Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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29
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Cryopréservation de la cohorte embryonnaire en cas de risque d’hyperstimulation : prévention et efficacité. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 41:365-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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30
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Lu YH, Wang N, Jin F. Long-term follow-up of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2013; 14:359-71. [PMID: 23645173 PMCID: PMC3650450 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1200348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Children conceived via assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are nowadays a substantial proportion of the population. It is important to follow up these children and evaluate whether they have elevated health risks compared to naturally conceived (NC) children. In recent years there has been a lot of work in this field. This review will summarize what is known about the health of ART-conceived children, encompassing neonatal outcomes, birth defects, growth and gonadal developments, physical health, neurological and neurodevelopmental outcomes, psychosocial developments, risk for cancer, and epigenetic abnormalities. Most of the children conceived after ART are normal. However, there is increasing evidence that ART-conceived children are at higher risk of poor perinatal outcome, birth defects, and epigenetic disorders, and the mechanism(s) leading to these changes have not been elucidated. Continuous follow-up of children after ART is of great importance as they progress through adolescence into adulthood, and new ART techniques are constantly being introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-hong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shaoxing Women and Children’s Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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Laufer BI, Mantha K, Kleiber ML, Diehl EJ, Addison SMF, Singh SM. Long-lasting alterations to DNA methylation and ncRNAs could underlie the effects of fetal alcohol exposure in mice. Dis Model Mech 2013; 6:977-92. [PMID: 23580197 PMCID: PMC3701217 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.010975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are characterized by life-long changes in gene expression, neurodevelopment and behavior. What mechanisms initiate and maintain these changes are not known, but current research suggests a role for alcohol-induced epigenetic changes. In this study we assessed alterations to adult mouse brain tissue by assaying DNA cytosine methylation and small noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression, specifically the microRNA (miRNA) and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) subtypes. We found long-lasting alterations in DNA methylation as a result of fetal alcohol exposure, specifically in the imprinted regions of the genome harboring ncRNAs and sequences interacting with regulatory proteins. A large number of major nodes from the identified networks, such as Pten signaling, contained transcriptional repressor CTCF-binding sites in their promoters, illustrating the functional consequences of alcohol-induced changes to DNA methylation. Next, we assessed ncRNA expression using two independent array platforms and quantitative PCR. The results identified 34 genes that are targeted by the deregulated miRNAs. Of these, four (Pten, Nmnat1, Slitrk2 and Otx2) were viewed as being crucial in the context of FASDs given their roles in the brain. Furthermore, ∼20% of the altered ncRNAs mapped to three imprinted regions (Snrpn-Ube3a, Dlk1-Dio3 and Sfmbt2) that showed differential methylation and have been previously implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings of this study help to expand on the mechanisms behind the long-lasting changes in the brain transcriptome of FASD individuals. The observed changes could contribute to the initiation and maintenance of the long-lasting effect of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin I Laufer
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
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32
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El Hajj N, Haaf T. Epigenetic disturbances in in vitro cultured gametes and embryos: implications for human assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:632-41. [PMID: 23357453 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although assisted reproductive technology (ART) has become a routine practice for human infertility treatment, the etiology of the increased risks for perinatal problems in ART-conceived children is still poorly understood. Data from mouse experiments and the in vitro production of livestock provide strong evidence that imprint establishment in late oocyte stages and reprogramming of the two germline genomes for somatic development after fertilization are vulnerable to environmental cues. In vitro culture and maturation of oocytes, superovulation, and embryo culture all represent artificial intrusions upon the natural development, which can be expected to influence the epigenome of the resultant offspring. However, in this context it is difficult to define the normal range of