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Li J, Liu Y, Huang H, Jin L. Cardiovascular health of offspring conceived by assisted reproduction technology: a comprehensive review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1287060. [PMID: 38292241 PMCID: PMC10824981 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1287060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has rapidly increased. As a result, an increasing number of people are concerned about the safety of offspring produced through ART. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in offspring conceived using ART. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic mechanisms involved in altered DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression, as well as imprinting disorders. We also summarize studies on cardiovascular changes and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as adverse intrauterine environments, perinatal complications, and altered metabolism following assisted reproductive technology (ART). Finally, we emphasize the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the increased risk of CVD in offspring conceived through ART, which could contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of CVD in the ART population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Zander-Fox DL, Pacella-Ince L, Morgan DK, Green MP. Mammalian embryo culture media: now and into the future. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:66-80. [PMID: 38064187 DOI: 10.1071/rd23168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
For over 70years, since the culture of the first mammalian embryo in vitro , scientists have undertaken studies to devise and optimise media to support the manipulation and culture of gametes and embryos. This area of research became especially active in the late 1970s onwards following the successful birth of the first human in vitro fertilised embryo. This review summarises some of the key advances in mammalian embryo culture media over time based on a greater understanding of the biochemical milieu of the reproductive tract. It highlights how learnings from studies in mice and agricultural species have informed human culture media compositions, in particular the inclusion of albumin, growth factors, cytokines, and antioxidants into contemporary culture media formulations, and how these advances may then in turn help to inform and guide development of in vitro culture systems used in other arenas, in particular agriculture. Additionally, it will highlight how the introduction of new technologies, such as timelapse, can influence current trends in media composition and usage that may see a return to a single step medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre L Zander-Fox
- Monash IVF Group, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Leanne Pacella-Ince
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; and Repromed, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Mark P Green
- Monash IVF Group, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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3
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Garcia-Dominguez X, Juarez JD, Vicente JS, Marco-Jiménez F. Impact of embryo technologies on secondary sex ratio in rabbit. Cryobiology 2020; 97:60-65. [PMID: 33053364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) disturb skewed sex-ratio and induce sex-dimorphic postnatal effects. Undoubtedly, the combination of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) together with the use of vitrification technique (MOVET) is currently being used in breeding programs. However, since the first case of sex skewing reported in 1991, the accumulative and long-term transmission of skewed sex-ratio to future generations has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here we test as MOVET program induce a skewed sex ratio, and we consider skewed sex ratio transmission to future generations. To this end, we first evaluated the F1 generation, demonstrating that a MOVET program causes a severe imbalance skewed secondary sex ratio (SSR) towards male by 12%. This imbalanced persist after a second MOVET program (F2 generation), with an accumulative skewed SSR towards male by 25%. Finally, using a crossbred generation derived from crossing F1 males derived from a MOVET program with naturally-conceived (NC) females, we show that the imbalance skewed SRR persist. Bodyweight comparison between MOVET animals and NC counterparts revealed significant changes at birth, weaning and adulthood. However, there was a significant interaction between F2 MOVET animals and sex, demonstrating an apparent accumulative sex-dimorphic effect. At adulthood, MOVET derived males presented a lower body weight. In conclusion, we show that the MOVET program causes a direct, accumulative and long-term transmission of skewed SSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximo Garcia-Dominguez
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jorge D Juarez
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - José S Vicente
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Lucas CG, Chen PR, Seixas FK, Prather RS, Collares T. Applications of omics and nanotechnology to improve pig embryo production in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1531-1547. [PMID: 31478591 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An appropriate environment to optimize porcine preimplantation embryo production in vitro is required as genetically modified pigs have become indispensable for biomedical research and agriculture. To provide suitable culture conditions, omics technologies have been applied to elucidate which metabolic substrates and pathways are involved during early developmental processes. Metabolomic profiling and transcriptional analysis comparing in vivo- and in vitro-derived embryos have demonstrated the important role of amino acids during preimplantation development. Transcriptional profiling studies have been helpful in assessing epigenetic reprogramming agents to allow for the correction of gene expression during the cloning process. Along with this, nanotechnology, which is a highly promising field, has allowed for the use of engineered nanoplatforms in reproductive biology. A growing number of studies have explored the use of nanoengineered materials for sorting, labeling, and targeting purposes; which demonstrates their potential to become one of the solutions for precise delivery of molecules into gametes and embryos. Considering the contributions of omics and the recent progress in nanoscience, in this review, we focused on their emerging applications for current in vitro pig embryo production systems to optimize the generation of genetically modified animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G Lucas
