1
|
Saucedo-Cuevas L, Ma MPQ, Le AH, Akin N, Pham TD, Ho TM, Pita G, Gonzalez-Neira A, De Vos M, Smitz J, Anckaert E, Vuong LN. Epigenetic variation in neonatal tissues in infants conceived using capacitation-in vitro maturation vs. in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:506-518. [PMID: 38052376 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate alterations of the global DNA methylation profile in placenta, cord blood, and neonatal buccal smears in infants conceived using in vitro maturation (IVM) with a prematuration step (capacitation-IVM [CAPA-IVM]) vs. in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN Analysis of data from the offspring of participants in a randomized controlled trial. SETTING Private clinic. PATIENTS Forty-six women with polycystic ovary syndrome and/or high antral follicle count and their offspring (58 newborns). INTERVENTION(S) Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and/or a high antral follicle count participating in the clinical trial were randomized to undergo CAPA-IVM or conventional IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) At delivery, biological samples including cord blood, placental tissue, and a neonatal buccal smear were collected. Genome-wide DNA methylation was determined using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Variability in methylation was also considered, and mean variances for the two treatment categories were compared. RESULTS In neonatal buccal smears, there were no significant differences between the CAPA-IVM and conventional IVF groups on the basis of the CpG probe after linear regression analysis using a significant cut-off of false-discovery rate <0.05 and |Δβ|≥0.05. In cord blood, only one CpG site showed a significant gain of methylation in the CAPA-IVM group. In the placenta, CAPA-IVM was significantly associated with changes in methylation at five CpG sites. Significantly more variable DNA methylation was found in five probes in the placenta, 54 in cord blood, and two in buccal smears after IVM of oocytes. In cord blood samples, 20 CpG sites had more variable methylation in the conventional IVF vs. IVM group. Isolated CpG sites showing differences in methylation in cord blood were not associated with changes in gene expression of the overlapping genes. CONCLUSION(S) Capacitation-IVM appeared to be associated with only a small amount of epigenetic variation in cord blood, placental tissue, and neonate buccal smears. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03405701 (www. CLINICALTRIALS gov).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Mai P Q Ma
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh H Le
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Toan D Pham
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Guillermo Pita
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Gonzalez-Neira
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology, and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schaub AM, Gonzalez TL, Dorfman AE, Novoa AG, Hussaini RA, Harakuni PM, Khan MH, Shabani BJ, Swarna A, Wang ET, Chan JL, Williams J, Pisarska MD. A systematic review of genome-wide analyses of methylation changes associated with assisted reproductive technologies in various tissues. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:80-94. [PMID: 37827482 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.007] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Because analytic technologies improve, increasing amounts of data on methylation differences between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and unassisted conceptions are available. However, various studies use different tissue types and different populations in their analyses, making data comparison and integration difficult. OBJECTIVE To compare and integrate data on genome-wide analyses of methylation differences due to ART, allowing exposure of overarching themes. EVIDENCE REVIEW All studies undertaking genome-wide analysis of human methylation differences due to ART or infertility in any tissue type across the lifespan were assessed for inclusion. FINDINGS Seventeen studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. One study assessed trophectoderm biopsies, 2 first-trimester placenta, 1 first-trimester fetal tissue, 2 term placenta, 7 cord blood, 3 newborn dried blood spots, 1 childhood buccal smears, 1 childhood peripheral blood, and 2 adult peripheral blood. Eleven studies compared tissues from in vitro fertilization (IVF) conceptions with those of unassisted conceptions, 4 compared intracytoplasmic sperm injection with unassisted conceptions, 4 compared non-IVF fertility treatment (NIFT) with unassisted conceptions, 4 compared NIFT with IVF, and 5 compared an infertile population (conceiving via various methods) with an unassisted presumably fertile population. In studies assessing placental tissue, 1 gene with potential methylation changes due to IVF when compared with unassisted conceptions was identified by 2 studies. In blood, 11 potential genes with methylation changes due to IVF compared with unassisted conceptions were identified by 2 studies, 1 of which was identified by 3 studies. Three potentially affected genes were identified by 2 studies involving blood between intracytoplasmic sperm injection and unassisted populations. There were no overlapping genes identified in any tissue type between NIFT and unassisted populations, between NIFT and IVF, or the infertility combined population when compared with the unassisted fertile population. CONCLUSIONS Comparing studies is challenging due to differing variables between analyses. However, even in similar tissue types and populations, overlapping methylation changes are limited, suggesting that differences due to ART are minimal. RELEVANCE Information from this systematic review is significant for providers and patients who provide and use ART to understand methylation risks that may be associated with the technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M Schaub
- 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
| | - Anna E Dorfman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Allynson G Novoa
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rimsha A Hussaini
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Paige M Harakuni
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mayaal H Khan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brandon J Shabani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Akhila Swarna
- 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
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - John Williams