epigenetic variation in humans from conception throughout life. With the notable exception of a few highly penetrant imprinting mutations, the phenotypic consequences of any observed epigenetic differences between ART and non-ART groups remain largely unclear. The periconceptional period is not only critical for embryonal, placental, and fetal development, as well as the outcome at birth, but suboptimal in vitro culture conditions may also lead to persistent changes in the epigenome influencing disease susceptibilities later in life. The epigenome appears to be most plastic in the late stages of oocyte and the early stages of embryo development; this plasticity steadily decreases during prenatal and postnatal life. Therefore, when considering the safety of human ART from an epigenetic point of view, our main concern should not be whether or not a few rare imprinting disorders are increased, but rather we must be aware of a functional link between interference with epigenetic reprogramming in very early development and adult disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Wuerzburg, Germany
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33
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Johnson ML, Borowicz PP, Baranko L, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: effects of embryo origin on fetal and placental growth and global methylation. Theriogenology 2012; 79:94-102. [PMID: 23117132 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The origin of embryos including those created through assisted reproductive technologies might have profound effects on placental and fetal development, possibly leading to compromised pregnancies associated with poor placental development. To determine the effects of embryo origin on fetal size, and maternal and fetal placental cellular proliferation and global methylation, pregnancies were achieved through natural mating (NAT), or transfer of embryos generated through in vivo (NAT-ET), IVF, or in vitro activation (IVA). On Day 22 of pregnancy, fetuses were measured and placental tissues were collected to immunologically detect Ki67 (a marker of proliferating cells) and 5-methyl cytosine followed by image analysis, and determine mRNA expression for three DNA methyltransferases. Fetal length and labeling index (proportion of proliferating cells) in maternal caruncles (maternal placenta) and fetal membranes (fetal placenta) were less (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA than in NAT. In fetal membranes, expression of 5-methyl cytosine was greater (P < 0.02) in IVF and IVA than in NAT. In maternal caruncles, mRNA expression for DNMT1 was greater (P < 0.01) in IVA compared with the other groups, but DNMT3A expression was less (P < 0.04) in NAT-ET and IVA than in NAT. In fetal membranes, expression of mRNA for DNMT3A was greater (P < 0.01) in IVA compared with the other groups, and was similar in NAT, NAT-ET, and IVF groups. Thus, embryo origin might have specific effects on growth and function of ovine uteroplacental and fetal tissues through regulation of tissue growth, DNA methylation, and likely other mechanisms. These data provide a foundation for determining expression of specific factors regulating placental and fetal tissue growth and function in normal and compromised pregnancies, including those achieved with assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
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34
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Vulliemoz NR, McVeigh E, Kurinczuk J. In vitro fertilisation: perinatal risks and early childhood outcomes. HUM FERTIL 2012; 15:62-8. [PMID: 22607538 DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2012.663571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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35
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de Waal E, Yamazaki Y, Ingale P, Bartolomei MS, Yanagimachi R, McCarrey JR. Gonadotropin stimulation contributes to an increased incidence of epimutations in ICSI-derived mice. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4460-72. [PMID: 22802074 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART), can induce epimutations and/or epimutant phenotypes in somatic tissues of adult mice produced by this method. In the present study, we compared the occurrence of epimutations in mice produced by natural conception, ICSI and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Surprisingly, we observed the highest frequency of epimutations in somatic tissues from ICSI-derived mice. We also observed a delay in reprogramming of the maternal allele of the imprinted H19 gene in spermatogonia from juvenile ICSI-derived male mice. These observations led us to hypothesize that the exposure of the maternal gametic genome to exogenous gonadotropins during the endocrine stimulation of folliculogenesis (superovulation) may contribute to the disruption of the normal epigenetic programming of imprinted loci in somatic tissues and/or epigenetic reprogramming in the germ line of ensuing offspring. To test this hypothesis, we uncoupled superovulation from ICSI by subjecting female mice to gonadotropin stimulation and then allowing them to produce offspring by natural mating. We found that mice produced in this way also exhibited epimutations and/or epimutant phenotypes in somatic tissues and delayed epigenetic reprogramming in spermatogenic cells, providing evidence that gonadotropin stimulation contributes to the induction of epimutations during ART procedures. Our results suggest that gonadotropin stimulation protocols used in conjunction with ART procedures should be optimized to minimize the occurrence of epimutations in offspring produced by these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric de Waal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Epigenetics and vitrification of embryos: one step forward and many raised equivocal questions. