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Karami Hezarcheshmeh F, Yaghmaei P, Hayati Roodbari N, Yari K. Methylation Status of cAMP-responsive Element Modulator (CREM) Gene in Infertile Men and Its Association with Sperm Parameters. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2001-2008. [PMID: 38499948 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01510-1] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The methylation pattern of non-imprinting genes was little studied, although it is widely known that the abnormal methylation levels of imprinting genes are associated with different forms of male infertility. The purpose of this research was to assess the CREM gene's methylation status and seminal characteristics in infertile individuals who were potential intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) candidates. A total of 45 semen samples (15 normospermia, 15 asthenospermia, and 15 oligoasthenoteratospermia) were examined. Using aniline blue (AB) staining, we carried out conventional semen analysis, chromatin quality, and sperm maturity testing. DNA was taken from semen samples, and all isolated DNA was assessed using Nanodrop and gel electrophoresis. A quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (Q-MSP) approach was used to quantify the methylation at the DMRs of the CREM gene. According to our findings, sperm count (P=0.012), concentration (P= 0.019), motility (P=0.006), progression (P=0.006), and normal morphology (P=0.004) were all inversely correlated with abnormal sperm chromatin condensation. Additionally, we noted that the methylation level of the CREM gene was considerably more significant in the oligoasthenoteratospermia group compared to the asthenospermia and normospermia groups (P<0.05). Additionally, sperm count (P=0.043), progression (P=0.026), and normal morphology (P=0.024) were all inversely linked with CREM methylation. Overall, the abnormal CREM methylation patterns have a negative impact on sperm parameters. Additionally, the CREM gene's DNA methylation status may serve as an epigenetic indicator of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parichehreh Yaghmaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kheirollah Yari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Zhao J, Li S, Ban M, Gao S, Cui L, Yan J, Yang X, Li J, Zhang Y, Guan S, Zhou W, Gao X, Chen ZJ. Metabolic Profiles of Offspring Born From Biopsied Embryos from Toddlerhood to Preschool Age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024:dgae315. [PMID: 38805186 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Embryo biopsy, which is necessary for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), has not been fully investigated regarding its potential influences and safety. Previous studies of children born from biopsied embryos (PGT children) have primarily centered around their growth and neuropsychological development, while there remains limited knowledge concerning their endocrine and metabolic parameters. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effect of trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on metabolic outcomes for PGT children. METHODS A total of 1267 children from the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, who were conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with and without PGT, were analyzed in this study. Three sets of measurements pertaining to growth and metabolism were taken at each predetermined follow-up time point. The linear regression models within a generalized estimating equation were employed to examine the associations between the PGT and each outcome measure and the approach of false discovery rate was used to correct for multiple comparisons. RESULTS After controlling for confounding factors and correcting for multiple comparisons, no statistically significant difference was identified in any of the measured variables between the PGT children and children conceived by IVF alone (IVF children) and children conceived through IVF using ICSI (ICSI children). The same is true also for age- or sex-based subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION Between the ages of 1 and 5 years, there are no clinically adverse metabolic outcomes observed in PGT children, and their metabolic profiles are essentially identical to those of IVF children and ICSI children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Miaomiao Ban
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shuzhe Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaohe Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jincheng Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shengnan Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
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胡 沛, 潘 洁, 刘 欣, 黄 荷. [Reproductive Health-Oriented Development in Assisted Reproductive Technologies]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:501-506. [PMID: 38948299 PMCID: PMC11211779 DOI: 10.12182/20240560401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are core components of the field of reproductive medicine, encompassing multiple pivotal stages of early development from gamete maturation and fertilization to embryo development. Against the backdrop of a deteriorating trend of global decline in fertility rates, patients with infertility problems increasingly turn to ARTs to realize their dreams of parenthood. However, concomitant with this trend is a growing apprehension regarding the potential adverse effects of ARTs. Herein, we endeavor to discuss several common ARTs procedures utilized in clinical settings and the relevant cutting-edge advancements. The ARTs discussed in the article include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), biphasic in vitro maturation (biphasic IVM), frozen embryo transfer (FET), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), non-invasive PGT (niPGT), etc. In addition, we reevaluated their roles within the broader context of assisted reproduction aimed at promoting reproductive health. Additionally, we will delve into the impact of ARTs on the reproductive health of the offspring. By prioritizing the reproductive well-being of both patients and their offspring, the ongoing development and improvement of ARTs to enhance their efficacy and safety will contribute significantly to the advancement of human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- 沛然 胡
- 复旦大学附属妇产科医院 生殖与发育研究院 (上海 200030)Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - 洁雪 潘