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - 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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang G, Mao Y, Zhang Y, Huang H, Pan J. Assisted reproductive technology and imprinting errors: analyzing underlying mechanisms from epigenetic regulation. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:864-878. [PMID: 37929309 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2261628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing maturity and widespread application of assisted reproductive technology (ART), more attention has been paid to the health outcomes of offspring following ART. It is well established that children born from ART treatment are at an increased risk of imprinting errors and imprinting disorders. The disturbances of genetic imprinting are attributed to the overlap of ART procedures and important epigenetic reprogramming events during the development of gametes and early embryos, but the detailed mechanisms are hitherto obscure. In this review, we summarized the DNA methylation-dependent and independent mechanisms that control the dynamic epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes throughout the life cycle of a mammal, including erasure, establishment, and maintenance. In addition, we systematically described the dysregulation of imprinted genes in embryos conceived through ART and discussed the corresponding underlying mechanisms according to findings in animal models. This work is conducive to evaluating and improving the safety of ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaochen Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Mao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sundrani DP, Joshi SR. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) and epigenetic modifications in the placenta. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:665-677. [PMID: 34706609 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1995901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has become common amongst couples with infertility issues. ART is known to be successful, but epidemiological data indicates that ART is associated with placental disorders. Additionally, reports show increased risks of short- and long-term complications in children born to mothers undergoing ART. However, the mechanisms responsible for these events are obscure. The placenta is considered as a key organ for programming of diseases and ART procedures are suggested to alter the placental function and intrauterine growth trajectories. Epigenetic changes in maternal and foetal tissues are suggested to be the underlying mechanisms for these outcomes. Epigenetic regulation is known to evolve following fertilisation and before implantation and subsequently across gestation. During these critical periods of epigenetic 'programming', DNA methylation and chromatin remodelling influence the placental structure and function by regulating the expression of various genes. ART treatment coinciding with epigenetic 'programming' events during gametogenesis and early embryo development may alter the programming phases leading to long-term consequences. Thus, disruptions in placental development observed in ART pregnancies could be associated with altered epigenetic regulation of vital genes in the placenta. The review summarises available literature on the influence of ART procedures on epigenetic changes in the placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepali P Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Rapalini E, Bellaminutti S, Bulletti FM, D'Amato A, Manna C, Palagiano A, Bulletti C, Esteves SC. Risk of genetic and epigenetic alteration in children conceived following ART: Is it time to return to nature whenever possible? Clin Genet 2023; 103:133-145. [PMID: 36109352 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology may influence epigenetic signature as the procedures coincide with the extensive epigenetic modification occurring from fertilization to embryo implantation. However, it is still unclear to what extent ART alters the embryo epigenome. In vivo fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, where a specific and natural environment enables the embryo's healthy development. During this dynamic period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Over the past decade, concerns relating to the raised incidence of epigenetic anomalies and imprinting following ART have been raised by several authors. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period; therefore, unphysiological conditions, including ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, parental lifestyle, and underlying infertility, have the potential to contribute to epigenetic dysregulation independently or collectively. This review critically appraises the evidence relating to the association between ART and genetic and epigenetic modifications that may be transmitted to the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erika Rapalini
- IVF Department, Versilia Hospital Lido di Camaiore, Lucca, Italy
| | - Serena Bellaminutti
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
- Gynecology and Fertility Unit, Procrea Institute, Lugano, Switzerland
- Gynecology Unit, Centro Medico, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Antonio D'Amato
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- CFA Napoli, Italy, CFA: Centro Fecondazione Assistita Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Bulletti
- Ostetricia e Ginecologia, EXTRA OMNES Medicina e Salute Riproduttiva, Cattolica, Italy
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tolani AT, Cedars MI, Zablotska LB, Rinaudo PF. Metabolomic Profile of Children Conceived With Medically Assisted Technologies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:315-322. [PMID: 36214833 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and non-in vitro fertilization fertility treatments (NIFT) are treatments for infertility. These technologies may have long-term health effects in children such as increased hypertension, glucose intolerance, and hypertriglyceridemia. Few studies have compared children born following ART and NIFT to those conceived spontaneously by subfertile couples. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to describe metabolic differences in children conceived by ART and NIFT compared to children conceived spontaneously by infertile couples. METHODS Children conceived by parent(s) receiving infertility care at the University of California, San Francisco, between 2000 and 2017 were invited to participate in the Developmental Epidemiological Study of Children born through Reproductive Technology (DESCRT). Serum metabolomic analyses were conducted using samples from 143 enrolled children (age range 4-12 years, 43% female) conceived using NIFT or ART (with fresh or frozen embryos with and without intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]) and children conceived spontaneously by subfertile couples. Principal component analysis and multivariable regression were used to compare the distribution of metabolites between groups. RESULTS There was no separation in metabolites based on treatment or sex. NIFT-conceived children showed no differences compared to spontaneously conceived controls. Only spontaneously conceived children had different metabolomics profiles from children conceived from fresh ART, frozen ART, and all ICSI. Pantoate and propionylglycine levels were elevated in fresh ART compared to the spontaneous group (P < .001). Propionylglycine levels were elevated in the ICSI (both fresh and frozen) vs the spontaneous group (P < .001). Finally, 5-oxoproline levels were decreased in frozen ART compared to the spontaneous group (P < .001). CONCLUSION NIFT-conceived children did not show any metabolic differences compared with spontaneously conceived children. The metabolic differences between ART-conceived children and children conceived spontaneously were small but unlikely to be clinically significant but should be examined in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisha T Tolani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Lydia B Zablotska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Paolo F Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