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:41-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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van der Zanden LFM, van Rooij IALM, Feitz WFJ, Franke B, Knoers NVAM, Roeleveld N. Aetiology of hypospadias: a systematic review of genes and environment. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:260-83. [PMID: 22371315 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia. Most cases have an unknown aetiology, which is probably a mix of monogenic and multifactorial forms, implicating both genes and environmental factors. This review summarizes current knowledge about the aetiology of hypospadias. METHODS Pubmed was used to identify studies on hypospadias aetiology published between January 1995 and February 2011. Reference lists of the selected manuscripts were also searched to identify additional studies, including those published before 1995. RESULTS The search provided 922 articles and 169 articles were selected for this review. Studies screening groups of patients with hypospadias for single gene defects found mutations in WT1, SF1, BMP4, BMP7, HOXA4, HOXB6, FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD3B2, SRD5A2, ATF3, MAMLD1, MID1 and BNC2. However, most investigators are convinced that single mutations do not cause the majority of isolated hypospadias cases. Indeed, associations were found with polymorphisms in FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD17B3, SRD5A2, ESR1, ESR2, ATF3, MAMLD1, DGKK, MID1, CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1. In addition, gene expression studies indentified CTGF, CYR61 and EGF as candidate genes. Environmental factors consistently implicated in hypospadias are low birthweight, maternal hypertension and pre-eclampsia, suggesting that placental insufficiency may play an important role in hypospadias aetiology. Exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals have the potential to induce hypospadias but it is unclear whether human exposure is high enough to exert this effect. Other environmental factors have also been associated with hypospadias but, for most, the results are inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Although a number of contributors to the aetiology of hypospadias have been identified, the majority of risk factors remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F M van der Zanden
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and HTA, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Barboni B, Russo V, Cecconi S, Curini V, Colosimo A, Garofalo MLA, Capacchietti G, Di Giacinto O, Mattioli M. In vitro grown sheep preantral follicles yield oocytes with normal nuclear-epigenetic maturation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27550. [PMID: 22132111 PMCID: PMC3221676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Assisted reproductive technologies allow to utilize a limited number of fully grown oocytes despite the presence in the ovary of a large pool of meiotically incompetent gametes potentially able to produce live births. In vitro folliculogenesis could be useful to recruit these oocytes by promoting their growth and differentiation. Methodology/Principal Findings In vitro folliculogenesis was performed starting from sheep preantral (PA) follicles to evaluate oocyte nuclear/epigenetic maturation. Chromatin configuration, quantification of global DNA methylation, and epigenetic remodelling enzymes were evaluated with immunocytochemistry, telomere elongation was assessed with the Q-FISH technique, while the DNA methylation status at the DMRs of maternally IGF2R and BEGAIN, and paternally H19 methylated imprinted genes was determined by bisulfite sequencing and COBRA. Specifically, 70% of PA underwent early antrum (EA) differentiation and supported in culture oocyte global DNA methylation, telomere elongation, TERT and Dnmt3a redistribution thus mimicking the physiological events that involve the oocyte during the transition from secondary to tertiary follicle. Dnmt1 anticipated cytoplasmic translocation in in vitro grown oocytes did not impair global and single gene DNA methylation. Indeed, the in vitro grown oocytes acquired a methylation profile of IGF2R and BEGAIN compatible with the follicle/oocyte stage reached, and maintained an unmethylated status of H19. In addition, the percentage of oocytes displaying a condensed chromatin configuration resulted lower in in vitro grown oocytes, however, their ability to undergo meiosis and early embryo development after IVF and parthenogenetic activation was similar to that recorded in EA follicle in vivo grown oocytes. Conclusions/Significance In conclusion, the in vitro folliculogenesis was able to support the intracellular/nuclear mechanisms leading the oocytes to acquire a meiotic and developmental competence. Thus, the in vitro culture may increase the availability of fertilizable oocytes in sheep, and become an in vitro translational model to investigate the mechanisms governing nuclear/epigenetic oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Barboni