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Paula R Chen
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Fabiana K Seixas
- Cancer Biotechnology Laboratory, Research Group on Cellular and Molecular Oncology, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Technology Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Tiago Collares
- Cancer Biotechnology Laboratory, Research Group on Cellular and Molecular Oncology, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Technology Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Romek M, Gajda B, Krzysztofowicz E, Kucia M, Uzarowska A, Smorag Z. Improved quality of porcine embryos cultured with hyaluronan due to the modification of the mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species level. Theriogenology 2017; 102:1-9. [PMID: 28708486 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable progress has been made in pig embryo culture systems, the developmental competence and quality of the produced embryos are still lower than their in vivo-derived counterparts. Because hyaluronan (HA) regulates various cellular processes and possesses antioxidant properties, this glycosaminoglycan seems to be a promising supplement in culture media. However, until now, its beneficial influence on in vitro pig embryo development has been debatable. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of 0.25 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL concentrations of HA on the developmental potential and quality of cultured porcine embryos. We found that 1 mg/mL HA supplementation significantly increased the obtained percentages of cleaved embryos to ∼95%, morulae to ∼87% and blastocysts to ∼77%. At 0.5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL HA concentrations, we observed a significantly improved blastocyst quality, expressed as the total number of cells per blastocyst, number of cells in the inner cell mass, number of TUNEL-positive nuclei per blastocyst, the TUNEL index and the blastocyst diameter. Because the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level are important for proper embryo development, for the first time, we measured these two parameters in cultured embryos at various HA concentrations and during their development up to the expanded blastocyst stage. For blastocysts cultured with 1 mg/mL HA, the ΔΨm and ROS level were ∼1.6 and 2.7 times lower, respectively, than those of the control blastocysts. Both ΔΨm and the ROS level were increased in parallel during in vitro embryo development with and without HA, but this increase was less pronounced in the presence of HA. Hence, our quantitative data unequivocally show that supplementation of NCSU-23 culture medium with 1 mg/mL HA improves the developmental potential and quality of pig embryos. This effect results from a significant decrease in the ROS level induced by the HA-dependent ΔΨm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Romek
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Barbara Gajda
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice/Krakow, Poland.
| | - Ewa Krzysztofowicz
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Marcin Kucia
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Uzarowska
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Zdzislaw Smorag
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice/Krakow, Poland.
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Tan K, Wang Z, Zhang Z, An L, Tian J. IVF affects embryonic development in a sex-biased manner in mice. Reproduction 2016; 151:443-53. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that IVF (IVF includes in vitro fertilization and culture) embryos and babies are associated with a series of health complications, and some of them show sex-dimorphic patterns. Therefore, we hypothesized that IVF procedures have sex-biased or even sex-specific effects on embryonic and fetal development. Here, we demonstrate that IVF-induced side effects show significant sexual dimorphic patterns from the pre-implantation to the prenatal stage. During the pre-implantation stage, female IVF embryos appear to be more vulnerable to IVF-induced effects, including an increased percentage of apoptosis (7.22±1.94 vs 0.71±0.76, P<0.01), and dysregulated expression of representative sex-dimorphic genes (Xist, Hprt, Pgk1 and Hsp70). During the mid-gestation stage, IVF males had a higher survival rate than IVF females at E13.5 (male:female=1.33:1), accompanied with a female-biased pregnancy loss. In addition, while both IVF males and females had reduced placental vasculogenesis/angiogenesis, the compensatory placental overgrowth was more evident in IVF males. During the late-gestation period, IVF fetuses had a higher sex ratio (male:female=1.48:1) at E19.5, and both male and female IVF placentas showed overgrowth. After birth, IVF males grew faster than their in vivo (IVO) counterparts, while IVF females showed a similar growth pattern with IVO females. The present study provides a new insight into understanding IVF-induced health complications during embryonic and fetal development. By understanding and minimizing these sex-biased effects of the IVF process, the health of IVF-conceived babies may be improved in the future.