|
9
|
Schroeder M, Badini G, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Albrecht C. The Consequences of Assisted Reproduction Technologies on the Offspring Health Throughout Life: A Placental Contribution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:906240. [PMID: 35747691 PMCID: PMC9210138 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.906240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) worldwide has led to the conception and birth of over eight million babies since being implemented in 1978. ART use is currently on the rise, given growing infertility and the increase in conception age among men and women in industrialized countries. Though obstetric and perinatal outcomes have improved over the years, pregnancies achieved by ART still bear increased risks for the mother and the unborn child. Moreover, given that the first generation of ART offspring is now only reaching their forties, the long-term effects of ART are currently unknown. This is important, as there is a wealth of data showing that life-long health can be predetermined by poor conditions during intrauterine development, including irregularities in the structure and functioning of the placenta. In the current review, we aim to summarize the latest available findings examining the effects of ART on the cardiometabolic, cognitive/neurodevelopmental, and behavioral outcomes in the perinatal period, childhood and adolescence/adulthood; and to examine placental intrinsic factors that may contribute to the developmental outcomes of ART offspring. Altogether, the latest knowledge about life outcomes beyond adolescence for those conceived by ART appears to suggest a better long-term outcome than previously predicted. There are also changes in placenta structure and functional capacity with ART. However, more work in this area is critically required, since the potential consequences of ART may still emerge as the offspring gets older. In addition, knowledge of the placenta may help to foresee and mitigate any adverse outcomes in the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Schroeder
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gina Badini
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sciorio R, El Hajj N. Epigenetic Risks of Medically Assisted Reproduction. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082151. [PMID: 35456243 PMCID: PMC9027760 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In vivo fertilization takes place in the maternal oviduct, where the unique physiological conditions guarantee the healthy development of the embryo. During early embryogenesis, a major wave of epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the correct development of the embryo. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes and non-physiological conditions such as those applied during in vitro culture, including shift in pH and temperature, oxygen tension, controlled ovarian stimulation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, as well as preimplantation embryo manipulations for genetic testing. In the last decade, concerns were raised of a possible link between ART and increased incidence of imprinting disorders, as well as epigenetic alterations in the germ cells of infertile parents that are transmitted to the offspring following ART. The aim of this review was to present evidence from the literature regarding epigenetic errors linked to assisted reproduction treatments and their consequences on the conceived children. Furthermore, we provide an overview of disease risk associated with epigenetic or imprinting alterations in children born via ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Nady El Hajj
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
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]
|
14
|
Barberet J, Romain G, Binquet C, Guilleman M, Bruno C, Ginod P, Chapusot C, Choux C, Fauque P. Do frozen embryo transfers modify the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and transposable elements in newborns compared with fresh embryo transfers and natural conceptions? Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1468-1480. [PMID: 34538459 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the epigenetic control of imprinted genes (IGs) and transposable elements (TEs) differs at birth between fresh or frozen embryo transfers and natural conceptions. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 202 singleton births were divided into three groups: 84 natural pregnancies (controls), 66 in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh embryo transfers, and 52 vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection with frozen embryo transfers. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pyrosequencing was used to assess the DNA methylation profiles of three IGs (H19/IGF2:IG-DMR [two sequences], KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR, and SNURF:TSS-DMR) and two TEs (LINE-1 and HERV-FRD) in cord blood and placenta. The quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to study the transcription of three IGs (H19, KCNQ1, and SNRPN) and two TEs (LINE-1 and ORF2). RESULT(S) After adjustment, the placental DNA methylation levels of H19/IGF2 were lower in the fresh embryo transfer group than in the control (H19/IGF2-seq1) and frozen embryo transfer (H19/IGF2-seq2) groups. The DNA methylation rate for LINE-1 was lower in placentas from the fresh embryo transfer group than in placentas from the control and frozen embryo transfer groups and for HERV-FRD compared with controls. In cord blood, DNA methylation levels were not significantly associated with the mode of conception. The relative expression of LINE-1 and ORF2 was decreased in both cord blood and placental tissues from fresh embryo transfer conceptions compared with natural conceptions and frozen embryo transfer conceptions. CONCLUSION(S) Compared with natural conceptions and frozen embryo transfers, fresh embryo transfers were associated with methylation and/or transcription changes in some TEs and IGs, mostly in placental samples, which could indicate altered placental epigenetic regulation resulting from ovarian stimulation protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Gaelle Romain