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Curini
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Oriana Di Giacinto
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Mattioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Teperek-Tkacz M, Pasque V, Gentsch G, Ferguson-Smith AC. Epigenetic reprogramming: is deamination key to active DNA demethylation? Reproduction 2011; 142:621-32. [PMID: 21911441 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
DNA demethylation processes are important for reproduction, being central in epigenetic reprogramming during embryonic and germ cell development. While the enzymes methylating DNA have been known for many years, identification of factors capable of mediating active DNA demethylation has been challenging. Recent findings suggest that cytidine deaminases may be key players in active DNA demethylation. One of the most investigated candidates is activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), best known for its role in generating secondary antibody diversity in B cells. We evaluate evidence for cytidine deaminases in DNA demethylation pathways in vertebrates and discuss possible models for their targeting and activity regulation. These findings are also considered along with alternative demethylation pathways involving hydroxymethylation.
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Oehninger S. Clinical management of male infertility in assisted reproduction: ICSI and beyond. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e319-29. [PMID: 21651569 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The advent of in vitro fertilization and its augmentation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has allowed a large number of couples suffering from moderate to severe male infertility, and also presenting with female pathologies, to achieve their reproductive dreams. Notwithstanding the existence of fundamental questions about the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to sperm dysfunction, and still unanswered concerns about health risks following ICSI, it appears that overall ICSI is safe and here to stay. Although on one hand ICSI possibly hampered advances of the knowledge in some areas of gamete biology and interaction, on the other it definitely gave impulse to studies designed to unveil the sperm contributions during and beyond fertilization, including the normalcy of the DNA/chromatin as well as molecular mechanisms of genetic/epigenetic control and nuclear organization status. In all, almost entering the fourth decade of assisted reproductive technologies, we should continue monitoring the safety of the technique and long-term development of offspring, whereas at the same time prioritizing areas of research addressing these fundamental questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Oehninger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
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Joss-Moore LA, Wang Y, Ogata EM, Sainz AJ, Yu X, Callaway CW, McKnight RA, Albertine KH, Lane RH. IUGR differentially alters MeCP2 expression and H3K9Me3 of the PPARγ gene in male and female rat lungs during alveolarization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:672-81. [PMID: 21425435 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of postnatal lung disease, with males more affected. In rat lungs, IUGR impairs alveolarization in conjunction with altered expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In non-lung cells, PPARγ transcription is regulated in part by the epigenetic modifying enzyme, and the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). However, it is unknown if IUGR affects MeCP2 expression or its interaction with PPARγ in the rat lung during alveolarization. In this study, we hypothesized that the rat lung would be characterized by the presence of MeCP2 short and long mRNA transcripts, MeCP2 protein isoforms, and the MeCP2 regulatory micro RNA, miR132. We further hypothesized that IUGR would, in a gender-specific manner, alter the levels of MeCP2 components in association with changes in PPARγ mRNA, MeCP2 occupancy at the PPARγ promoters, and PPARγ histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9Me3). To test these hypotheses, we used a well-characterized rat model of uteroplacental insufficiency-induced IUGR. We demonstrated the presence of MeCP2 mRNA, protein, and miR132 in the rat lung throughout alveolarization. We also demonstrated that IUGR alters MeCP2 expression and its interaction with PPARγ in a gender-divergent manner. We conclude that IUGR induces gender-specific alterations in the epigenetic milieu in the rat lung. We speculate that in the IUGR rat lung, this altered epigenetic milieu may predispose to gender-specific alterations in alveolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way 2N141, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2010; 17:568-80. [PMID: 21030841 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e328341311d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