- 复旦大学附属妇产科医院 生殖与发育研究院 (上海 200030)Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - 欣梅 刘
- 复旦大学附属妇产科医院 生殖与发育研究院 (上海 200030)Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - 荷凤 黄
- 复旦大学附属妇产科医院 生殖与发育研究院 (上海 200030)Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- 上海市生殖与发育重点实验室 (上海 200030)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200030, China
- 中国医学科学院 胚胎源性疾病研究创新单元2019RU056 (上海 200030)Research Units of Diseases of Embryonic Origin (No. 2019RU056), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
- 浙江大学医学院附属妇产科医院 生殖遗传教育部重点实验室 (杭州 310030)Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics of the Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310030, China
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Tian Y, Li M, Yang J, Chen H, Lu D. Preimplantation genetic testing in the current era, a review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1787-1799. [PMID: 38376520 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07370-z] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), also referred to as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), is an advanced reproductive technology used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles to identify genetic abnormalities in embryos prior to their implantation. PGT is used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, monogenic disorders, and structural rearrangements. DEVELOPMENT OF PGT Over the past few decades, PGT has undergone tremendous development, resulting in three primary forms: PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR. PGT-A is utilized for screening embryos for aneuploidies, PGT-M is used to detect disorders caused by a single gene, and PGT-SR is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities caused by structural rearrangements in the genome. PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we thoroughly summarized and reviewed PGT and discussed its pros and cons down to the minutest aspects. Additionally, recent studies that highlight the advancements of PGT in the current era, including their future perspectives, were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive review aims to provide new insights into the understanding of techniques used in PGT, thereby contributing to the field of reproductive genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mingan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Shuyang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingmin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Daru Lu
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, 400020, China.
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Pandya RK, Jijo A, Cheredath A, Uppangala S, Salian SR, Lakshmi VR, Kumar P, Kalthur G, Gupta S, Adiga SK. Differential sperm histone retention in normozoospermic ejaculates of infertile men negatively affects sperm functional competence and embryo quality. Andrology 2024; 12:881-890. [PMID: 37801310 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13541] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unique epigenetic architecture that sperm cells acquire during spermiogenesis by retaining <15% of either canonical or variant histone proteins in their genome is essential for normal embryogenesis. Whilst heterogeneous levels of retained histones are found in morphologically normal spermatozoa, their effect on reproductive outcomes is not fully understood. METHODS Processed spermatozoa (n = 62) were tested for DNA integrity by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, and retained histones were extracted and subjected to dot-blot analysis. The impact of retained histone modifications in normozoospermic patients on sperm functional characteristics, embryo quality, metabolic signature in embryo spent culture medium and pregnancy outcome was studied. RESULTS Dot-blot analysis showed heterogeneous levels of retained histones in the genome of normozoospermic ejaculates. Post-wash sperm yield was affected by an increase in H3K27Me3 and H4K20Me3 levels in the sperm chromatin (p < 0.05). Also, spermatozoa with higher histone H3 retention had increased DNA damage (p < 0.05). Spermatozoa from these cohorts, when injected into donor oocytes, correlated to a significant decrease in the fertilisation rate with an increase in sperm histone H3 (p < 0.05) and H3K27Me3 (p < 0.01). An increase in histone H3 negatively affected embryo quality (p < 0.01) and clinical pregnancy outcome post-embryo transfer (p < 0.05). On the other hand, spent culture medium metabolites assessed by high-resolution (800 MHz) nuclear magnetic resonance showed an increased intensity of the amino acid methionine in the non-pregnant group than in the pregnant group (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with sperm histone H3 in the pregnant group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Histone retention in spermatozoa can be one of the factors behind the development of idiopathic male infertility. Such spermatozoa may influence embryonic behaviour and thereby affect the success rate of assisted reproductive technology procedures. These results, although descriptive in nature, warrant further research to address the underlying mechanisms behind these clinically important observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhi Kirit Pandya
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ameya Jijo
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Aswathi Cheredath
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sujith Raj Salian
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vani R Lakshmi
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Pratap Kumar