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Module Epidémiologie Clinique/Essais Cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France; INSERM, CIC1432, Module Epidémiologie Clinique, Dijon, France
| | - Christine Binquet
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Module Epidémiologie Clinique/Essais Cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France; INSERM, CIC1432, Module Epidémiologie Clinique, Dijon, France
| | - Magali Guilleman
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Céline Bruno
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Perrine Ginod
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Dijon, France
| | - Caroline Chapusot
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Plateforme de Génétique des Cancers de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Cécile Choux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Dijon, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao YH, Wang JJ, Zhang PP, Hao HS, Pang YW, Wang HY, Du WH, Zhao SJ, Ruan WM, Zou HY, Hao T, Zhu HB, Zhao XM. Oocyte IVM or vitrification significantly impairs DNA methylation patterns in blastocysts as analysed by single-cell whole-genome methylation sequencing. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:676-689. [PMID: 32317092 DOI: 10.1071/rd19234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanisms leading to the poor quality of IVF blastocysts, the single-cell whole-genome methylation sequencing technique was used in this study to analyse the methylation patterns of bovine blastocysts derived from invivo, fresh (IVF) or vitrified (V_IVF) oocytes. Genome methylation levels of blastocysts in the IVF and V_IVF groups were significantly lower than those of the invivo group (P<0.05). In all, 1149 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the IVF and invivo groups, 1578 DMRs were identified between the V_IVF and invivo groups and 151 DMRs were identified between the V_IVF and IVF groups. For imprinted genes, methylation levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 9A (PPP1R9A) were lower in the IVF and V_IVF groups than in the invivo group, and the methylation level of paternally expressed 3 (PEG3) was lower in the V_IVF group than in the IVF and invivo groups. Genes with DMRs between the IVF and invivo and the V_IVF and IVF groups were primarily enriched in oocyte maturation pathways, whereas DMRs between the V_IVF and invivo groups were enriched in fertilisation and vitrification-vulnerable pathways. The results of this study indicate that differences in the methylation of critical DMRs may contribute to the differences in quality between invitro- and invivo-derived embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Han Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pei-Pei Zhang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hai-Sheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yun-Wei Pang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hao-Yu Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wei-Hua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shan-Jiang Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wei-Min Ruan
- International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Ming Lun Street, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, PR China
| | - Hui-Ying Zou
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Tong Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hua-Bin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Heber MF, Ptak GE. The effects of assisted reproduction technologies on metabolic health and disease†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:734-744. [PMID: 33330924 PMCID: PMC8023432 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases places a substantial burden on human health throughout the world. It is believed that predisposition to metabolic disease starts early in life, a period of great susceptibility to epigenetic reprogramming due to environmental insults. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), i.e., treatments for infertility, may affect embryo development, resulting in multiple adverse health outcomes in postnatal life. The most frequently observed alteration in ART pregnancies is impaired placental nutrient transfer. Moreover, consequent intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight followed by catch-up growth can all predict future obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic metabolic diseases. In this review, we have focused on evidence of adverse metabolic alterations associated with ART, which can contribute to the development of chronic adult-onset diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Due to high phenotypic plasticity, ART pregnancies can produce both offspring with adverse health outcomes, as well as healthy individuals. We further discuss the sex-specific and age-dependent metabolic alterations reflected in ART offspring, and how the degree of interference of a given ART procedure (from mild to more severe manipulation of the egg) affects the occurrence and degree of offspring alterations. Over the last few years, studies have reported signs of cardiometabolic alterations in ART offspring that are detectable at a young age but that do not appear to constitute a high risk of disease and morbidity per se. These abnormal phenotypes could be early indicators of the development of chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, in adulthood. The early detection of metabolic alterations could contribute to preventing the onset of disease in adulthood. Such early interventions may counteract the risk factors and improve the long-term health of the individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Grażyna Ewa Ptak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Choux C, Petazzi P, Sanchez-Delgado M, Hernandez Mora JR, Monteagudo A, Sagot P, Monk D, Fauque P. The hypomethylation of imprinted genes in IVF/ICSI placenta samples is associated with concomitant changes in histone modifications. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1386-1395. [PMID: 32573317 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1783168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although more and more children are born by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), ART safety has not fully been demonstrated. Notably, ART could disturb the delicate step of implantation, and trigger placenta-related adverse outcomes with potential long-term effects, through disrupted epigenetic regulation. We have previously demonstrated that placental DNA methylation was significantly lower after IVF/ICSI than following natural conception at two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with imprinted genes (IGs): H19/IGF2 and KCNQ1OT1. As histone modifications are critical for placental physiology, the aim of this study was to profile permissive and repressive histone marks in placenta biopsies to reveal a better understanding of the epigenetic changes in the context of ART. Utilizing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled with quantitative PCR, permissive (H3K4me3, H3K4me2, and H3K9ac) and repressive (H3K9me3 and H3K9me2) post-translational histone modifications were quantified. The analyses revealed a significantly higher quantity of H3K4me2 precipitation in the IVF/ICSI group than in the natural conception group for H19/IGF2 and KCNQ1OT1 DMRs (P = 0.016 and 0.003, respectively). Conversely, the quantity of both repressive marks at H19/IGF2 and SNURF DMRs was significantly lower in the IVF/ICSI group than in the natural conception group (P = 0.011 and 0.027 for H19/IGF2; and P = 0.010 and 0.035 for SNURF). These novel findings highlight that DNA hypomethylation at imprinted DMRs following ART is linked with increased permissive/decreased repressive histone marks, altogether promoting a more permissive chromatin conformation. This concomitant change in epigenetic state at IGs at birth might be an important developmental event because of ART manipulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Choux
- GAD (Génétique des anomalies du développement), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - INSERM UMR1231 , Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique , Dijon, France
| | - Paolo Petazzi
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sanchez-Delgado
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - José R Hernandez Mora
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Monteagudo
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul Sagot
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique , Dijon, France
| | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park , Norwich Norfolk, UK
| | - Patricia Fauque
- GAD (Génétique des anomalies du développement), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - INSERM UMR1231 , Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction , Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Assisted reproductive technologies are associated with limited epigenetic variation at birth that largely resolves by adulthood. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3922. [PMID: 31477727 PMCID: PMC6718382 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 7 million individuals have been conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and there is clear evidence that ART is associated with a range of adverse early life outcomes, including rare imprinting disorders. The periconception period and early embryogenesis are associated with widespread epigenetic remodeling, which can be influenced by ART, with effects on the developmental trajectory in utero, and potentially on health throughout life. Here we profile genome-wide DNA methylation in blood collected in the newborn period and in adulthood (age 22–35 years) from a unique longitudinal cohort of ART-conceived individuals, previously shown to have no differences in health outcomes in early adulthood compared with non-ART-conceived individuals. We show evidence for specific ART-associated variation in methylation around birth, most of which occurred independently of embryo culturing. Importantly, ART-associated epigenetic variation at birth largely resolves by adulthood with no direct evidence that it impacts on development and health. Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is increasing globally but their impact on long term health remains unclear. Here the authors show that ART-conceived individuals show variation in epigenetic profile at birth that largely resolves by adulthood, with no evidence of an impact on long term outcomes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Rhon-Calderon EA, Vrooman LA, Riesche L, Bartolomei MS. The effects of Assisted Reproductive Technologies on genomic imprinting in the placenta. Placenta 2019; 84:37-43. [PMID: 30871810 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a complex and poorly understood organ, which serves as the connection between the mother and the developing fetus. Genomic imprinting, defined as a regulatory process resulting in the expression of a gene in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, plays an important role in fetal development and placental function. Disturbances that occur during the establishment and maintenance of imprinting could compromise the placenta and fetus, and ultimately, offspring health. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have been widely used to overcome infertility, however experimental studies have shown that ART procedures affect placentation and the expression of imprinted genes. Here we briefly review the role of imprinted genes in placental development and the evidence from mouse and human studies suggesting ART disrupts imprinted gene regulation in the placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg 421, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6058, USA
| | - Lisa A Vrooman
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg 421, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6058, USA
| | - Laren Riesche
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg 421, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6058, USA; Department of Family and Community Health, Claire M. Fagin School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg 421, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6058, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Choufani S, Turinsky AL, Melamed N, Greenblatt E, Brudno M, Bérard A, Fraser WD, Weksberg R, Trasler J, Monnier P. Impact of assisted reproduction, infertility, sex and paternal factors on the placental DNA methylome. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:372-385. [PMID: 30239726 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Children conceived using Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have a higher incidence of growth and birth defects, attributable in part to epigenetic perturbations. Both ART and germline defects associated with parental infertility could interfere with epigenetic reprogramming events in germ cells or early embryos. Mouse models indicate that the placenta is more susceptible to the induction of epigenetic abnormalities than the embryo, and thus the placental methylome may provide a sensitive indicator of 'at risk' conceptuses. Our goal was to use genome-wide profiling to examine the extent of epigenetic abnormalities in matched placentas from an ART/infertility group and control singleton pregnancies (n = 44/group) from a human prospective longitudinal birth cohort, the Design, Develop, Discover (3D) Study. Principal component analysis revealed a group of ART outliers. The ART outlier group was enriched for females and a subset of placentas showing loss of methylation of several imprinted genes including GNAS, SGCE, KCNQT1OT1 and BLCAP/NNAT. Within the ART group, placentas from pregnancies conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) showed distinct epigenetic profiles as compared to those conceived with less invasive procedures (ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination). Male factor infertility and paternal age further differentiated the IVF/ICSI group, suggesting an interaction of infertility and techniques in perturbing the placental epigenome. Together, the results suggest that the human placenta is sensitive to the induction of epigenetic defects by ART and/or infertility, and we stress the importance of considering both sex and paternal factors and that some but not all ART conceptuses will be susceptible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa Choufani