Fertilization is a complex process comprised of numerous steps. During fertilization, two highly specialized and differentiated cells (sperm and egg) fuse and subsequently trigger the development of an embryo from a quiescent, arrested oocyte. Molecular interactions between the sperm and egg are necessary for regulating the developmental potential of an oocyte, and precise coordination and regulation of gene expression and protein function are critical for proper embryonic development. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a valuable model system for identifying genes involved in fertilization and the oocyte-to-embryo transition as well as for understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern these processes. In this review, we will address current knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of gamete interactions during fertilization and the oocyte-to-embryo transition in C. elegans. We will also compare our knowledge of these processes in C. elegans to what is known about similar processes in mammalian, specifically mouse, model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Marcello
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Rice F, Thapar A. Estimating the relative contributions of maternal genetic, paternal genetic and intrauterine factors to offspring birth weight and head circumference. Early Hum Dev 2010; 86:425-32. [PMID: 20646882 PMCID: PMC2954294 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2010.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic factors and the prenatal environment contribute to birth weight. However, very few types of study design can disentangle their relative contribution. AIMS To examine maternal genetic and intrauterine contributions to offspring birth weight and head circumference. To compare the contribution of maternal and paternal genetic effects. STUDY DESIGN Mothers and fathers were either genetically related or unrelated to their offspring who had been conceived by in vitro fertilization. SUBJECTS 423 singleton full term offspring, of whom 262 were conceived via homologous IVF (both parents related), 66 via sperm donation (mother only related) and 95 via egg donation (father only related). MEASURES Maternal weight at antenatal booking, current weight and maternal height. Paternal current weight and height were all predictors. Infant birth weight and head circumference were outcomes. RESULTS Genetic relatedness was the main contributing factor between measures of parental weight and offspring birth weight as correlations were only significant when the parent was related to the child. However, there was a contribution of the intrauterine environment to the association between maternal height and both infant birth weight and infant head circumference as these were significant even when mothers were unrelated to their child. CONCLUSIONS Both maternal and paternal genes made contributions to infant birth weight. Maternal height appeared to index a contribution of the intrauterine environment to infant growth and gestational age. Results suggested a possible biological interaction between the intrauterine environment and maternal inherited characteristics which suppresses the influence of paternal genes.
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Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that have crucial roles in embryogenesis. A recently discovered set of homeobox genes--the Rhox genes--are expressed during both embryogenesis and in adult reproductive tissues. The 33 known mouse Rhox genes are clustered together in a single region on the X chromosome, while likely descendents of the primodial Rhox cluster, Arx and Esx1, have moved to other positions on the X chromosome. Here, we summarize what is known about the regulation and function of Rhox cluster and Rhox-related genes during embryogenesis and gametogenesis. The founding member of the Rhox gene cluster--Rhox5 (previously known as Pem)--has been studied in the most depth and thus is the focus of this review. We also discuss the unusually rapid evolution of the Rhox gene cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A MacLean
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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Progenitor cells for regenerative medicine and consequences of ART and cloning-associated epimutations. Mol Biotechnol 2010; 45:187-97. [PMID: 20162468 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-010-9252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The "holy grail" of regenerative medicine is the identification of an undifferentiated progenitor cell that is pluripotent, patient specific, and ethically unambiguous. Such a progenitor cell must also be able to differentiate into functional, transplantable tissue, while avoiding the risks of immune rejection. With reports detailing aberrant genomic imprinting associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and reproductive cloning, the idea that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived from surplus in vitro fertilized embryos or nuclear transfer ESCs (ntESCs) harvested from cloned embryos may harbor dangerous epigenetic errors has gained attention. Various progenitor cell sources have been proposed for human therapy, from hESCs to ntESCs, and from adult stem cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS and piPS cells). This review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each of these technologies, with particular emphasis on epigenetic stability.