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- KS313, Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Zhang S, Luo Q, Meng R, Yan J, Wu Y, Huang H. Long-term health risk of offspring born from assisted reproductive technologies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:527-550. [PMID: 38146031 PMCID: PMC10957847 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02988-5] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the world's first in vitro fertilization baby was born in 1978, there have been more than 8 million children conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) worldwide, and a significant proportion of them have reached puberty or young adulthood. Many studies have found that ART increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, small size for gestational age, perinatal mortality, and congenital anomalies. However, data regarding the long-term outcomes of ART offspring are limited. According to the developmental origins of health and disease theory, adverse environments during early life stages may induce adaptive changes and subsequently result in an increased risk of diseases in later life. Increasing evidence also suggests that ART offspring are predisposed to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, such as malignancies, asthma, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we summarize the risks for long-term health in ART offspring, discuss the underlying mechanisms, including underlying parental infertility, epigenetic alterations, non-physiological hormone levels, and placental dysfunction, and propose potential strategies to optimize the management of ART and health care of parents and children to eliminate the associated risks. Further ongoing follow-up and research are warranted to determine the effects of ART on the long-term health of ART offspring in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qinyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renyu Meng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yanting Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Research Unit of Embryo Original Diseases (No. 2019RU056), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Research Unit of Embryo Original Diseases (No. 2019RU056), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Mertens J, Belva F, van Montfoort APA, Regin M, Zambelli F, Seneca S, Couvreu de Deckersberg E, Bonduelle M, Tournaye H, Stouffs K, Barbé K, Smeets HJM, Van de Velde H, Sermon K, Blockeel C, Spits C. Children born after assisted reproduction more commonly carry a mitochondrial genotype associating with low birthweight. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1232. [PMID: 38336715 PMCID: PMC10858059 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Children conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have an elevated risk of lower birthweight, yet the underlying cause remains unclear. Our study explores mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants as contributors to birthweight differences by impacting mitochondrial function during prenatal development. We deep-sequenced the mtDNA of 451 ART and spontaneously conceived (SC) individuals, 157 mother-child pairs and 113 individual oocytes from either natural menstrual cycles or after ovarian stimulation (OS) and find that ART individuals carried a different mtDNA genotype than SC individuals, with more de novo non-synonymous variants. These variants, along with rRNA variants, correlate with lower birthweight percentiles, independent of conception mode. Their higher occurrence in ART individuals stems from de novo mutagenesis associated with maternal aging and OS-induced oocyte cohort size. Future research will establish the long-term health consequences of these changes and how these findings will impact the clinical practice and patient counselling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Mertens
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Belva
- Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marius Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Sara Seneca
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edouard Couvreu de Deckersberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group Biology of the Testis, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrien Stouffs
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kurt Barbé
- Interfaculty Center Data Processing & Statistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hubert J M Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs School Institute for Mental Health and Neuroscience, GROW Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Claudia Spits
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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8
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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9
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Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Sciorio R, Campos G, Tramontano L, Bulletti FM, Baldini GM, Vinciguerra M. Exploring the effect of cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology and potential epigenetic risk. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:420-432. [PMID: 37409505 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first baby by in vitro fertilization in 1978, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using medically assisted reproductive treatments. Fertilization naturally takes place in the maternal oviduct where unique physiological conditions enable the early healthy development of the embryo. During this dynamic period of early development major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Increasingly, over the past 20 years concerns relating to the increased incidence of epigenetic anomalies in general, and genomic-imprinting disorders in particular, have been raised following assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatments. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period and non-physiological conditions such as ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedure, might have the potential to independently or collectively contribute to epigenetic dysregulation. Therefore, this narrative review offers a critical reappraisal of the evidence relating to the association between embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation and the consequences on gene expression together with long-term consequences for offspring health and wellbeing. Current literature suggests that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles are sensitive to the stress induced by vitrification, in terms of osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, it is therefore, critical to have a more comprehensive understanding and recognition of potential unanticipated iatrogenic-induced perturbations of epigenetic modifications that may or may not be a consequence of vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneve University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, Geneve 14, Switzerland
| | - Francesco M Bulletti
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section, University of Bari, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology 'Santa Caterina Novella', Galatina Hospital, Italy
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11
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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.
