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Mertens J, Belva F, van Montfoort APA, Regin M, Zambelli F, Seneca S, Couvreu de Deckersberg E, Bonduelle M, Tournaye H, Stouffs K, Barbé K, Smeets HJM, Van de Velde H, Sermon K, Blockeel C, Spits C. Children born after assisted reproduction more commonly carry a mitochondrial genotype associating with low birthweight. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1232. [PMID: 38336715 PMCID: PMC10858059 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Children conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have an elevated risk of lower birthweight, yet the underlying cause remains unclear. Our study explores mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants as contributors to birthweight differences by impacting mitochondrial function during prenatal development. We deep-sequenced the mtDNA of 451 ART and spontaneously conceived (SC) individuals, 157 mother-child pairs and 113 individual oocytes from either natural menstrual cycles or after ovarian stimulation (OS) and find that ART individuals carried a different mtDNA genotype than SC individuals, with more de novo non-synonymous variants. These variants, along with rRNA variants, correlate with lower birthweight percentiles, independent of conception mode. Their higher occurrence in ART individuals stems from de novo mutagenesis associated with maternal aging and OS-induced oocyte cohort size. Future research will establish the long-term health consequences of these changes and how these findings will impact the clinical practice and patient counselling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Mertens
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Belva
- Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marius Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Sara Seneca
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edouard Couvreu de Deckersberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group Biology of the Testis, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrien Stouffs
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kurt Barbé
- Interfaculty Center Data Processing & Statistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hubert J M Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs School Institute for Mental Health and Neuroscience, GROW Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Claudia Spits
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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DNA Methylation in Offspring Conceived after Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175056. [PMID: 36078985 PMCID: PMC9457481 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the last 40 years, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have emerged as potentially resolving procedures for couple infertility. This study aims to evaluate whether ART is associated with epigenetic dysregulation in the offspring. Methods. To accomplish this, we collected all available data on methylation patterns in offspring conceived after ART and in spontaneously conceived (SC) offspring. Results. We extracted 949 records. Of these, 50 were considered eligible; 12 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Methylation levels of H19 CCCTC-binding factor 3 (CTCF3) were significantly lower in the ART group compared to controls (SMD −0.81 (−1.53; −0.09), I2 = 89%, p = 0.03). In contrast, H19 CCCTC-binding factor 6 (CTCF6), Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily Q Member 1 (KCNQ1OT1), Paternally-expressed gene 3 (PEG3), and Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N (SNRPN) were not differently methylated in ART vs. SC offspring. Conclusion: The methylation pattern of the offspring conceived after ART may be different compared to spontaneous conception. Due to the lack of studies and the heterogeneity of the data, further prospective and well-sized population studies are needed to evaluate the impact of ART on the epigenome of the offspring.
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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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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:629-655. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Barberet J, Binquet C, Guilleman M, Romain G, Bruno C, Martinaud A, Ginod P, Cavalieri M, Amblot C, Choux C, Fauque P. Does underlying infertility in natural conception modify the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and transposable elements in newborns? Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:706-715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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7
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Penova-Veselinovic B, Melton PE, Huang RC, Yovich JL, Burton P, Wijs LA, Hart RJ. DNA methylation patterns within whole blood of adolescents born from assisted reproductive technology are not different from adolescents born from natural conception. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2035-2049. [PMID: 33890633 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiles of adolescents born from ART differ from the epigenome of naturally conceived counterparts? SUMMARY ANSWER No significant differences in the DNA methylation profiles of adolescents born from ART [IVF or ICSI] were observed when compared to their naturally conceived, similar aged counterparts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Short-term and longer-term studies have investigated the general health outcomes of children born from IVF treatment, albeit without common agreement as to the cause and underlying mechanisms of these adverse health findings. Growing evidence suggests that the reported adverse health outcomes in IVF-born offspring might have underlying epigenetic mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Growing Up Healthy Study (GUHS) is a prospective study that recruited 303 adolescents and young adults, conceived through ART, to compare various long-term health outcomes and DNA methylation profiles with similar aged counterparts from Generation 2 from the Raine Study. GUHS assessments were conducted between 2013 and 2017. The effect of ART on DNA methylation levels of 231 adolescents mean age 15.96 ± 1.59 years (52.8% male) was compared to 1188 naturally conceived counterparts, 17.25 ± 0.58 years (50.9% male) from the Raine Study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS DNA methylation profiles from a subset of 231 adolescents (13-19.9 years) from the GUHS, generated using the Infinium Methylation Epic Bead Chip (EPIC) array were compared to 1188 profiles from the Raine Study previously measured using the Illumina 450K array. We conducted epigenome-wide association approach (EWAS) and tested for an association between the cohorts applying Firth's bias reduced logistic regression against the outcome of ART versus naturally conceived offspring. Additionally, within the GUHS cohort, we investigated differences in methylation status in fresh versus frozen embryo transfers, cause of infertility as well as IVF versus ICSI conceived offspring. Following the EWAS analysis we investigated nominally significant probes using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to identify enriched biological pathways. Finally, within GUHS we compared four estimates (Horvath, Hanuum, PhenoAge [Levine], and skin Horvath) of epigenetic age and their correlation with chronological age. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Between the two cohorts, we did not identify any DNA methylation probes that reached a Bonferroni corrected P-value < 1.24E-0.7. When comparing IVF versus ICSI conceived adolescents within the GUHS cohort, after adjustment for participant age, sex, maternal smoking, multiple births, and batch effect, three methylation probes (cg15016734, cg26744878 and cg20233073) reached a Bonferroni correction of 6.31E-08. After correcting for cell count heterogeneity, two of the aforementioned probes remained significant and an additional two probes (cg 0331628 and cg 20235051) were identified. A general trend towards hypomethylation in the ICSI offspring was observed. All four measures of epigenetic age were highly correlated with chronological age and showed no evidence of accelerated epigenetic aging within their whole blood. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The small sample size coupled with the use of whole blood, where epigenetic differences may occur in other tissue. This was corrected by the utilized statistical method that accounts for imbalanced sample size between groups and adjusting for cell count heterogeneity. Only a small portion of the methylome was analysed and rare individual differences may be missed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings provide further reassurance that the effects of the ART manipulations occurring during early embryogenesis, existing in the neonatal period are indeed of a transient nature and do not persist into adolescence. However, we have not excluded that alternative epigenetic mechanisms may be at play. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by NHMRC project Grant no. 1042269 and R.J.H. received funding support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. R.J.H. is the Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia and a shareholder in Western IVF. He has received educational sponsorship from Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.- Australia, Merck-Serono Australia Pty Ltd and Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. P.B. is the Scientific Director of Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, Western Australia. J.L.Y. is the Medical Director of PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Penova-Veselinovic
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P E Melton
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - R C Huang
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - J L Yovich
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P Burton
- Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,School of Health and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - L A Wijs
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - R J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
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Barberet J, Binquet C, Guilleman M, Doukani A, Choux C, Bruno C, Bourredjem A, Chapusot C, Bourc'his D, Duffourd Y, Fauque P. Do assisted reproductive technologies and in vitro embryo culture influence the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and transposable elements in children? Hum Reprod 2021; 36:479-492. [PMID: 33319250 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo culture influence the epigenetic control of imprinted genes (IGs) and transposable elements (TEs) in children? SUMMARY ANSWER Significant differences in the DNA methylation of IGs or transposon families were reported between ART and naturally conceived children, but there was no difference between culture media. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is concern that ART may play a role in increasing the incidence of adverse health outcomes in children, probably through epigenetic mechanisms. It is crucial to assess epigenetic control, especially following non-optimal in vitro culture conditions and to compare epigenetic analyses from ART-conceived and naturally conceived children. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This follow-up study was based on an earlier randomized study comparing in vitro fertilization outcomes following the use of two distinct culture media. We compared the epigenetic profiles of children from the initial randomized study according to the mode of conception [i.e. ART singletons compared with those of a cohort of naturally conceived singleton children (CTL)], the type of embryo culture medium used [global medium (LifeGlobal) and single step medium (Irvine Scientific)] and the mode of in vitro fertilization (i.e. IVF versus ICSI). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 57 buccal smears were collected from 7- to 8-year-old children. The DNA methylation profiles of four differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of IGs (H19/IGF2: IG-DMR, KCNQ1OT1: TSS-DMR, SNURF: TSS-DMR, and PEG3: TSS-DMR) and two TEs (AluYa5 and LINE-1) were first assessed by pyrosequencing. We further explored IGs and TEs' methylation changes through methylation array (Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip referred as EPIC array, Illumina). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Changes in the IGs' DNA methylation levels were found in ART children compared to controls. DNA methylation levels of H19/IGF2 DMR were significantly lower in ART children than in CTL children [52% versus 58%, P = 0.003, false discovery rate (FDR) P = 0.018] while a significantly higher methylation rate was observed for the PEG3 DMR (51% versus 48%, P = 0.007, FDR P = 0.021). However, no differences were found between the culture media. After observing these targeted modifications, analyses were performed at wider scale. Again, no differences were detected according to the culture media, but imprinted-related DMRs overlapping promoter region near the genes major for the development (MEG3, BLCAP, and DLX5) were detected between the ART and CTL children. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size could seem relatively small, but the high consistency of our results was ensured by the homogeneity of the cohort from the initial randomized study, the standardized laboratory techniques and the robust statistical analyses accounting for multiple testing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although this study did not report DNA methylation differences depending on the culture medium, it sheds light on epigenetic changes that could be observed in some children conceived by ART as compared to CTL children. The clinical relevance of such differences remains largely unknown, and it is still unclear whether such changes are due to some specific ART procedures and/or to parental infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by funding from the Agence Nationale pour la Recherche ('CARE'-ANR JCJC 2017). The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - C Binquet