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrei L Turinsky
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nir Melamed
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ellen Greenblatt
- Mount Sinai Centre for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Brudno
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anick Bérard
- Research Unit on Medications and Pregnancy, Research Centre, CHU Sainte-Justine, and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Sherbrooke and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and The Montreal Children's Hospital and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
| | - Patricia Monnier
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Victoria Hospital and Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Hutanu
- Biology Department, Chemistry-Biology-Geography Faculty, West Univeristy of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Carmignac V, Barberet J, Iranzo J, Quéré R, Guilleman M, Bourc’his D, Fauque P. Effects of assisted reproductive technologies on transposon regulation in the mouse pre-implanted embryo. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:612-622. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté – INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Dijon, France
| | - Julian Iranzo
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Ronan Quéré
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté – INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - Magali Guilleman
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Dijon, France
| | | | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté – INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumor such as seminoma is strongly associated with male reproductive problems commonly associated with the alteration of sperm parameters as described in testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Interestingly, numerous studies have reported that the precursor of germ cell cancer, germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), present similarities to fetal gonocytes, specifically characterized by global DNA hypomethylation particularly on imprinting sequences. These disorders may have a common origin derived from perturbations of embryonal programming during fetal development. Presently, there is no available information concerning the sperm DNA methylation patterns of testicular cancer patients. For the first time, we evaluated the sperm imprinting of seminoma patients. A total of 92 cryopreserved sperm samples were included, 31 before seminoma treatment (S): 23 normozoospermic (SN) and 8 oligozoospermic (SO) and 61 sperm controls samples: 31 normozoospermic (N) and 30 oligozoospermic (O). DNA methylation levels of seven differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes [H19/IGF2: IG-DMR (CTCF3 and CTCF6 of H19 gene); IGF2-DMRs (DMR0 and DMR2); MEG3/DLK1:IG-DMR; SNURF:TSS-DMR; KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR] were assessed by pyrosequencing. All comparative analyses were adjusted for age. RESULTS Comparisons of sperm DNA methylation levels between seminoma (S) and normozoospermic (N) samples showed a significant difference for the SNURF sequence (p = 0.017), but after taking into account the sperm parameters, no difference was observed. However, we confirmed a significant association between oligozoospermia (O) and imprinting defects for H19/IGF2-CTCF6 (p = 0.001), MEG3/DLK1 (p = 0.017), IGF2-DMR2 (p = 0.022), and SNURF (p = 0.032) in comparison with control groups (N). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the high risk of sperm imprinting defects in cases of oligozoospermia and shows for the first time that seminoma patients with normal spermatogenesis present sperm imprinting integrity. These data suggest a low probability of the involvement of a common imprinting defect in fetal cells leading to both TGCT and subfertility.
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Choux C, Binquet C, Carmignac V, Bruno C, Chapusot C, Barberet J, Lamotte M, Sagot P, Bourc’his D, Fauque P. The epigenetic control of transposable elements and imprinted genes in newborns is affected by the mode of conception: ART versus spontaneous conception without underlying infertility. Hum Reprod 2017; 33:331-340. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
31
|
Marjonen H, Kahila H, Kaminen-Ahola N. rs10732516 polymorphism at the IGF2/H19 locus associates with a genotype-specific trend in placental DNA methylation and head circumference of prenatally alcohol-exposed newborns. Hum Reprod Open 2017; 2017:hox014. [PMID: 30895230 PMCID: PMC6276671 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hox014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Question Does prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affect regulation of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19 locus in placenta and the growth-restricted phenotype of newborns? Summary Answer PAE results in genotype-specific trends in both placental DNA methylation at the IGF2/H19 locus and head circumference (HC) of newborns. What is Known Already PAE can disturb development of the nervous system and lead to restricted growth of the head, even microcephaly. To clarify the etiology of alcohol-induced growth restriction, we focused on the imprinted IGF2/H19 locus known to be important for normal placental and embryonic growth. The expression of IGF2 and a negative growth controller H19 are regulated by the H19 imprinting control region (H19 ICR) with seven-binding sites for the methylation-sensitive zinc-finger regulatory protein CTCF. A single nucleotide polymorphism rs10732516 G/A in the sixth-binding site has shown to associate with genotype-specific DNA methylation profiles at the H19 ICR. Study Design, Size, Duration By grouping 39 alcohol-exposed and 100 control samples according to rs10732516 polymorphism we explored alcohol-induced, genotype-specific changes in DNA methylation at the H19 ICR and the promoter region of H19 (H19 differentially methylated region). Also, IGF2 and H19 mRNA expression level in placenta as well as the phenotypes of newborns were examined. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods We explored alcohol-induced, genotype-specific changes in placental DNA methylation by MassARRAY EpiTYPER and allele-specific changes by bisulphite sequencing. IGF2 and H19 expression in placenta were analyzed by quantitative PCR and the HC, birthweight and birth length of newborns were examined using national growth charts. Main Results and the Role of Chance We observed a consistent trend in genotype-specific changes in DNA methylation at H19 ICR in alcohol-exposed placentas. DNA methylation level in the normally highly methylated paternal allele of rs10732516 paternal A/maternal G genotype was decreased in alcohol-exposed placentas. In addition to decreased IGF2 mRNA expression in alcohol-exposed placentas of this specific genotype (P = 0.03), we observed significantly increased expression of H19 in relation to IGF2 when comparing all alcohol-exposed placentas to unexposed controls (P = 0.006). Furthermore, phenotypic examination showed a significant genotype-specific association between the alcohol exposure and HC of newborns (P = 0.001). Limitations Reasons for Caution Owing to the exceptional character of the alcohol-exposed human samples collected in this study, the sample size is restricted. An increased sample size and functional studies are needed to confirm these data and clarify the biological significance or causality of the observed associations. Wider Implications of the Findings Our results suggest that the rs10732516 polymorphism associates with the alcohol-induced alterations in DNA methylation profiles and head growth in a parent-of-origin manner. We also introduce a novel genotype-specific approach for exploring environmental effects on the IGF2/H19 locus and ultimately on embryonic growth. Study Funding/Competing Interest(s) This work was supported by the Academy of Finland (258304), The Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Juho Vainio Foundation, Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation and Arvo and Lea Ylppö Foundation. No competing interests are declared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Marjonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Kahila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Kaminen-Ahola
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Altered methylations of H19, Snrpn, Mest and Peg3 are reversible by developmental reprogramming in kidney tissue of ICSI-derived mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11936. [PMID: 28931827 PMCID: PMC5607335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the prevalence of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased year by year, there remains concern about the safety of these procedures because of reports of the increased risk for imprinting disorders. Previous research has demonstrated that gonadotropin stimulation contributes to an increased incidence of epimutations in ICSI-derived mice. However, the epimutations in ICSI offspring after removing the effect of gonadotropin stimulation and the possibility that epimutations are reversible by developmental reprogramming has not been investigated. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of ICSI itself on methylation and exclude the effect of superovulation using the kidney tissues from the adult and old mice. We found reduced methylation and up-regulated expression of the imprinted genes, H19, Mest and Peg3, in adult ICSI mice, but the above alterations observed in adult mice were not detected in old ICSI mice. At the Snrpn DMR, methylation status was not altered in adult ICSI-derived mice, but hypermethylation and correlated down-regulated expression of Snrpn were observed in old mice. In conclusion, ICSI manipulation and early embryo culture resulted in alterations of methylation in differentially methylated region of H19, Mest, Peg3 and Snrpn, and the alterations were reprogrammed by developmental reprogramming.
Collapse
|
33
|
Maduro MR. In the Spotlight. Reprod Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117715435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ebner T, Montag M. Artificial oocyte activation: evidence for clinical readiness. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 32:271-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
38
|
Hoeijmakers L, Kempe H, Verschure PJ. Epigenetic imprinting during assisted reproductive technologies: The effect of temporal and cumulative fluctuations in methionine cycling on the DNA methylation state. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:94-107. [PMID: 26660493 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Hoeijmakers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Hermannus Kempe
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Pernette J. Verschure
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Monk D. Genomic imprinting in the human placenta. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S152-62. [PMID: 26428495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
With the launch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health Human Placenta Project, the anticipation is that this often-overlooked organ will be the subject of much intense research. Compared with somatic tissues, the cells of the placenta have a unique epigenetic profile that dictates its transcription patterns, which when disturbed may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. One major class of genes that is dependent on strict epigenetic regulation in the placenta is subject to genomic imprinting, the parent-of-origin-dependent monoallelic gene expression. This review discusses the differences in allelic expression and epigenetic profiles of imprinted genes that are identified between different species, which reflect the continuous evolutionary adaption of this form of epigenetic regulation. These observations divulge that placenta-specific imprinted gene that is reliant on repressive histone signatures in mice are unlikely to be imprinted in humans, whereas intense methylation profiling in humans has uncovered numerous maternally methylated regions that are restricted to the placenta that are not conserved in mice. Imprinting has been proposed to be a mechanism that regulates parental resource allocation and ultimately can influence fetal growth, with the placenta being the key in this process. Furthermore, I discuss the developmental dynamics of both classic and transient placenta-specific imprinting and examine the evidence for an involvement of these genes in intrauterine growth restriction and placenta-associated complications. Finally, I focus on examples of genes that are regulated aberrantly in complicated pregnancies, emphasizing their application as pregnancy-related disease biomarkers to aid the diagnosis of at-risk