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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
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12
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Ahmadi H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Rashidiani S, Csabai T, Nnaemeka OB, Szekeres-Bartho J. Long-Term Effects of ART on the Health of the Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13564. [PMID: 37686370 PMCID: PMC10487905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713564] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) significantly increase the chance of successful pregnancy and live birth in infertile couples. The different procedures for ART, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT), are widely used to overcome infertility-related problems. In spite of its inarguable usefulness, concerns about the health consequences of ART-conceived babies have been raised. There are reports about the association of ART with birth defects and health complications, e.g., malignancies, high blood pressure, generalized vascular functional disorders, asthma and metabolic disorders in later life. It has been suggested that hormonal treatment of the mother, and the artificial environment during the manipulation of gametes and embryos may cause genomic and epigenetic alterations and subsequent complications in the health status of ART-conceived babies. In the current study, we aimed to review the possible long-term consequences of different ART procedures on the subsequent health status of ART-conceived offspring, considering the confounding factors that might account for/contribute to the long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (H.A.); (T.C.)
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran;
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran
| | - Shima Rashidiani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Timea Csabai
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (H.A.); (T.C.)
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Obodo Basil Nnaemeka
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs University, 7621 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Julia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (H.A.); (T.C.)
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA—PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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13
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Sainty R, Silver MJ, Prentice AM, Monk D. The influence of early environment and micronutrient availability on developmental epigenetic programming: lessons from the placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1212199. [PMID: 37484911 PMCID: PMC10358779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1212199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most commonly studied epigenetic mark in humans, as it is well recognised as a stable, heritable mark that can affect genome function and influence gene expression. Somatic DNA methylation patterns that can persist throughout life are established shortly after fertilisation when the majority of epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, are erased from the pre-implantation embryo. Therefore, the period around conception is potentially critical for influencing DNA methylation, including methylation at imprinted alleles and metastable epialleles (MEs), loci where methylation varies between individuals but is correlated across tissues. Exposures before and during conception can affect pregnancy outcomes and health throughout life. Retrospective studies of the survivors of famines, such as those exposed to the Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944-45, have linked exposures around conception to later disease outcomes, some of which correlate with DNA methylation changes at certain genes. Animal models have shown more directly that DNA methylation can be affected by dietary supplements that act as cofactors in one-carbon metabolism, and in humans, methylation at birth has been associated with peri-conceptional micronutrient supplementation. However, directly showing a role of micronutrients in shaping the epigenome has proven difficult. Recently, the placenta, a tissue with a unique hypomethylated methylome, has been shown to possess great inter-individual variability, which we highlight as a promising target tissue for studying MEs and mixed environmental exposures. The placenta has a critical role shaping the health of the fetus. Placenta-associated pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, are all associated with aberrant patterns of DNA methylation and expression which are only now being linked to disease risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sainty
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Silver
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Prentice
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - David Monk
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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14
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Trapphoff T, Dieterle S. Cryopreservation of Ovarian and Testicular Tissue and the Influence on Epigenetic Pattern. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11061. [PMID: 37446239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) or testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) are effective and often the only options for fertility preservation in female or male patients due to oncological, medical, or social aspects. While TTC and resumption of spermatogenesis, either in vivo or in vitro, has still be considered an experimental approach in humans, OTC and autotransplantation has been applied increasingly to preserve fertility, with more than 200 live births worldwide. However, the cryopreservation of reproductive cells followed by the resumption of gametogenesis, either in vivo or in vitro, may interfere with sensitive and highly regulated cellular processes. In particular, the epigenetic profile, which includes not just reversible modifications of the DNA itself but also post-translational histone modifications, small non-coding RNAs, gene expression and availability, and storage of related proteins or transcripts, have to be considered in this context. Due to complex reprogramming and maintenance mechanisms of the epigenome in germ cells, growing embryos, and offspring, OTC and TTC are carried out at very critical moments early in the life cycle. Given this background, the safety of OTC and TTC, taking into account the epigenetic profile, has to be clarified. Cryopreservation of mature germ cells (including metaphase II oocytes and mature spermatozoa collected via ejaculation or more invasively after testicular biopsy) or embryos has been used successfully for many years in medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, tissue freezing followed by in vitro or in vivo gametogenesis has become more attractive in the past, while few human studies have analysed the epigenetic effects, with most data deriving from animal studies. In this review, we highlight the potential influence of the cryopreservation of immature germ cells and subsequent in vivo or in vitro growth and differentiation on the epigenetic profile (including DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and the abundance and availability of relevant transcripts and proteins) in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Dieterle