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, module Epidémiologie Clinique/essais cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC1432, module épidémiologie clinique, Dijon, France
| | - M Guilleman
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - A Doukani
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - C Choux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Dijon, France
| | - C Bruno
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - A Bourredjem
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, module Epidémiologie Clinique/essais cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC1432, module épidémiologie clinique, Dijon, France
| | - C Chapusot
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Plateforme de génétique des Cancers de bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - D Bourc'his
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Y Duffourd
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - P Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
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Argyraki M, Damdimopoulou P, Chatzimeletiou K, Grimbizis GF, Tarlatzis BC, Syrrou M, Lambropoulos A. In-utero stress and mode of conception: impact on regulation of imprinted genes, fetal development and future health. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:777-801. [PMID: 31633761 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic gene regulatory mechanism; disruption of this process during early embryonic development can have major consequences on both fetal and placental development. The periconceptional period and intrauterine life are crucial for determining long-term susceptibility to diseases. Treatments and procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and adverse in-utero environments may modify the methylation levels of genomic imprinting regions, including insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19, mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), affecting the development of the fetus. ART, maternal psychological stress, and gestational exposures to chemicals are common stressors suspected to alter global epigenetic patterns including imprinted genes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective is to highlight the effect of conception mode and maternal psychological stress on fetal development. Specifically, we monitor fetal programming, regulation of imprinted genes, fetal growth, and long-term disease risk, using the imprinted genes IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 as examples. The possible role of environmental chemicals in genomic imprinting is also discussed. SEARCH METHODS A PubMed search of articles published mostly from 2005 to 2019 was conducted using search terms IGF2/H19, MEST, PEG10, imprinted genes, DNA methylation, gene expression, and imprinting disorders (IDs). Studies focusing on maternal prenatal stress, psychological well-being, environmental chemicals, ART, and placental/fetal development were evaluated and included in this review. OUTCOMES IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 imprinted genes have a broad developmental effect on fetal growth and birth weight variation. Their disruption is linked to pregnancy complications, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and cancer. Adverse early environment has a major impact on the developing fetus, affecting mostly growth, the structure, and subsequent function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neurodevelopment. Extensive evidence suggests that the gestational environment has an impact on epigenetic patterns including imprinting, which can lead to adverse long-term outcomes in the offspring. Environmental stressors such as maternal prenatal psychological stress have been found to associate with altered DNA methylation patterns in placenta and to affect fetal development. Studies conducted during the past decades have suggested that ART pregnancies are at a higher risk for a number of complications such as birth defects and IDs. ART procedures involve multiple steps that are conducted during critical windows for imprinting establishment and maintenance, necessitating long-term evaluation of children conceived through ART. Exposure to environmental chemicals can affect placental imprinting and fetal growth both in humans and in experimental animals. Therefore, their role in imprinting should be better elucidated, considering the ubiquitous exposure to these chemicals. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Dysregulation of imprinted genes is a plausible mechanism linking stressors such as maternal psychological stress, conception using ART, and chemical exposures with fetal growth. It is expected that a greater understanding of the role of imprinted genes and their regulation in fetal development will provide insights for clinical prevention and management of growth and IDs. In a broader context, evidence connecting impaired imprinted gene function to common diseases such as cancer is increasing. This implies early regulation of imprinting may enable control of long-term human health, reducing the burden of disease in the population in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Argyraki
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, K57 Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigoris F Grimbizis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Basil C Tarlatzis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Dourouti University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Lambropoulos
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
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10
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Esteves SC, Roque M, Bedoschi G, Haahr T, Humaidan P. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male infertility and consequences for offspring. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 15:535-562. [PMID: 29967387 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become the most commonly used method of fertilization in assisted reproductive technology. The primary reasons for its popularity stem from its effectiveness, the standardization of the procedure, which means that it can easily be incorporated into the routine practice of fertility centres worldwide, and the fact that it can be used to treat virtually all forms of infertility. ICSI is the clear method of choice for overcoming untreatable severe male factor infertility, but its (over)use in other male and non-male factor infertility scenarios is not evidence-based. Despite all efforts to increase ICSI efficacy and safety through the application of advanced sperm retrieval and cryopreservation techniques, as well as methods for selecting sperm with better chromatin integrity, the overall pregnancy rates from infertile men remain suboptimal. Treating the underlying male infertility factor before ICSI seems to be a promising way to improve ICSI outcomes, but data remain limited. Information regarding the health of ICSI offspring has accumulated over the past 25 years, and there are reasons for concern as risks of congenital malformations, epigenetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, subfertility, cancer, delayed psychological and neurological development, and impaired cardiometabolic profile have been observed to be greater in infants born as a result of ICSI than in naturally conceived children. However, as subfertility probably influences the risk estimates, it remains to be determined to what extent the observed adverse outcomes are related to parental factors or associated with ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil. .,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil. .,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Matheus Roque
- ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giuliano Bedoschi
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thor Haahr
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
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11
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Movahed E, Soleimani M, Hosseini S, Akbari Sene A, Salehi M. Aberrant expression of miR-29a/29b and methylation level of mouse embryos after in vitro fertilization and vitrification at two-cell stage. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:18942-18950. [PMID: 30916357 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Proper epigenetic modifications during preimplantation embryo development are important for a successful pregnancy. We aim to investigate the putative influence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and vitrification on DNA methylation in mouse preimplantation embryos. The study groups consisted of blastocyst-derived vitrified two-cell embryos, nonvitrified embryos, and a control group of in vivo derived blastocysts. We assessed developmental competence, global DNA methylation, relative expression levels of miR-29a/29b, and their target genes, Dnmt3a/3b. Vitrified embryos had a lower developmental rate as compared with nonvitrified embryos. There was no significant decrease in blastocyst cell numbers among studied groups, whereas there was a steady decline in DNA methylation after IVF and vitrification. The levels of miR-29a/29b upregulated in the experimental groups as compared with the control group. IVF and vitrification caused Dnmt3a/3b downregulations in blastocysts. The results of this study have suggested that a relationship exists between IVF and embryo vitrification with methylation interruptions in the blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Movahed
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Soleimani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azade Akbari Sene
- IVF Department, Shahid Akbar-Abadi Hospital IVF Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Mani S, Ghosh J, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C, Mainigi M. Epigenetic changes and assisted reproductive technologies. Epigenetics 2019; 15:12-25. [PMID: 31328632 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1646572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Children conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are at moderately increased risk for a number of undesirable outcomes, including low birth weight. Whether the additional risk is associated with specific procedures used in ART or biological factors that are intrinsic to infertility has been the subject of much debate, as has the mechanism by which ART or infertility might influence this risk. The potential effect of ART clinical and laboratory procedures on the gamete and embryo epigenomes heads the list of mechanistic candidates that might explain the association between ART and undesirable clinical outcomes. The reason for this focus is that the developmental time points at which ART clinical and laboratory procedures are implemented are precisely the time points at which large-scale reorganization of the epigenome takes place during normal development. In this manuscript, we review the many human studies comparing the epigenomes of ART children with children conceived in vivo, as well as assess the potential of individual ART clinical and laboratory procedures to alter the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Hutanu D, Bechir M, Popescu R. Epigenetics, Assisted Reproduction, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Review of the Current Data. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10314660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of the first in vitro fertilisation baby in 1978, >5 million babies have been born worldwide using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). ART were initially considered safe, but, in recent years, concerns regarding the association between these procedures and the increasing incidence of imprinting diseases have developed. There are numerous steps involved in ART and there are many variables that must be considered; even parental infertility may play an important role in offspring epigenetic modifications. This review presents available data from the literature regarding the incidence of these epigenetic modifications after ART, with a primary focus on oocyte insemination methodology. The authors conclude that ART, especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection, may induce epigenetic changes that can be transmitted to the offspring, but additional data are necessary to evaluate the factors involved and to determine the safety of each ART step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Hutanu
- Biology Department, Chemistry-Biology-Geography Faculty, West Univeristy of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
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14