pregnancies early in gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge, Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Aarabi M, San Gabriel MC, Chan D, Behan NA, Caron M, Pastinen T, Bourque G, MacFarlane AJ, Zini A, Trasler J. High-dose folic acid supplementation alters the human sperm methylome and is influenced by the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6301-13. [PMID: 26307085 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary folate is a major source of methyl groups required for DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that is actively maintained and remodeled during spermatogenesis. While high-dose folic acid supplementation (up to 10 times the daily recommended dose) has been shown to improve sperm parameters in infertile men, the effects of supplementation on the sperm epigenome are unknown. To assess the impact of 6 months of high-dose folic acid supplementation on the sperm epigenome, we studied 30 men with idiopathic infertility. Blood folate concentrations increased significantly after supplementation with no significant improvements in sperm parameters. Methylation levels of the differentially methylated regions of several imprinted loci (H19, DLK1/GTL2, MEST, SNRPN, PLAGL1, KCNQ1OT1) were normal both before and after supplementation. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) revealed a significant global loss of methylation across different regions of the sperm genome. The most marked loss of DNA methylation was found in sperm from patients homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, a common polymorphism in a key enzyme required for folate metabolism. RRBS analysis also showed that most of the differentially methylated tiles were located in DNA repeats, low CpG-density and intergenic regions. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that methylation of promoter regions was altered in several genes involved in cancer and neurobehavioral disorders including CBFA2T3, PTPN6, COL18A1, ALDH2, UBE4B, ERBB2, GABRB3, CNTNAP4 and NIPA1. Our data reveal alterations of the human sperm epigenome associated with high-dose folic acid supplementation, effects that were exacerbated by a common polymorphism in MTHFR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Aarabi
- Department of Human Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Maria C San Gabriel
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Donovan Chan
- Montreal Children's Hospital and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Nathalie A Behan
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9 and
| | - Maxime Caron
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 1A4
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 1A4
| | - Guillaume Bourque
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 1A4
| | | | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Human Genetics, Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1, Montreal Children's Hospital and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sakian S, Louie K, Wong EC, Havelock J, Kashyap S, Rowe T, Taylor B, Ma S. Altered gene expression of H19 and IGF2 in placentas from ART pregnancies. Placenta 2015; 36:1100-5. [PMID: 26386650 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to determine whether the gene expression and associated DNA methylation regulation of H19 and IGF2 are altered in placentas conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) compared to natural conceptions. METHODS 113 pregnancies were recruited resulting in 119 placentas (83 singletons and 36 twins), where 56 were conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), 41 via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and 22 naturally. Regulation of imprinting of H19 and IGF2 was determined by the DNA methylation status at three CpG sites within the H19 imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) using bisulphite pyrosequencing. Expression of H19 and IGF2 in 45 of these placentas (17 IVF, 14 ICSI, and 14 NC) was measured by determining the relative mRNA transcript levels using RT-qPCR in placental villi. RESULTS Placental weight and birth weight were not significantly different between groups. H19 expression was significantly increased in both IVF and ICSI placentas when compared to controls (1.8 and 1.9 fold higher, respectively). Conversely, IGF2 was significantly decreased in both ART groups (0.8 and 0.7 fold lower, respectively). Mean DNA methylation at ICR1 was found to be similar between all groups. No correlation was found between DNA methylation at ICR1 and expression of either gene. However, a significant inverse relationship was found between H19 and IGF2 expression. CONCLUSION We provide evidence of altered H19 and IGF2 expression in ART placentas. The altered expression pattern may suggest a loss of imprinting on the paternal allele. Furthermore, these alterations may not be entirely associated with DNA methylation at ICR1. We show further indirect evidence of the H19-IGF2 inverse expression pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sakian
- 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
| | - Jon Havelock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sonya Kashyap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Timothy Rowe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beth Taylor
- 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.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
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.
Collapse
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ; Embryology Lab, University of Thessalia, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larisa, Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
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
|
47
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nir Melamed
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Mount Sinai Hospital ; Toronto , ON Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
The UK Association of Clinical Embryologists held a workshop on Culture Systems for assisted conception in Sheffield on 22 May 2013. The meeting was organised in the light of the availability of numerous commercial products for the culture of human preimplantation embryos in vitro and the absence of data comparing the performance of these products. Expert opinions were presented, along with survey data provided by participating IVF Centres. The workshop highlighted the lack of a sound evidence base to support the selection of any one commercial product over another, and raised concerns over the lack of information defining precisely the composition of media, and the potential for adverse long-term effects of such products following their use in assisted conception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia N Bolton
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital , Great Maze Pond, London , UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|