- Dortmund Fertility Centre, 44135 Dortmund, Germany
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Witten/Herdecke University, 44135 Dortmund, Germany
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15
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Sciorio R, Manna C, Fauque P, Rinaudo P. Can Cryopreservation in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Induce Epigenetic Changes to Gametes and Embryos? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4444. [PMID: 37445479 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134444] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, more than nine million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). While the great majority of children are healthy, there are concerns about the potential epigenetic consequences of gametes and embryo manipulation. In fact, during the preimplantation period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming occur. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes induced by ovarian stimulation, in-vitro fertilization, and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedures. This review summarizes the evidence relating to oocytes and embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation. Overall, it appears that the stress induced by vitrification, including osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, might induce epigenetic and transcriptomic changes in oocytes and embryos. It is currently unclear if these changes will have potential consequences for the health of future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Development (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 92037, USA
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16
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Li Y, Cai L, Guo N, Liu C, Wang M, Zhu L, Li F, Jin L, Sui C. Oviductal extracellular vesicles from women with endometriosis impair embryo development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1171778. [PMID: 37409222 PMCID: PMC10319124 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1171778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the influence of oviductal extracellular vesicles from patients with endometriosis on early embryo development. Design In vitro experimental study. Setting University-affiliated hospital. Patients Women with and without endometriosis who underwent hysterectomy (n = 27 in total). Interventions None. Main outcome measures Oviductal extracellular vesicles from patients with endometriosis (oEV-EMT) or without endometriosis (oEV-ctrl) were isolated and co-cultured with two-cell murine embryos for 75 hours. Blastocyst rates were recorded. RNA sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed genes in blastocysts cultured either with oEV-EMT or with oEV-ctrl. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify potential biological processes in embryos that oEV-EMT affects. The functions of oEV on early embryo development were determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP), total cell numbers, and apoptotic cell proportions. Results Extracellular vesicles were successfully isolated from human Fallopian tubal fluid, and their characterizations were described. The blastocyst rates were significantly decreased in the oEV-EMT group. RNA sequencing revealed that oxidative phosphorylation was down-regulated in blastocysts cultured with oEV-EMT. Analysis of oxidative stress and apoptosis at the blastocysts stage showed that embryos cultured with oEV-EMT had increased ROS levels, decreased MMP, and increased apoptotic index. Total cell numbers were not influenced. Conclusion Oviductal extracellular vesicles from patients with endometriosis negatively influence early embryo development by down-regulating oxidative phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Shabtai T, Sheiner E, Wainstock T, Raziel A, Kessous R. Infertility Treatments Resulting in Twin Pregnancy: Does It Increase the Risk for Future Childhood Malignancy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113728. [PMID: 37297923 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113728] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Controversy exists in the literature regarding the possible association between infertility treatments in singleton pregnancies and long-term risk for childhood malignancy. Data regarding infertility treatments in twins and long-term childhood malignancies are scarce. Objective: We sought to investigate whether twins conceived following infertility treatments are at an increased risk for childhood malignancy. Study design: A population-based retrospective cohort study, comparing the risk for future childhood malignancy in twins conceived by infertility treatments (in vitro fertilization and ovulation induction) and those who were conceived spontaneously. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991 and 2021 in a tertiary medical center. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative incidence of childhood malignancies, and a Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to control for confounders. Results: During the study period, 11,986 twins met the inclusion criteria; 2910 (24.3%) were born following infertility treatments. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups comparing the rate (per 1000) of childhood malignancies (2.0 in the infertility treatments group vs. 2.2 in the comparison group, OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.41-2.62; p = 0.93). Likewise, the cumulative incidence over time was comparable between the groups (log-rank test, p = 0.87). In a Cox regression model, controlling for maternal and gestational age, no significant differences in childhood malignancies were noted between the groups (adjusted HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.49-1.39, p = 0.47). Conclusions: In our population, twins conceived following infertility treatments are not at an increased risk for childhood malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Shabtai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Arie Raziel
- IVF Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Roy Kessous
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
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18