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Pisarska MD, Chan JL, Lawrenson K, Gonzalez TL, Wang ET. Genetics and Epigenetics of Infertility and Treatments on Outcomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1871-1886. [PMID: 30561694 PMCID: PMC6463256 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Infertility affects 10% of the reproductive-age population. Even the most successful treatments such as assisted reproductive technologies still result in failed implantation. In addition, adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with infertility have been attributed to these fertility treatments owing to the presumed epigenetic modifications of in vitro fertilization and in vitro embryo development. However, the diagnosis of infertility has been associated with adverse outcomes, and the etiologies leading to infertility have been associated with adverse pregnancy and long-term outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We have comprehensively summarized the data available through observational, experimental, cohort, and randomized studies to better define the effect of the underlying infertility diagnosis vs the epigenetics of infertility treatments on treatment success and overall outcomes. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Most female infertility results from polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility, with some cases resulting from a polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype or underlying endometriosis. In addition to failed implantation, defective implantation can lead to problems with placentation that leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes, affecting both mother and fetus. CONCLUSION Current research, although limited, has suggested that genetics and epigenetics of infertility diagnosis affects disease and overall outcomes. In addition, other fertility treatments, which also lead to adverse outcomes, are aiding in the identification of factors, including the supraphysiologic hormonal environment, that might affect the overall success and healthy outcomes for mother and child. Further studies, including genome-wide association studies, epigenomics studies, and experimental studies, are needed to better identify the factors leading to these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta D Pisarska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tania L Gonzalez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erica T Wang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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15
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Lorgen-Ritchie M, Murray AD, Ferguson-Smith AC, Richards M, Horgan GW, Phillips LH, Hoad G, Gall I, Harrison K, McNeill G, Ito M, Haggarty P. Imprinting methylation in SNRPN and MEST1 in adult blood predicts cognitive ability. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211799. [PMID: 30707743 PMCID: PMC6358095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is important for normal brain development and aberrant imprinting has been associated with impaired cognition. We studied the imprinting status in selected imprints (H19, IGF2, SNRPN, PEG3, MEST1, NESPAS, KvDMR, IG-DMR and ZAC1) by pyrosequencing in blood samples from longitudinal cohorts born in 1936 (n = 485) and 1921 (n = 223), and anterior hippocampus, posterior hippocampus, periventricular white matter, and thalamus from brains donated to the Aberdeen Brain Bank (n = 4). MEST1 imprint methylation was related to childhood cognitive ability score (-0.416 95% CI -0.792,-0.041; p = 0.030), with the strongest effect evident in males (-0.929 95% CI -1.531,-0.326; p = 0.003). SNRPN imprint methylation was also related to childhood cognitive ability (+0.335 95%CI 0.008,0.663; p = 0.045). A significant association was also observed for SNRPN methylation and adult crystallised cognitive ability (+0.262 95%CI 0.007,0.517; p = 0.044). Further testing of significant findings in a second cohort from the same region, but born in 1921, resulted in similar effect sizes and greater significance when the cohorts were combined (MEST1; -0.371 95% CI -0.677,-0.065; p = 0.017; SNRPN; +0.361 95% CI 0.079,0.643; p = 0.012). For SNRPN and MEST1 and four other imprints the methylation levels in blood and in the five brain regions were similar. Methylation of the paternally expressed, maternally methylated genes SNRPN and MEST1 in adult blood was associated with cognitive ability in childhood. This is consistent with the known importance of the SNRPN containing 15q11-q13 and the MEST1 containing 7q31-34 regions in cognitive function. These findings, and their sex specific nature in MEST1, point to new mechanisms through which complex phenotypes such as cognitive ability may be inherited. These mechanisms are potentially relevant to both the heritable and non-heritable components of cognitive ability. The process of epigenetic imprinting—within SNRPN and MEST1 in particular—and the factors that influence it, are worthy of further study in relation to the determinants of cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Lorgen-Ritchie
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Alison D. Murray
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marcus Richards
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham W. Horgan
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gwen Hoad
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ishbel Gall
- Department of Pathology, N.H.S. Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Harrison
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Geraldine McNeill
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Mitsuteru Ito
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Haggarty
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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16
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Lorgen-Ritchie M, Murray AD, Ferguson-Smith AC, Richards M, Horgan GW, Phillips LH, Hoad G, Gall I, Harrison K, McNeill G, Ito M, Haggarty P. Imprinting methylation in SNRPN and MEST1 in adult blood predicts cognitive ability. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211799. [PMID: 30707743 PMCID: PMC6358095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211799 10.1371/journal.pone.0215422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is important for normal brain development and aberrant imprinting has been associated with impaired cognition. We studied the imprinting status in selected imprints (H19, IGF2, SNRPN, PEG3, MEST1, NESPAS, KvDMR, IG-DMR and ZAC1) by pyrosequencing in blood samples from longitudinal cohorts born in 1936 (n = 485) and 1921 (n = 223), and anterior hippocampus, posterior hippocampus, periventricular white matter, and thalamus from brains donated to the Aberdeen Brain Bank (n = 4). MEST1 imprint methylation was related to childhood cognitive ability score (-0.416 95% CI -0.792,-0.041; p = 0.030), with the strongest effect evident in males (-0.929 95% CI -1.531,-0.326; p = 0.003). SNRPN imprint methylation was also related to childhood cognitive ability (+0.335 95%CI 0.008,0.663; p = 0.045). A significant association was also observed for SNRPN methylation and adult crystallised cognitive ability (+0.262 95%CI 0.007,0.517; p = 0.044). Further testing of significant findings in a second cohort from the same region, but born in 1921, resulted in similar effect sizes and greater significance when the cohorts were combined (MEST1; -0.371 95% CI -0.677,-0.065; p = 0.017; SNRPN; +0.361 95% CI 0.079,0.643; p = 0.012). For SNRPN and MEST1 and four other imprints the methylation levels in blood and in the five brain regions were similar. Methylation of the paternally expressed, maternally methylated genes SNRPN and MEST1 in adult blood was associated with cognitive ability in childhood. This is consistent with the known importance of the SNRPN containing 15q11-q13 and the MEST1 containing 7q31-34 regions in cognitive function. These findings, and their sex specific nature in MEST1, point to new mechanisms through which complex phenotypes such as cognitive ability may be inherited. These mechanisms are potentially relevant to both the heritable and non-heritable components of cognitive ability. The process of epigenetic imprinting-within SNRPN and MEST1 in particular-and the factors that influence it, are worthy of further study in relation to the determinants of cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Lorgen-Ritchie
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Alison D. Murray
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marcus Richards
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham W. Horgan
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gwen Hoad
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ishbel Gall
- Department of Pathology, N.H.S. Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Harrison
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Geraldine McNeill
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Mitsuteru Ito
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Haggarty
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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17
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Lou H, Le F, Hu M, Yang X, Li L, Wang L, Wang N, Gao H, Jin F. Aberrant DNA Methylation of IGF2-H19 Locus in Human Fetus and in Spermatozoa From Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:997-1004. [PMID: 30270743 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118802052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Given the higher risk of developing imprinting disorders in assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived children, we hypothesized that ART may affect DNA methylation of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), H19, small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at the fetal stage, which in turn may be associated with sperm abnormalities. A total of 4 patient groups were recruited, namely, multifetal reduction following in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; n = 56), multifetal reduction following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH; n = 42), male patients with normal semen parameters denoted as normozoospermia group (NZ) for IVF (n = 36), and male patients presenting with asthenozoospermia (OAZ) for ICSI (n = 38). The expression levels and the DNA methylation status of IGF2-H19 and SNRPN DMRs in the fetuses and the semen samples were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing. In our results, the expression levels of H19 were significantly higher, whereas the methylation rates were lower in IVF-conceived fetuses compared to the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, higher methylation rates of IGF2 DMR2 and SNRPN DMR were detected both in IVF- and ICSI-conceived fetuses (P < .05). The data further indicated that the patients who presented with the majority of the CpG sites in the H19 DMR region that were lower methylated were those in the OAZ group. The results demonstrated that the epigenetic dysregulations of IGF2-H19 and SNRPN DMRs that were caused by ART were noted in the fetuses. Moreover, the present study suggested that epigenetic perturbations of the H19 DMR might be a key biomarker for spermatogenesis defects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangying Lou
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,2 Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Le
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minhao Hu
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyun Yang
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lejun Li
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liya Wang
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Gao
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Jin
- 1 Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,2 Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Potabattula R, Dittrich M, Böck J, Haertle L, Müller T, Hahn T, Schorsch M, Hajj NE, Haaf T. Allele-specific methylation of imprinted genes in fetal cord blood is influenced by cis-acting genetic variants and parental factors. Epigenomics 2018; 10:1315-1326. [PMID: 30238782 PMCID: PMC6240887 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To examine the effects of genetic variation, parental age and BMI on parental allele-specific methylation of imprinted genes in fetal cord blood samples. Methodology: We have developed SNP genotyping and deep bisulphite sequencing assays for six imprinted genes to determine parental allele-specific methylation patterns in diploid somatic tissues. Results: Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed a negative correlation of paternal age with paternal MEG3 allele methylation in fetal cord blood. Methylation of the maternal PEG3 allele showed a positive correlation with maternal age. Paternal BMI was positively correlated with paternal MEST allele methylation. In addition to parental origin, allele-specific methylation of most imprinted genes was largely dependent on the underlying SNP haplotype. Conclusion: Our study supports the idea that parental factors can have an impact, although of small effect size, on the epigenome of the next generation, providing an additional layer of complexity to phenotypic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Potabattula
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Böck
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Haertle
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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19