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Marei WFA, Raheem KA, Salavati M, Tremaine T, Khalid M, Fouladi-Nashta AA. Hyaluronan and hyaluronidase, which is better for embryo development? Theriogenology 2016; 86:940-948. [PMID: 27091071 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to examine size-specific effects of Hyaluronan (HA) on preimplantation embryo development. We investigated the effects of Hyalovet (HA, 500-750 kDa; the size produced by HA synthase-3, which is abundant in the oviduct), or HA treated with Hyaluronidase-2 (Hyal2; also expressed in the oviduct that breaks down HA into 20 kDa fragments). In experiment 1 (in vivo), oviducts of synchronized and superovulated ewes (n = 20) were surgically exposed on Day 2 post-mating, ligated, and infused with either Hyalovet, Hyalovet + Hyal2, Hyal2, or PBS (control). Ewes were killed 5 days later for recovery of embryos and oviductal epithelial cells (OEC). Blastocyst rates were significantly higher in Hyal2 and Hyalovet + Hyal2 oviducts. Hyaluronidase-2 infusion resulted in higher blastocyst cell numbers and hatching rates. This was associated with increased HSP70 expression in OEC. In contrast, Hyalovet resulted in the lowest development to blastocyst stage and lowest hatching rates, and decreased IGF2 and IGFBP2 expression in OEC. IGF1 and IL1α expression were not affected. In experiment 2, to rule out indirect effects of oviductal factors, ovine embryos were produced and cultured with the same treatments in vitro from Day 2 to 8. Hyaluronidase-2, but not Hyalovet, enhanced blastocyst formation and reduced inner cell mass apoptosis. Hyalovet inhibited hatching. In conclusion, the presence of large-size HA (500-750 kDa) in the vicinity of developing embryos appears to disturb the oviductal environment and embryo development in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, we show evidence that breakdown of HA into smaller fragments is required to maximize embryo development and blastocyst quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed F A Marei
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kabir A Raheem
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK; Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
| | - Mazdak Salavati
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Tina Tremaine
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Muhammad Khalid
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK.
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Impaired imprinted X chromosome inactivation is responsible for the skewed sex ratio following in vitro fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3197-202. [PMID: 26951653 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1523538113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic epigenetic reprogramming occurs during normal embryonic development at the preimplantation stage. Erroneous epigenetic modifications due to environmental perturbations such as manipulation and culture of embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) are linked to various short- or long-term consequences. Among these, the skewed sex ratio, an indicator of reproductive hazards, was reported in bovine and porcine embryos and even human IVF newborns. However, since the first case of sex skewing reported in 1991, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We reported herein that sex ratio is skewed in mouse IVF offspring, and this was a result of female-biased peri-implantation developmental defects that were originated from impaired imprinted X chromosome inactivation (iXCI) through reduced ring finger protein 12 (Rnf12)/X-inactive specific transcript (Xist) expression. Compensation of impaired iXCI by overexpression of Rnf12 to up-regulate Xist significantly rescued female-biased developmental defects and corrected sex ratio in IVF offspring. Moreover, supplementation of an epigenetic modulator retinoic acid in embryo culture medium up-regulated Rnf12/Xist expression, improved iXCI, and successfully redeemed the skewed sex ratio to nearly 50% in mouse IVF offspring. Thus, our data show that iXCI is one of the major epigenetic barriers for the developmental competence of female embryos during preimplantation stage, and targeting erroneous epigenetic modifications may provide a potential approach for preventing IVF-associated complications.
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Zhu J, Zhuang X, Chen L, Liu P, Qiao J. Effect of embryo culture media on percentage of males at birth. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1039-45. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Torner E, Bussalleu E, Briz MD, Yeste M, Bonet S. Energy substrate influences the effect of the timing of the first embryonic cleavage on the development of in vitro-produced porcine embryos in a sex-related manner. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:924-35. [PMID: 23959915 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In vitro culture conditions and certain events during the earliest stages of development are linked to embryonic survival, possibly in a sex-related manner. In vitro-produced (IVP) porcine embryos cultured with glucose (IVC-Glu) or pyruvate-lactate (IVC-PL) were tested for any relationship between the timing of the first embryonic cleavage and development and sex ratio. The embryos were assigned to IVC-Glu or IVC-PL groups and classified depending on the timing of their first cleavage: 24, 26, 30, and 48 hr post-insemination (hpi). They were cultured separately in vitro and evaluated for cleavage rate and pattern, blastocyst rate and stage, cell number, apoptosis, and sex ratio. Regardless of energy source, the percentage of two-cell stage and fragmented embryos at the time of their first cleavage was, respectively, higher and lower in early-cleaving embryos. Those embryos cleaved by 24 hpi developed to blastocysts at a higher rate (IVC-Glu: 37.90 ± 3.06%; IVC-PL: 38.73 ± 4.08%) than those cleaved between 30 and 48 hpi (IVC-Glu: 5.87 ± 3.02%; IVC-PL: 8.41 ± 3.50%). Furthermore, a shift toward males was seen among embryos first cleaved before 30 hpi, versus towards females among those cleaved later. The early-cleaving embryos, only from the IVC-PL group, had a higher proportion of expanded blastocysts (81.05 ± 6.54% vs. 13.33 ± 13.33%) with higher cell numbers than their late-cleaving counterparts. Moreover, a shift toward males only appeared at the blastocyst stage in IVC-PL embryos. These findings confirm that the timing of the first cleavage influences development of IVP porcine embryos in a sex-related manner, and it depends on the main energy source of the in vitro culture medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Torner
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Girona, Spain
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