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Crafa A, Cannarella R, Barbagallo F, La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE. Effects of assisted reproductive techniques on offspring gonadal function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. F&S REVIEWS 2023; 4:152-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Sciorio R, Aiello R, Janssens R. Considerations on staffing levels for a modern assisted reproductive laboratory. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27:120-130. [PMID: 36515254 PMCID: PMC10065777 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220048] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The duties recently performed in the embryology laboratory have deeply increased compared to those realized a couple of decades ago. Currently, procedures include conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI techniques, or processing of surgically retrieved sperm, embryo culture and time-lapse monitoring, blastocyst culture, as well as trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing and cryopreservation. These techniques require not only time, but also high knowledge level and acutely concentration by the embryologist team. The existing data indicate that an IVF laboratory need to have adequate staffing levels to perform the required daily duties, and to work in optimal conditions that are critical to assure a high quality service, as well as avoiding incidents and to provide the best outcomes. As a result, IVF clinics have invested in human resources, but there is still a large discrepancy between IVF centres on the number of embryologists employed. Currently there is no golden standard on the human resource requirements for assisted reproductive technology procedures; therefore, in this review paper we aim to provide arguments to take into account to determine the embryology staffing requirements in an embryology laboratory to assure optimal safety and efficiency of operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of
Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16
4SA, UK
| | - Raffaele Aiello
- OMNIA Lab S.C.a.R.L, Via Cesare Rosaroll 24, 80139 Naples, Italy
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20
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Chang S, Min J, Lu X, Zhang Q, Shangguan S, Zhang T, Wang L. Effect of epigenetic activating of Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted cluster on miR-370 expression due to folate deficiency during nerve development. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 116:109297. [PMID: 36907530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109297] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Proper Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting plays a critical role in embryogenesis, and folic acid deficiency may affect the imprinting of this locus through epigenetic regulation. However, whether and how folic acid directly impacts the imprinting status of Dlk1-Dio3 to affect neural development remain unclear. Here, we found decreased IG-DMR (intergenic -differentially methylated regions) methylation in the folate-deficient encephalocele in humans, suggesting that abnormal Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting status is related to neural tube defects (NTDs) caused by folate deficiency. Similar results were obtained with folate-deficient embryonic stem cells. By miRNA chip analysis, folic acid deficiency led to changes in multiple miRNAs, including the upregulation of 15 miRNAs located in the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Real-time PCR confirmed that seven of these miRNAs were upregulated, especially miR-370. In contrast to normal embryonic development, in which expression of miR-370 is highest at E9.5, the abnormally high and sustained expression of miRNA-370 in folate-deficient E13.5 embryos may contribute to NTDs. In addition, we found that DNMT3A (de novo DNA methyltransferases 3A) is a direct target gene of miR-370 in neural cells, and DNMT3A participates in the role of miR-370 in inhibiting cell migration. Finally, in the folate-deficient mouse model, Dlk1-Dio3 epigenetic activation was found in fetal brain tissue, along with the upregulation of miR-370 and the downregulation of DNMT3A. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a pivotal role of folate in the epigenetic regulation of Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting during neurogenesis, revealing an elegant mechanism for the activation of Dlk1-Dio3 locus miRNAs in folic acid deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Chang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020
| | - Jie Min
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020; Department 2 of Nephrology, Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory for Chronic Renal Disease and Blood Purification, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China, 100045
| | - Xiaolin Lu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020
| | - Shaofang Shangguan
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China, 100020.
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21
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Wells D. New insights into the nonequivalence of the maternal and paternal genomes during the first few days of life. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:688-689. [PMID: 36822567 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dagan Wells
- Juno Genetics, Winchester House, Heatley Road, Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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22
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Galati G, Esposito G, Somigliana E, Muzii L, Franchi M, Corrao G, Parazzini F. Trends in the incidence of major birth defects after assisted reproductive technologies in Lombardy Region, Northern Italy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:857-863. [PMID: 36763300 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02732-z] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of birth defects is increased in children born after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, changes in ART over time could influence this incidence. To investigate this issue, we present the frequency and trends of birth defects in ART and natural pregnancies in Lombardy, Northern Italy, during the period 2014-2020. METHODS This is a population-based study using automated system of healthcare utilization (HCU) databases. ART pregnancies included only those obtained with conventional IVF or ICSI. After identifying the total number of deliveries, the rate of newborns with birth defects was compared between natural and ART pregnancies. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odd ratio (OR). Analyses were repeated for every calendar year. RESULTS Overall, 508,421 deliveries were identified, of which 14,067 (2.8%) were achieved after IVF-ICSI. A decreasing trend in birth defects over time was highlighted. The adjusted OR dropped from 1.40 (95%CI: 1.03-1.91) in 2014 to 0.92 (95%CI: 0.69-1.22) in 2020. During the study period, a significant reduction in multiple pregnancy and in the ratio of ICSI to conventional IVF was also observed, explaining at least in part the positive trend observed for birth defects. CONCLUSION The increased risk of birth defects in children born after IVF-ICSI is not steady over time. A decline of this risk emerged in our region. Policy changes in ART may explain this beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Galati