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Ji M, Wang X, Wu W, Guan Y, Liu J, Wang J, Liu W, Shen C. ART manipulation after controlled ovarian stimulation may not increase the risk of abnormal expression and DNA methylation at some CpG sites of H19,IGF2 and SNRPN in foetuses: a pilot study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:63. [PMID: 29976200 PMCID: PMC6034287 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the effects of IVF, ICSI and FET, as well as in vitro culture, on the safety of offspring, this study was conducted from the perspective of genetic imprinting to investigate whether assisted reproductive technology would influence the parental and maternal imprinting genes. METHODS Eighteen foetuses were collected from multifoetal reduction and divided into 6 groups: multifoetal reduction after IVF fresh transferred D3 embryos (n = 3), multifoetal reduction after IVF frozen transferred D3 embryos (n = 3), multifoetal reduction after IVF frozen transferred D5 embryos (n = 3), multifoetal reduction after ICSI fresh transferred D3 embryos (n = 3), multifoetal reduction after ICSI frozen transferred D3 embryos (n = 3), and multifoetal reduction after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) (n = 3). The imprinted genes H19, IGF2 and SNRPN were selected for analysis. The expression and DNA methylation at some CpG sites of H19, IGF2, and SNRPN were examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pyrosequencing. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the mRNA expression levels among the groups. The mean percentage of H19 methylation (eight CpG sites), IGF2 methylation (five CpG sites) and SNRPN methylation (nine CpG sites) did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that ARTs after controlled ovarian stimulation (IVF, ICSI, cryopreservation and duration of in vitro culture) may not increase the risk of abnormal expression and DNA methylation at some CpG sites of H19, IGF2 and SNRPN in foetuses. Further study with strict design, expanded sample size and CpG sites is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Ji
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingling Wang
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yichun Guan
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyan Wang
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxia Liu
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Shen
- grid.412719.8Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
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El Hajj N, Haertle L, Dittrich M, Denk S, Lehnen H, Hahn T, Schorsch M, Haaf T. DNA methylation signatures in cord blood of ICSI children. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:1761-1769. [PMID: 28575352 PMCID: PMC5850272 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does ICSI induce specific DNA methylation changes in the resulting offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER Although several thousand analyzed CpG sites (throughout the genome) displayed significant between-group methylation differences, both ICSI and spontaneously conceived children varied within the normal range of methylation variation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Children conceived by ART have increased risks for medical problems at birth and to the extent of present knowledge also in later life (i.e. impaired metabolic and cardiovascular functions). One plausible mechanism mediating these ART effects are epigenetic changes originating in the germ cells and/or early embryos and persisting during further development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We compared the cord blood methylomes and candidate gene methylation patterns of newborns conceived through ICSI or spontaneously. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Umbilical cord bloods were obtained from healthy newborn singletons conceived spontaneously (53 samples), through ICSI (89) or IVF (34). Bisulfite-converted DNA samples of 48 ICSI and 46 control pregnancies were used for genome-wide analyses with Illumina's 450K methylation arrays. Candidate genes from the methylation screen were analyzed in all three groups by bisulfite pyrosequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Altogether, 4730 (0.11%) of 428 227 analyzed CpG sites exhibited significant between-group methylation differences, but all with small (β < 10%) or very small (β < 1%) effect size. ICSI children showed a significantly decreased DNA methylation age at birth, lagging approximately half a week behind the controls. ART-susceptible CpGs were enriched in CpG islands with low methylation values (0-20%) and in imprinting control regions (ICRs). Eighteen promoter regions (six in microRNA and SNORD RNA genes), four CpG islands (three in genes including one long non-coding RNA), and two ICRs contained multiple significant sites. Three differentially methylated regions were studied in more detail by bisulfite pyrosequencing. ATG4C and SNORD114-9 could be validated in an independent ICSI group, following adjustment for maternal age and other confounding factors. ATG4C was also significant in the IVF group. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The observed epigenetic effects are small and there are numerous potential confounding factors such as parental age and infertility. Although our study meets current standards for epigenetic screens, sample size is still two orders of magnitude below that of genome-wide association studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study suggests an impact of ICSI on the offspring's epigenome(s), which may contribute to phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility in ART children. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by different classes of non-coding RNAs may be a key mechanism for developmental programming through ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a research grant (no. 692185) from the European Union (ERA of ART). There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Haertle
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Denk
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Lehnen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Municipal Clinics, Hubertusstrasse 100, 41239 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Thomas Hahn
- Fertility Center, Mainzer Strasse 98-102, 65189 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Martin Schorsch
- Fertility Center, Mainzer Strasse 98-102, 65189 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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21
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Tang L, Liu Z, Zhang R, Su C, Yang W, Yao Y, Zhao S. Imprinting alterations in sperm may not significantly influence ART outcomes and imprinting patterns in the cord blood of offspring. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187869. [PMID: 29136648 PMCID: PMC5685618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in imprinting disorders in children conceived though assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has been the subject of several reports. The transmission of imprinting errors from the sperm of infertile fathers is believed to be a possible reason for the increased occurrence of these disorders. However, whether the imprinting alterations in sperm affect ART outcomes and the imprinting of offspring is unclear. In the current study, we analyzed the methylation of H19, SNRPN and KCNQ1OT1 by pyrosequencing sperm samples from 97 infertile patients and 31 proven fertile males as well as cord blood samples from 13 infantswho were conceived by infertile parents through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and 30 healthy newborns who were conceived naturally. After four cases were excluded owing to the lack of a sequencing signal, the infertile patients were subgrouped into normal (69 cases) and abnormal (24 cases) imprinting groups according to the reference range set by the control group. Between the groups, there were no significant differences in ART outcomes. Significantly different levels of methylation were detected in H19, but none of the imprinted genes were determined to be outside of the methylation reference range set by the values derived from the naturally conceived controls. Three CpG loci were found to be significantly hypomethylated in the maternally imprinted gene KCNQ1OT1 in two patients from the abnormal imprinting group, none of which were caused by sperm imprinting errors. In addition, the paternal H19 gene exhibited discrepant methylation patterns between the sperm controls and the cord blood controls. Our data suggest that increased imprinting errors in the sperm of infertile patients do not have an obvious influence on ART outcomes or the imprinting of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zichao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Special Biological Resource Development and Utilization of Universities in Yunnan Province, Department of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ruopeng Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Cunmei Su
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Youlin Yao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Population and Family Planning Research Institute, Kunming, China
- * E-mail:
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22
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Castillo-Fernandez JE, Loke YJ, Bass-Stringer S, Gao F, Xia Y, Wu H, Lu H, Liu Y, Wang J, Spector TD, Saffery R, Craig JM, Bell JT. DNA methylation changes at infertility genes in newborn twins conceived by in vitro fertilisation. Genome Med 2017; 9:28. [PMID: 28340599 PMCID: PMC5364659 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0413-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and DNA methylation has been studied predominantly at regulatory regions of imprinted genes and at just thousands of the ~28 million CpG sites in the human genome. METHODS We investigated the links between IVF and DNA methylation patterns in whole cord blood cells (n = 98) and cord blood mononuclear cells (n = 82) from newborn twins using genome-wide methylated DNA immunoprecipitation coupled with deep sequencing. RESULTS At a false discovery rate (FDR) of 5%, we identified one significant whole blood DNA methylation change linked to conception via IVF, which was located ~3 kb upstream of TNP1, a gene previously linked to male infertility. The 46 most strongly associated signals (FDR of 25%) included a second region in a gene also previously linked to infertility, C9orf3, suggesting that our findings may in part capture the effect of parental subfertility. Using twin modelling, we observed that individual-specific environmental factors appear to be the main overall contributors of methylation variability at the FDR 25% IVF-associated differentially methylated regions, although evidence for methylation heritability was also obtained at several of these regions. We replicated previous findings of differential methylation associated with IVF at the H19/IGF2 region in cord blood mononuclear cells, and we validated the signal at C9orf3 in monozygotic twins. We also explored the impact of intracytoplasmic sperm injection on the FDR 25% signals for potential effects specific to male or female infertility factors. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of DNA methylation profiles at birth and IVF conception to date, and our results show evidence for epigenetic modifications that may in part reflect parental subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Early Life Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sebastian Bass-Stringer
- Early Life Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fei Gao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Jun Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 22254, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, SE1 7EH, London, UK.
| | - Richard Saffery
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Cancer, Disease and Developmental Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Early Life Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, SE1 7EH, London, UK.
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23
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Xu GF, Liao Y, Li JY, Liu YF, Huang Y, Wu YQ, Liu J, Lv PP, Zhang RJ, Zhang D. Ovarian stimulation perturbs methylation status of placental imprinting genes and reduces blood pressure in the second generation offspring. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 211:140-145. [PMID: 28259006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is associated with DNA methylation dysfunction of offspring. However, it is unclear whether ovarian stimulation (OS) is responsible for DNA methylation dysfunction of offspring STUDY DESIGN: We built the first-generation (F1) and second-generation (F2) offspring mice model of ovarian stimulation. Bodyweight of F1 and F2 were measured. Expression levels of several imprinted genes (Impact, H19, Igf2, Plagl1, Mest, and Snrpn) in F1 placenta were tested. Methylation status of Plagl1 and H19 promoters was examined with bisulfite sequencing. Glucose tolerance, blood pressure, and heart rate were evaluated in F2 mice. RESULTS The OS F1 showed elevated bodyweights in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks, but the difference disappeared in the 5th week. Plagl1 was down-regulated in OS F1. Promoters of Plagl1 and H19 were also hypermethylated in OS F1. F2 of OS mice had the similar bodyweight and glucose tolerance compared with the control F2. However, F2 of OS ♂F1+OS♀ F1 showed the decreased systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS Ovarian stimulation perturbs expression levels and methylation status of imprinted genes in offspring. The effect of ovarian stimulation may be passed to F2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gu-Feng Xu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Liao
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Yi Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Feng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Qing Wu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Ping Lv
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Run-Jv Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, China.