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Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Sakka S, Chrousos GP. Assisted reproduction and its neuroendocrine impact on the offspring. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2010; 182:161-74. [PMID: 20541664 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(10)82006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been widely used during the last three decades and progressively more children are born with the help of such methods. There is now evidence that ARTs may be associated with slight epigenetic modifications in the expression of several genes that could have a long-term impact on the health of the offspring. Also, a clear association between such techniques and genomic imprinting abnormalities has been reported. The neuroendocrine impact of ART on the offspring includes slight elevations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), as well as increased circulating triglyceride concentrations, in children born after ART, especially in those with rapid catch-up growth in weight during early childhood. However, the postnatal growth of most children after ART is normal and no increased incidence of the full metabolic syndrome has been observed in these children and adolescents. Moreover, the pace and timing of puberty of such children is normal and no increased incidence of premature adrenarche could be discerned in ART children in the absence of restricted fetal growth. Finally, a slight modification of the set point of thyroid stimulating hormone sensitivity was observed in ART children, without an apparent impact on thyroid hormone secretion. This has been attributed to epigenetic changes. Questions remain to be answered regarding the future reproductive capacity of children born after ART, as well as their cardiovascular risk in later adult life. Long-term prospective studies should be performed to provide robust evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, Goudi, Athens, Greece.
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Carrell DT, Hammoud SS. The human sperm epigenome and its potential role in embryonic development. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 16:37-47. [PMID: 19906823 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with many of the genome-wide transitions in chromatin composition throughout spermatogenesis, epigenetic modifications on histone tails and DNA are continuously modified to ensure stage specific gene expression in the maturing spermatid. Recent findings have suggested that the repertoire of epigenetic modifications in the mature sperm may have a potential role in the developing embryo and alterations in the epigenetic profile have been associated with infertility. These changes include DNA demethylation and the retention of modified histones at important developmental, signaling and micro-RNA genes, which resemble the epigenetic state of an embryonic stem cell. This review assesses the significance of epigenetic changes during spermatogenesis, and provides insight on recent associations made between altered epigenetic profiles in the mature sperm and its relationship to infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas T Carrell
- IVF and Andrology Laboratories, Departments of Surgery (Urology), Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Physiology, 675 S. Arapeen Dr, Suite #205, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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Joss-Moore LA, Metcalfe DB, Albertine KH, McKnight RA, Lane RH. Epigenetics and fetal adaptation to perinatal events: diversity through fidelity. J Anim Sci 2009; 88:E216-22. [PMID: 19854998 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal insults, including fetal undernutrition and hypoxia, are associated with an increased susceptibility to several adult-onset metabolic disorders. These include cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and obesity. However, the mechanisms driving the long-term phenotypic consequences have only recently begun to be elucidated. A primary mechanism accounting for perinatal adaptation is the epigenetic modification of chromatin. In this context, epigenetic modifications to chromatin are thought to arise in response to a perinatal insult in an effort to modulate gene expression and maximize fetal survival. In this symposium report, we discuss epigenetics as a mechanism by which perinatal adaptations can be made by the developing fetus. We examine the benefits of using multiple in vivo models to understand the interrelation of signals that come together and result in perinatal adaptation. Epigenetic effects on IGF-1 arising from a perinatal insult are discussed, as are the difficulties and challenges associated with this complex field. In conclusion, epigenetics provides a means of modulating gene transcription, thus allowing fetal adaptation to a broad variety of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Joss-Moore
- Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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[ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm: what about children?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 37:873-83. [PMID: 19818669 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
For men presenting azoospermia, the development of ICSI with epidydimal (MESA) or testicular (TESE) sperm, allowed them to father their own progeny. Little is known about the issue of these ICSI, in terms of efficiency and quality of the conceptus, and many controversies remain. Some studies emphasized that children born after Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with surgically sperm retrieved were at increased risk of birth defects. In this context, we proposed a retrospective analysis of pregnancy issues with non-ejaculated sperm.
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