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24
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Xu N, Barlow GM, Cui J, Wang ET, Lee B, Akhlaghpour M, Kroener L, Williams J, Rotter JI, Chen YDI, Goodarzi MO, Pisarska MD. Comparison of Genome-Wide and Gene-Specific DNA Methylation Profiling in First-Trimester Chorionic Villi From Pregnancies Conceived With Infertility Treatments. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:996-1004. [PMID: 28090815 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116675056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproductive technologies are associated with altered methylation in term placenta. However, it is unclear whether methylation patterns are the result of fertility treatments or intrauterine environment. Thus, we set out to determine whether there are differences in the first-trimester placenta that may be altered by the underlying fertility treatments. Genome-wide DNA methylation analyses from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) from matched singleton pregnancies conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF), non-IVF fertility treatment (NIFT), or those conceived spontaneously were performed using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip from 15 matched CVS samples. Nanofluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of differently methylated genes was performed in a confirmatory cohort of 23 IVF conceptions and 24 NIFT conceptions. RESULTS Global methylation was similar among the IVF, NIFT, and spontaneous conceptions. However, differential methylation from IVF and NIFT pregnancies was present at 34 CpG sites, which was significantly different. Of those, 14 corresponded to known genes, with methylation changes detected at multiple loci in 3 genes, anaphase-promoting complex subunit 2 ( ANAPC2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14 ( CXCL14), and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis 1 ( RIMS1). Nanofluidic qPCR of differentially methylated genes identified pre T-cell antigen receptor alpha ( PTCRA) to be significantly downregulated in IVF versus NIFT conceptions. CONCLUSION Although global methylation patterns are similar, there are differences in methylation of specific genes in IVF compared to NIFT conceptions, leading to altered gene expression. PTCRA was differentially methylated and downregulated in IVF conceptions, warranting further investigation. It remains to be determined whether these changes affect placentation and whether it is due to the more profound underlying infertility requiring IVF, yet these data provide unique insight into the first-trimester placental epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xu
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gillian M Barlow
- 2 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jinrui Cui
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erica T Wang
- 2 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,3 UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bora Lee
- 2 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marzieh Akhlaghpour
- 2 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay Kroener
- 2 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,3 UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John Williams
- 3 UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,4 Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jerome I Rotter
- 5 Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, LA Biomed/Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Yii-der I Chen
- 5 Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, LA Biomed/Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Mark O Goodarzi
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,3 UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- 2 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,3 UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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Sinclair KD, Rutherford KMD, Wallace JM, Brameld JM, Stöger R, Alberio R, Sweetman D, Gardner DS, Perry VEA, Adam CL, Ashworth CJ, Robinson JE, Dwyer CM. Epigenetics and developmental programming of welfare and production traits in farm animals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:RD16102. [PMID: 27439952 DOI: 10.1071/rd16102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that postnatal health and development can be influenced by events that occur in utero originated from epidemiological studies in humans supported by numerous mechanistic (including epigenetic) studies in a variety of model species. Referred to as the 'developmental origins of health and disease' or 'DOHaD' hypothesis, the primary focus of large-animal studies until quite recently had been biomedical. Attention has since turned towards traits of commercial importance in farm animals. Herein we review the evidence that prenatal risk factors, including suboptimal parental nutrition, gestational stress, exposure to environmental chemicals and advanced breeding technologies, can determine traits such as postnatal growth, feed efficiency, milk yield, carcass composition, animal welfare and reproductive potential. We consider the role of epigenetic and cytoplasmic mechanisms of inheritance, and discuss implications for livestock production and future research endeavours. We conclude that although the concept is proven for several traits, issues relating to effect size, and hence commercial importance, remain. Studies have also invariably been conducted under controlled experimental conditions, frequently assessing single risk factors, thereby limiting their translational value for livestock production. We propose concerted international research efforts that consider multiple, concurrent stressors to better represent effects of contemporary animal production systems.
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26
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Assisted reproductive technology alters deoxyribonucleic acid methylation profiles in bloodspots of newborn infants. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:629-639.e10. [PMID: 27288894 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of infertility and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on DNA methylation of offspring. DESIGN Microarray analysis of DNA methylation in archived neonatal bloodspots of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ICSI-conceived children compared with controls born to fertile and infertile parents. SETTING Academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Neonatal blood spots of 137 newborns conceived spontaneously, through intrauterine insemination (IUI), or through ICSI using fresh or cryopreserved (frozen) embryo transfer. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450k BeadChip assay determined genome-wide DNA methylation. Methylation differences between conception groups were detected using a Bioconductor package, ChAMP, in conjunction with Adjacent Site Clustering (A-clustering). RESULT(S) The methylation profiles of assisted reproductive technology and IUI newborns were dramatically different from those of naturally (in vivo) conceived newborns. Interestingly, the profiles of ICSI-frozen (FET) and IUI infants were strikingly similar, suggesting that cryopreservation may temper some of the epigenetic aberrations induced by IVF or ICSI. The DNA methylation changes associated with IVF/ICSI culture conditions and/or parental infertility were detected at metastable epialleles, suggesting a lasting impact on a child's epigenome. CONCLUSION(S) Both infertility and ICSI alter DNA methylation at specific genomic loci, an effect that is mitigated to some extent by FET. The impact of assisted reproductive technology and/or fertility status on metastable epialleles in humans was uncovered. This study provides an expanded set of loci for future investigations on IVF populations.
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27
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Vincent RN, Gooding LD, Louie K, Chan Wong E, Ma S. Altered DNA methylation and expression of PLAGL1 in cord blood from assisted reproductive technology pregnancies compared with natural conceptions. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:739-748.e3. [PMID: 27178226 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes and an imprinted gene network (IGN) in neonates conceived via assisted reproductive technology (ART). DESIGN Case control. SETTING Research institution. PATIENT(S) Two hundred sixty-four cases of cord blood and/or placental villi from neonates (101 IVF, 81 ICSI, 82 naturally conceived). INTERVENTION(S) Placentas were obtained at birth for biopsy and cord blood extraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes. RESULT(S) DNA methylation at the PLAGL1 differentially methylated region (DMR) was significantly higher in IVF cord blood (48.0%) compared with controls (46.0%). No differences were found in DNA methylation between conception modes for KvDMR1 and LINE-1 in cord blood and placenta as well as PLAGL1 and PEG10 in placenta villi. PLAGL1 expression was lower in both IVF and ICSI cord blood groups than in controls (relative quantification of 0.65, 0.74, 0.89, respectively). Analyzing the expression of 3 genes in a PLAGL1 regulated IGN revealed different expression between conception modes and a significant correlation to PLAGL1 expression in only one (KCNQ1OT1). CONCLUSION(S) Our results suggest a stability of DNA methylation at imprinted DMRs; however, we show PLAGL1 methylation/expression to be altered after ART. As PLAGL1 expression correlated with only one of the three IGN genes in cord blood, we propose there is a more complex mechanism of regulating the IGN that may involve other genes and epigenetic modifications in this tissue. Further research investigating IGN-implicated genes in various neonatal tissues is warranted to elucidate the full effects ART-induced alterations to PLAGL1 and the IGN may have on fetal growth/development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luke D Gooding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kenny Louie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Edgar Chan Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Tan K, Zhang Z, Miao K, Yu Y, Sui L, Tian J, An L. Dynamic integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in in vivo and in vitro fertilized mouse post-implantation extraembryonic and placental tissues. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:485-98. [PMID: 27090932 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS How does in vitro fertilization (IVF) alter promoter DNA methylation patterns and its subsequent effects on gene expression profiles during placentation in mice? STUDY FINDING IVF-induced alterations in promoter DNA methylation might have functional consequences in a number of biological processes and functions during IVF placentation, including actin cytoskeleton organization, hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, energy metabolism and nutrient transport. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY During post-implantation embryonic development, both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues undergo de novo DNA methylation, thereby establishing a global DNA methylation pattern, and influencing gene expression profiles. Embryonic and placental tissues of IVF conceptuses can have aberrant morphology and functions, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pregnancy loss, low birthweight, and long-term health effects. To date, the IVF-induced global profiling of DNA methylation alterations, and their functional consequences on aberrant gene expression profiles in IVF placentas have not been systematically studied. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Institute for Cancer Research mice (6 week-old females and 8-9 week-old males) were used to generate in vivo fertilization (IVO) and IVF blastocysts. After either IVO and development (IVO group as control) or in vitro fertilization and culture (IVF group), blastocysts were collected and transferred to pseudo-pregnant recipient mice. Extraembryonic (ectoplacental cone and extraembryonic ectoderm) and placental tissues from both groups were sampled at embryonic day (E) 7.5 (IVO, n = 822; IVF, n = 795) and E10.5 (IVO, n = 324; IVF, n = 278), respectively. The collected extraembryonic (E7.5) and placental tissues (E10.5) were then used for high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq). The main dysfunctions indicated by bioinformatic analyses were further validated using molecular detection, and morphometric and phenotypic analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Dynamic functional profiling of high-throughput data, together with molecular detection, and morphometric and phenotypic analyses, showed that differentially expressed genes dysregulated by DNA methylation were functionally involved in: (i) actin cytoskeleton disorganization in IVF extraembryonic tissues, which may impair allantois or chorion formation, and chorioallantoic fusion; (ii) disturbed hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, which may lead to abnormal placenta labyrinth formation and thereby impairing nutrition transport in IVF placentas; (iii) dysregulated energy and amino acid metabolism, which may cause placental dysfunctions, leading to delayed embryonic development or even lethality; (iv) disrupted genetic information processing, which can further influence gene transcriptional and translational processes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Findings in mouse placental tissues may not be fully representative of human placentas. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and determine their clinical significance. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study is the first to provide the genome-wide analysis of gene expression dysregulation caused by DNA methylation during IVF placentation. Systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms implicated in IVF placentation can be useful for the improvement of existing assisted conception systems to prevent these IVF-associated safety concerns. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31472092), and the National High-Tech R&D Program (Nos. 2011|AA100303, 2013AA102506). There was no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Zhenni Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Kai Miao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yong Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Sui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Lei An
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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Ghosh J, Mainigi M, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C. Outlier DNA methylation levels as an indicator of environmental exposure and risk of undesirable birth outcome. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:123-9. [PMID: 26566672 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified a novel molecular phenotype that defines a subgroup of newborns who have highly disrupted epigenomes. We profiled DNA methylation in cord blood of 114 children selected from the lowest and highest quintiles of the birth weight distribution (irrespective of their mode of conception) at 96 CpG sites in genes we have found previously to be related to birth weight or growth and metabolism. We identified those individuals in each group who differed from the mean of the distribution by the greatest magnitude at each site and for the largest number of sites. Such 'outlier' individuals differ substantially from the rest of the group in having highly disrupted methylation levels at many CpG sites. We find that children from the lowest quintile of the birth weight distribution have a significantly greater number of disrupted CpGs than children from the highest quintile of the birth weight distribution. Among children from the lowest quintile of the birth weight distribution, 'outlier' individuals are significantly more common among children conceived in vitro than children conceived in vivo. These observations are novel and potentially important because they associate a molecular phenotype (multiple and large DNA methylation differences) in normal somatic tissues (cord blood) with both a prenatal exposure (conception in vitro) and a clinically important outcome (low birth weight). These observations suggest that some individuals are more susceptible to environmentally mediated epigenetic alterations than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA and
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Marsit CJ. Influence of environmental exposure on human epigenetic regulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:71-9. [PMID: 25568453 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.106971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental toxicants can alter epigenetic regulatory features such as DNA methylation and microRNA expression. As the sensitivity of epigenomic regulatory features may be greatest during the in utero period, when critical windows are narrow, and when epigenomic profiles are being set, this review will highlight research focused on that period. I will focus on work in human populations, where the impact of environmental toxicants in utero, including cigarette smoke and toxic trace metals such as arsenic, mercury and manganese, on genome-wide, gene-specific DNA methylation has been assessed. In particular, arsenic is highlighted, as this metalloid has been the focus of a number of studies and its detoxification mechanisms are well understood. Importantly, the tissues and cells being examined must be considered in context in order to interpret the findings of these studies. For example, by studying the placenta, it is possible to identify potential epigenetic adaptations of key genes and pathways that may alter the developmental course in line with the developmental origins of health and disease paradigm. Alternatively, studies of newborn cord blood can be used to examine how environmental exposure in utero can impact the composition of cells within the peripheral blood, leading to immunological effects of exposure. The results suggest that in humans, like other vertebrates, there is a susceptibility for epigenomic alteration by the environment during intrauterine development, and this may represent a mechanism of plasticity of the organism in response to its environment as well as a mechanism through which long-term health consequences can be shaped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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The placenta: phenotypic and epigenetic modifications induced by Assisted Reproductive Technologies throughout pregnancy. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:87. [PMID: 26300992 PMCID: PMC4546204 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, there is growing interest in the potential epigenetic risk related to assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Much evidence in the literature supports the hypothesis that adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to ART are associated with abnormal trophoblastic invasion. The aim of this review is to investigate the relationship between epigenetic dysregulation caused by ART and subsequent placental response. The dialogue between the endometrium and the embryo is a crucial step to achieve successful trophoblastic invasion, thus ensuring a non-complicated pregnancy and healthy offspring. However, as described in this review, ART could impair both actors involved in this dialogue. First, ART may induce epigenetic defects in the conceptus by modifying the embryo environment. Second, as a result of hormone treatments, ART may impair endometrial receptivity. In some cases, it results in embryonic growth arrest but, when the development of the embryo continues, the placenta could bring adaptive responses throughout pregnancy. Amongst the different mechanisms, epigenetics, especially thanks to a finely tuned network of imprinted genes stimulated by foetal signals, may modify nutrient transfer, placental growth and vascularization. If these coping mechanisms are overwhelmed, improper maternal-foetal exchanges occur, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as abortion, preeclampsia or intra-uterine growth restriction. But in most cases, successful placental adaptation enables normal progress of the pregnancy. Nevertheless, the risks induced by these modifications during pregnancy are not fully understood. Metabolic diseases later in life could be exacerbated through the memory of epigenetic adaptation mechanisms established during pregnancy. Thus, more research is still needed to better understand abnormal interactions between the embryo and the milieu in artificial conditions. As trophectoderm cells are in direct contact with the environment, they deserve to be studied in more detail. The ultimate goal of these studies will be to render ART protocols safer. Optimization of the environment will be the key to improving the dialogue between the endometrium and embryo, so as to ensure that placentation after ART is similar to that following natural conception.
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Tan K, An L, Wang SM, Wang XD, Zhang ZN, Miao K, Sui LL, He SZ, Nie JZ, Wu ZH, Tian JH. Actin Disorganization Plays a Vital Role in Impaired Embryonic Development of In Vitro-Produced Mouse Preimplantation Embryos. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130382. [PMID: 26076347 PMCID: PMC4468147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is being increasingly applied to overcome infertility. However, the in vitro production process, the main procedure of ART, can lead to aberrant embryonic development and health-related problems in offspring. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the ART-induced side effects is important to improve the ART process. In this study, we carried out comparative transcriptome profiling between in vivo- (IVO) and in vitro- produced (IVP) mouse blastocysts. Our results suggested that aberrant actin organization might be a major factor contributing to the impaired development of IVP embryos. To test this, we examined the effect of actin disorganization on the development of IVP preimplantation embryos. Specific disruption of actin organization by cytochalasin B (CB) indicated that well-organized actin is essential for in vitro embryonic development. Supplementing the culture medium with 10–9 M melatonin, a cytoskeletal modulator in adult somatic cells, significantly reversed the disrupted expression patterns of genes related to actin organization, including Arhgef2, Bcl2, Coro2b, Flnc, and Palld. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that melatonin treatment of IVP embryos significantly improved the distribution and organization of actin filaments (F-actin) from the 8-cell stage onwards. More importantly, we found that melatonin alleviated the CB-mediated aberrant F-actin distribution and organization and rescued CB-induced impaired embryonic development. This is the first study to indicate that actin disorganization is implicated in impaired development of IVP embryos during the preimplantation stage. We also demonstrated that improving actin organization is a promising strategy to optimize existing IVP systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lei An
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Ni Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Kai Miao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lin-Lin Sui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Zhi He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Zhou Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhong-Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
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Anifandis G, Messini CI, Dafopoulos K, Messinis IE. Genes and Conditions Controlling Mammalian Pre- and Post-implantation Embryo Development. Curr Genomics 2015; 16:32-46. [PMID: 25937812 PMCID: PMC4412963 DOI: 10.2174/1389202916666141224205025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo quality during the in vitro developmental period is of great clinical importance. Experimental genetic studies during this period have demonstrated the association between specific gene expression profiles and the production of healthy blastocysts. Although the quality of the oocyte may play a major role in embryo development, it has been well established that the post - fertilization period also has an important and crucial role in the determination of blastocyst quality. A variety of genes (such as OCT, SOX2, NANOG) and their related signaling pathways as well as transcription molecules (such as TGF-β, BMP) have been implicated in the pre- and post-implantation period. Furthermore, DNA methylation has been lately characterized as an epigenetic mark since it is one of the most important processes involved in the maintenance of genome stability. Physiological embryo development appears to depend upon the correct DNA methylation pattern. Due to the fact that soon after fertilization the zygote undergoes several morphogenetic and developmental events including activation of embryonic genome through the transition of the maternal genome, a diverse gene expression pattern may lead to clinically important conditions, such as apoptosis or the production of a chromosomically abnormal embryo. The present review focused on genes and their role during pre-implantation embryo development, giving emphasis on the various parameters that may alter gene expression or DNA methylation patterns. The pre-implantation embryos derived from in vitro culture systems (in vitro fertilization) and the possible effects on gene expression after the prolonged culture conditions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ; Embryology Lab, University of Thessalia, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larisa, Greece
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van Montfoort APA. To pool or not to pool DNA methylation data from different tissues? Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:552-3. [PMID: 25904657 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lazaraviciute G, Kauser M, Bhattacharya S, Haggarty P, Bhattacharya S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of DNA methylation levels and imprinting disorders in children conceived by IVF/ICSI compared with children conceived spontaneously. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:555-7. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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36
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Song S, Ghosh J, Mainigi M, Turan N, Weinerman R, Truongcao M, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C. DNA methylation differences between in vitro- and in vivo-conceived children are associated with ART procedures rather than infertility. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:41. [PMID: 25901188 PMCID: PMC4404660 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We, and others, have demonstrated previously that there are differences in DNA methylation and transcript levels of a number of genes in cord blood and placenta between children conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and children conceived in vivo. The source of these differences (the effect of ART versus the underlying infertility) has never been determined in humans. In this study, we have attempted to resolve this issue by comparing placental DNA methylation levels at 37 CpG sites in 16 previously identified candidate genes in independent populations of children conceived in vivo (‘fertile control’ group) with ART children conceived from two groups: either autologous oocytes with infertility in one or both parents (‘infertile ART’ group) or donor oocytes (obtained from young fertile donors) without male infertility (‘donor oocyte ART’ group). Results Of the 37 CpG sites analyzed, significant differences between the three groups were found in 11 CpGs (29.73 %), using ANOVA. Tukey’s post hoc test on the significant results indicated that seven (63.63 %) of these differences were significant between the donor oocyte ART and fertile control groups. In addition, 20 of the 37 CpGs analyzed had been identified as differentially methylated between ART and fertile control groups in an independent population in a prior study. Of these 20 CpG sites, 9 also showed significant differences in the present population. An additional 9 CpGs were found to be significantly different between the two groups. Of these 18 candidate CpGs, 12 CpGs (in seven candidate genes) also showed significant differences in placental DNA methylation levels between the donor oocyte ART and fertile control groups. Conclusions These data suggest strongly that the DNA methylation differences observed between ART and in vivo conceptions are associated with some aspect of ART protocols, not simply the underlying infertility. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-015-0071-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Song
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119 USA
| | - Nahid Turan
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Rachel Weinerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119 USA
| | - May Truongcao
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119 USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA ; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
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Montjean D, Zini A, Ravel C, Belloc S, Dalleac A, Copin H, Boyer P, McElreavey K, Benkhalifa M. Sperm global DNA methylation level: association with semen parameters and genome integrity. Andrology 2015; 3:235-40. [PMID: 25755112 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sperm DNA methylation abnormalities have been detected in oligozoospermic men. However, the association between sperm DNA methylation defects, sperm parameters and sperm DNA, and chromatin integrity remains poorly understood. This study was designed to clarify this issue. We recruited a cohort of 92 men (62 normozoospermic and 30 oligoasthenozoospermic) presenting for infertility evaluation during a 1-year period. Sperm global DNA methylation was evaluated by an ELISA-like method, DNA fragmentation was evaluated by flow cytometry-based terminal transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay (reported as DNA fragmentation index or DFI), and sperm denaturation was evaluated by aniline blue staining (reported as sperm denaturation index or SDI, a marker of chromatin compaction). We found a significant positive association between sperm global DNA methylation level and conventional sperm parameters (sperm concentration and motility), supported by the results of methylation analysis on H19-DMR. We also identified significant inverse relationships between sperm global DNA methylation, and, both DFI and SDI. However, sperm global DNA methylation level was not related to sperm vitality or morphology. Our findings suggest that global sperm DNA methylation levels are related to conventional sperm parameters, as well as, sperm chromatin and DNA integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Montjean
- Service de Medicine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Saint-Joseph, Marseille, France
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The impact of assisted reproductive technologies on genomic imprinting and imprinting disorders. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2015; 26:210-21. [PMID: 24752003 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genomic imprinting refers to preferential allele-specific gene expression. DNA methylation-based molecular mechanisms regulate establishment and maintenance of parental imprints during early embryo development and gametogenesis. Because of the coincident timing, a potential association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures and imprinting defects has been investigated in various studies. In this review, we provide an overview of genomic imprinting and present a summary of the relevant clinical data. RECENT FINDINGS ART procedures affect DNA methylation pattern, parental imprinting status, and imprinted gene expression in the mouse embryo. In humans, several case series suggested an association between ART and imprinting disorders, with a three-fold to six-fold higher prevalence of ART use among children born with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome compared to the general population. However, more recent studies failed to support these findings and could not demonstrate an association between imprinting disorders and ARTs, independent of subfertility. SUMMARY ART procedures may affect methylation status of imprinted regions in the DNA, leading to imprinting disorders. Although the low prevalence of imprinting disorders makes it challenging to perform conclusive clinical trials, further studies in large registries are required to determine the real impact of ARTs on their occurrence.
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Melamed N, Choufani S, Wilkins-Haug LE, Koren G, Weksberg R. Comparison of genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation between ART and naturally conceived pregnancies. Epigenetics 2015; 10:474-83. [PMID: 25580569 DOI: 10.4161/15592294.2014.988041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Data linking assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with aberrant DNA methylation is limited and inconclusive. In addition, most studies to date have analyzed only a small number of CpG sites and focused on methylation changes in placentas, while data on cord blood are scarce. Our aim was to compare DNA methylation in cord blood samples from ART (N = 10) and control pregnancies (N = 8) using a genome-wide approach with the Illumina® Infinium Human Methylation27 array, which interrogates 27,578 CpG sites. A total of 733 (2.7%) of the CpG sites were significantly differentially methylated between the 2 groups (P < 0.05), with an overall relative hypomethylation in the ART group (P < 0.001). Differences in DNA methylation were more pronounced for CpG sites in certain types of genomic locations and were related to baseline methylation levels and distance from CpG islands and transcription start sites. ART was associated with significantly higher variation in DNA methylation, suggesting that differences in DNA methylation between cases and controls may result from stochastic (or random) genome-wide changes in DNA methylation in ART pregnancies. We identified 24 candidate genes with 2 or more CpG sites that were significantly different between the IVF and control groups. The current study provides support for the hypothesis that ART or associated subfertility may be associated with genome-wide changes in DNA methylation, and these changes appear to be, at least in part, due to epigenetic instability in ART pregnancies. Further studies are required in order to determine the extent to which such ART-related epigenetic instability may have phenotypic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Melamed
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Mount Sinai Hospital ; Toronto , ON Canada
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40
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Nelissen ECM, Dumoulin JCM, Busato F, Ponger L, Eijssen LM, Evers JLH, Tost J, van Montfoort APA. Altered gene expression in human placentas after IVF/ICSI. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2821-31. [PMID: 25316457 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is gene expression in placental tissue of IVF/ICSI patients altered when compared with a spontaneously conceived group, and are these alterations due to loss of imprinting (LOI) in the case of imprinted genes? SUMMARY ANSWER An altered imprinted gene expression of H19 and Pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 2 (PHLDA2), which was not due to LOI, was observed in human placentas after IVF/ICSI and several biological pathways were significantly overrepresented and mostly up-regulated. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Genomic imprinting plays an important role in placental biology and in placental adaptive responses triggered by external stimuli. Changes in placental development and function can have dramatic effects on the fetus and its ability to cope with the intrauterine environment. An increased frequency of placenta-related problems as well as an adverse perinatal outcome is seen in IVF/ICSI derived pregnancies, but the role of placental epigenetic deregulation is not clear yet. STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS In this prospective cohort study, a total of 115 IVF/ICSI and 138 control couples were included during pregnancy. After applying several exclusion criteria (i.e. preterm birth or stillbirth, no placental samples, pregnancy complications or birth defects), respectively, 81 and 105 placentas from IVF/ICSI and control pregnancies remained for analysis. Saliva samples were collected from both parents. METHODS We quantitatively analysed the mRNA expression of several growth-related imprinted genes [H19, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), PHLDA2, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), mesoderm-specific transcript homolog (MEST) isoform α and β by quantitative PCR] after standardization against three housekeeping genes [Succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA), YWHAZ and TATA-binding protein (TBP)]. A quantitative allele-specific expression analysis of the differentially expressed imprinted genes was performed to investigate LOI, independent of the mechanism of imprinting. Furthermore, a microarray analysis was carried out (n = 10 in each group) to investigate the expression of non-imprinted genes as well. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both H19 and PHLDA2 showed a significant change, respectively, a 1.3-fold (P = 0.033) and 1.5-fold (P = 0.002) increase in mRNA expression in the IVF/ICSI versus control group. However, we found no indication that there is an increased frequency of LOI in IVF/ICSI placental samples. Genome-wide mRNA expression revealed 13 significantly overrepresented biological pathways involved in metabolism, immune response, transmembrane signalling and cell cycle control, which were mostly up-regulated in the IVF/ICSI placental samples. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only a subset of samples was found to be fully informative, which unavoidably led to lower sample numbers for our LOI analysis. Our study cannot distinguish whether the reported differences in the IVF/ICSI group are exclusively attributable to the IVF/ICSI technique itself or to the underlying subfertility of the patients. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Whether these placental adaptations observed in pregnancies conceived by IVF/ICSI might be connected to an adverse perinatal outcome after IVF remains unknown. However, it is possible that these differences affect fetal development and long-term patterns of gene expression, as well as maternal gestational physiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Partly funded by an unrestricted research grant by Organon BV (now MSD BV) and GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology without any role in study design, data collection and analysis or preparation of the manuscript. No conflict of interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Dutch Trial Registry (NTR) number 1298.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewka C M Nelissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - John C M Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, CEA-Institut de Génomique, Centre National de Génotypage, Evry, France
| | - Loïc Ponger
- MNHN CNRS UMR7196, Paris, France INSERM U565, Paris, France
| | - Lars M Eijssen
- Department of Bioinformatics-BiGCaT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes L H Evers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, CEA-Institut de Génomique, Centre National de Génotypage, Evry, France
| | - Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Effect of oocyte vitrification on deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of H19, Peg3, and Snrpn differentially methylated regions in mouse blastocysts. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1183-1190.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Prontera P, Donti E. Hypothesis: gonadal temperature influences sex-specific imprinting. Front Genet 2014; 5:294. [PMID: 25202325 PMCID: PMC4142806 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Various explanations have been advanced for the evolution of genomic imprinting, the most popular of these being the parental conflict hypothesis. However, while this theory may explain why there has been selection for imprinting certain genes, it does not explain how the maternal and paternal genomes can be distinguished from each other. Here, we hypothesize that the temperature at which male and female gonads are physiologically exposed could be, at least for some loci, the primary factor leading to the different imprinting between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia Perugia, Italy
| | - Emilio Donti
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia Perugia, Italy
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43
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Abstract
At fertilization, the gametes endow the embryo with a genomic blueprint, the integrity of which is affected by the age and environmental exposures of both parents. Recent studies reveal that parental history and experiences also exert effects through epigenomic information not contained in the DNA sequence, including variations in sperm and oocyte cytosine methylation and chromatin patterning, noncoding RNAs, and mitochondria. Transgenerational epigenetic effects interact with conditions at conception to program the developmental trajectory of the embryo and fetus, ultimately affecting the lifetime health of the child. These insights compel us to revise generally held notions to accommodate the prospect that biological parenting commences well before birth, even prior to conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lane
- The Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 3, Medical School, South Adelaide, SA, 5005 Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- The Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 3, Medical School, South Adelaide, SA, 5005 Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 3, Medical School, South Adelaide, SA, 5005 Australia.
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Lazaraviciute G, Kauser M, Bhattacharya S, Haggarty P, Bhattacharya S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of DNA methylation levels and imprinting disorders in children conceived by IVF/ICSI compared with children conceived spontaneously. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:840-52. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Whitelaw N, Bhattacharya S, Hoad G, Horgan GW, Hamilton M, Haggarty P. Epigenetic status in the offspring of spontaneous and assisted conception. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1452-8. [PMID: 24812310 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is DNA methylation in buccal cell DNA from children born following IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) different from that of spontaneously conceived children? SUMMARY ANSWER DNA methylation in the imprinted gene, small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN), was higher in children conceived by ICSI and in those born to women with the longest duration of infertility regardless of the method of conception. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Fertility treatment is associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of a range of adverse obstetric outcomes, birth defects and longer term sequelae, but the biological basis for this is unknown. A growing evidence base suggests that epigenetics may play a role in subfertility and the link between fertility and health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this retrospective cohort study of children born between 2002 and 2008, we measured DNA methylation in paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2), SNRPN, long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1) and the insulin gene (INS) in buccal cell DNA from children born following IVF (n = 49) and ICSI (n = 20) and compared them with a matched spontaneous conception group (n = 86). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were identified from the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank and IVF and ICSI pregnancies were matched to spontaneous conception pregnancies on year of birth and maternal age at delivery. Only singleton pregnancies following fresh embryo transfer were included. DNA methylation was determined by pyrosequencing. Regression with adjustment for covariates was used to determine the effect of infertility on offspring DNA methylation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE SNRPN methylation in the offspring was linked to fertility treatment in the parents. This effect was specific to children conceived using ICSI and was apparent in the comparison of ICSI versus spontaneous conception (1.03%; 95% CI 0.10, 1.97; P = 0.031), ICSI versus standard IVF (1.13%; 95% CI 0.04, 2.23; P = 0.043) and ICSI versus standard IVF and spontaneous conception (1.05; 95% CI 0.15, 1.94; P = 0.023). In all comparisons, the use of ICSI was associated with a higher level of SNRPN methylation in the offspring. A higher level of SNRPN methylation in the offspring was also associated with a longer duration of infertility in the parents. This was observed in all cases of infertility (0.18% per year of infertility; 95% CI 0.02, 0.33; P = 0.026) and after excluding ICSI cases (0.21% per year of infertility; 95% CI 0.04, 0.37; P = 0.017). There was a significant increase in the level of LINE1 methylation with age between birth and 7 years (0.77% per year; 95% CI 0.49, 1.05; P < 0.001). Methylation in the INS gene decreased significantly over the same period (-0.46% per year; 95% CI -0.89, -0.03; P = 0.035). There was no evidence from this cross-sectional data that methylation within the imprinted genes changed over the first 7 years of life. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The ICSI sample size was limited but the groups were carefully selected and well matched and the SNRPN findings were consistent across different outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results of this study provide support for a role for epigenetics, and imprinting in particular, in fertility. The specific changes point to possible long-term consequences of fertility treatment for the health and fertility of future generations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors report no conflict of interest in relation to this work. Funding was provided by the University of Aberdeen and the Scottish Government. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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de Waal E, Mak W, Calhoun S, Stein P, Ord T, Krapp C, Coutifaris C, Schultz RM, Bartolomei MS. In vitro culture increases the frequency of stochastic epigenetic errors at imprinted genes in placental tissues from mouse concepti produced through assisted reproductive technologies. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:22. [PMID: 24337315 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have enabled millions of couples with compromised fertility to conceive children. Nevertheless, there is a growing concern regarding the safety of these procedures due to an increased incidence of imprinting disorders, premature birth, and low birth weight in ART-conceived offspring. An integral aspect of ART is the oxygen concentration used during in vitro development of mammalian embryos, which is typically either atmospheric (~20%) or reduced (5%). Both oxygen tension levels have been widely used, but 5% oxygen improves preimplantation development in several mammalian species, including that of humans. To determine whether a high oxygen tension increases the frequency of epigenetic abnormalities in mouse embryos subjected to ART, we measured DNA methylation and expression of several imprinted genes in both embryonic and placental tissues from concepti generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and exposed to 5% or 20% oxygen during culture. We found that placentae from IVF embryos exhibit an increased frequency of abnormal methylation and expression profiles of several imprinted genes, compared to embryonic tissues. Moreover, IVF-derived placentae exhibit a variety of epigenetic profiles at the assayed imprinted genes, suggesting that these epigenetic defects arise by a stochastic process. Although culturing embryos in both of the oxygen concentrations resulted in a significant increase of epigenetic defects in placental tissues compared to naturally conceived controls, we did not detect significant differences between embryos cultured in 5% and those cultured in 20% oxygen. Thus, further optimization of ART should be considered to minimize the occurrence of epigenetic errors in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric de Waal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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47
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Evidence-based medicine and its application in clinical preimplantation embryology. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:547-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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48
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Fauser BCJM, Devroey P, Diedrich K, Balaban B, Bonduelle M, Delemarre-van de Waal HA, Estella C, Ezcurra D, Geraedts JPM, Howles CM, Lerner-Geva L, Serna J, Wells D. Health outcomes of children born after IVF/ICSI: a review of current expert opinion and literature. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 28:162-82. [PMID: 24365026 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The Sixth Evian Annual Reproduction (EVAR) Workshop Group Meeting was held to evaluate the impact of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection on the health of assisted-conception children. Epidemiologists, reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and geneticists presented data from published literature and ongoing research on the incidence of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities and congenital malformations in assisted-conception versus naturally conceived children to reach a consensus on the reasons for potential differences in outcomes between these two groups. IVF-conceived children have lower birthweights and higher peripheral fat, blood pressure and fasting glucose concentrations than controls. Growth, development and cognitive function in assisted-conception children are similar to controls. The absolute risk of imprinting disorders after assisted reproduction is less than 1%. A direct link between assisted reproduction and health-related outcomes in assisted-conception children could not be established. Women undergoing assisted reproduction are often older, increasing the chances of obtaining abnormal gametes that may cause deviations in outcomes between assisted-conception and naturally conceived children. However, after taking into account these factors, it is not clear to what extent poorer outcomes are due to the assisted reproduction procedures themselves. Large-scale, multicentre, prospective epidemiological studies are needed to investigate this further and to confirm long-term health consequences in assisted-conception children. Assisted reproduction treatment is a general term used to describe methods of achieving pregnancy by artificial means and includes IVF and sperm implantation. The effect of assisted reproduction treatment on the health of children born using these artificial methods is not fully understood. In April 2011, fertility research experts met to give presentations based on research in this area and to look carefully at the evidence for the effects of assisted reproduction treatment on children's health. The purpose of this review was to reach an agreement on whether there are differences in the health of assisted-conception children with naturally conceived children. The researchers discovered no increased risk in birth defects in assisted-conception children compared with naturally conceived children. They found that IVF-conceived children have lower birth weights and higher fat under the skin, higher blood pressure and higher fasting glucose concentrations than naturally conceived children; however, growth, development and cognitive function are similar between groups. A very low risk of disorders of genetic control was observed in assisted-conception children. Overall, there did not appear to be a direct link between assisted reproduction treatment and children's health. The researchers concluded that the cause of some differences in the health of children conceived using assisted reproduction treatment may be due to the age of the woman receiving treatment. Large-scale, research studies are needed to study the long-term health of children conceived using assisted reproduction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C J M Fauser
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - P Devroey
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Diedrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - B Balaban
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, American Hospital of Istanbul, Guzelbahce Sokak No 20, Nisantasi, Istanbul 34365, Turkey
| | - M Bonduelle
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - C Estella
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Valencia University, and Instituto Universitario IVI/INCLIVA, Parc Científic Universitat de València C/Catedrático Agustín Escardino n(o) 9, Edificio 3, 46980 Paterna, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Ezcurra
- Global Development and Medical Unit, Merck Serono SA Geneva, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J P M Geraedts
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Research Institute GROW, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - C M Howles
- Global Development and Medical Unit, Merck Serono SA Geneva, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Lerner-Geva
- Woman and Child Health Research Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
| | - J Serna
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) Zaragoza, C/María Zambrano, 31, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - D Wells
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Camprubí C, Iglesias-Platas I, Martin-Trujillo A, Salvador-Alarcon C, Rodriguez MA, Barredo DR, Court F, Monk D. Stability of genomic imprinting and gestational-age dynamic methylation in complicated pregnancies conceived following assisted reproductive technologies. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:50. [PMID: 23884645 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.108456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
For the past three decades, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatments. The use of ART is thought to be safe. However, early investigations suggested that children born as a result of ART had higher risk of diseases with epigenetic etiologies, including imprinting disorders caused by a lack of maternal methylation at imprinting control elements. In addition, large epidemiology studies have highlighted an increased risk of obstetric complications, including severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in babies conceived using ART. It is plausible that the increased frequency of IUGR may be due to abnormal imprinting because these transcripts are key for normal fetal growth and development. To address this, we have collected a large cohort of placenta and cord blood samples from ART conceptions and compared the imprinting status with appropriate non-ART population. Using a custom DNA methylation array that simultaneously quantifies 25 imprinted differentially methylated regions, we observed similar epigenetic profiles between groups. A multiplex Sequenom iPLEX allelic expression assay revealed monoallelic expression for 11 imprinted transcripts in our placenta cohort. We also observe appropriate gestational age-dependent methylation dynamics at retrotransposable elements and promoters associated with growth genes in ART placental biopsies. This study confirms that children conceived by ART do not show variability in imprinted regulation and that loss-of-imprinting is not commonly associated with nonsyndromic IUGR or prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Camprubí
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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What are the risks of the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and how can they be minimized? Reprod Med Biol 2013; 12:151-158. [PMID: 29699141 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-013-0156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have become established procedures performed around the world, there are still many unanswered questions regarding safety. Possible risks associated with infertility and ART include (1) those inherent to pregnancy, delivery, and childhood; (2) those associated with the infertility itself and its causes; and (3) risks iatrogenic to ART. Although there are many potential risks associated with ART, it has become clear that the major risk is multiple pregnancy and its consequences. Major efforts are warranted to reduce the risk of multiple gestations with IVF, but it is also clear that single-embryo transfer is not the solution in all cases. Moreover, several studies have now documented that perinatal outcomes are somewhat poorer in IVF singleton infants than in spontaneously conceived singletons, but it is not clear if this increased risk is due to the ART or the infertility. Concerns about the impact of abnormalities in genomic imprinting persist at this time, as do risks associated with the culture conditions and even our environment. Only time will tell if children born following ART are at any increased risk of developing certain chronic diseases as they age. In any case, the risks to IVF children and mothers are likely to remain higher than those for children and mothers conceived spontaneously without medical assistance. However, since there have been over 5 million births after ART worldwide, and the vast majority of pregnancies and children have been essentially "normal", it is obvious that any excess risk must be relatively small. The normality of most pregnancies mandates that extreme care be exercised in making any changes to current practice.
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