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Esposito
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Franchi
- Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corrao
- Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Parazzini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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23
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Wang S, Larina IV. Dynamics of gametes and embryos in the oviduct: what can in vivo imaging reveal? Reproduction 2023; 165:R25-R37. [PMID: 36318634 PMCID: PMC9827618 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In brief In vivo imaging of gametes and embryos in the oviduct enables new studies of the native processes that lead to fertilization and pregnancy. This review article discusses recent advancements in the in vivo imaging methods and insights which contribute to understanding the oviductal function. Abstract Understanding the physiological dynamics of gametes and embryos in the fallopian tube (oviduct) has significant implications for managing reproductive disorders and improving assisted reproductive technologies. Recent advancements in imaging of the mouse oviduct in vivo uncovered fascinating dynamics of gametes and embryos in their native states. These new imaging approaches and observations are bringing exciting momentum to uncover the otherwise-hidden processes orchestrating fertilization and pregnancy. For mechanistic investigations, in vivo imaging in genetic mouse models enables dynamic phenotyping of gene functions in the reproductive process. Here, we review these imaging methods, discuss insights recently revealed by in vivo imaging, and comment on emerging directions, aiming to stimulate new in vivo studies of reproductive dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, U.S.A
| | - Irina V. Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
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24
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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.
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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
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25
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McIlfatrick S, O’Leary S, Okada T, Penn A, Nguyen VHT, McKenny L, Huang SY, Andreas E, Finnie J, Kirkwood R, St. John JC. Does supplementation of oocytes with additional mtDNA influence developmental outcome? iScience 2023; 26:105956. [PMID: 36711242 PMCID: PMC9876745 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introducing extra mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into oocytes at fertilization can rescue poor quality oocytes. However, supplementation alters DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of preimplantation embryos. To determine if these alterations impacted offspring, we introduced mtDNA from failed-to-mature sister (autologous) or third party (heterologous) oocytes into mature oocytes and transferred zygotes into surrogates. Founders exhibited significantly greater daily weight gain (heterologous) and growth rates (heterologous and autologous) to controls. In weaners, cholesterol, bilirubin (heterologous and autologous), anion gap, and lymphocyte count (autologous) were elevated. In mature pigs, potassium (heterologous) and bicarbonate (autologous) were altered. mtDNA and imprinted gene analyses did not reveal aberrant profiles. Neither group exhibited gross anatomical, morphological, or histopathological differences that would lead to clinically significant lesions. Female founders were fertile and their offspring exhibited modified weight and height gain, biochemical, and hematological profiles. mtDNA supplementation induced minor differences that did not affect health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen McIlfatrick
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Sean O’Leary
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Takashi Okada
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Alexander Penn
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Vy Hoang Thao Nguyen
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Lisa McKenny
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Shang-Yu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Eryk Andreas
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - John Finnie
- University Veterinarian & AWO, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Roy Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Justin C. St. John
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia,Corresponding author
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26
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Hart RJ, Wijs LA. The longer-term effects of IVF on offspring from childhood to adolescence. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1045762. [PMID: 36570043 PMCID: PMC9773093 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1045762] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that there are increased pregnancy-related complications for a woman who conceives through assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Furthermore, it is known that the risk to the child born is greater, believed to be related to prematurity and growth restriction. Studies have also reported epigenetic changes in the DNA of offspring conceived through ART. In addition, it is believed that they have a greater risk of congenital malformations, although some of these risks may relate to underlying infertility, rather than the ART treatment per se. As a result, it may be expected that there is a greater risk to the longer-term health of the child who is born from ART; however, evidence about the long-term health of children conceived through ART is reassuring. Even though, it is recognised that many of the studies in this field come with limitations. Low numbers of participants is one of the major limitations, which makes subgroup analyses for diverse types of ART, or diverse types of infertility, not feasible. Furthermore, studies are often limited by short follow-up periods because of the difficulty and costs involved in longitudinal study designs. In addition, the rapid changes over time in ART limit the generalisability and significance of long-term findings. Well-designed studies investigating the long-term health outcomes of ART-conceived offspring and the potential influences of various aspects of the ART procedure, as well as studies of the potential underlying epigenetic mechanisms, are imperative. Furthermore, conclusions from childhood hospitalisation data from the United Kingdom, the long-term follow-up and quality of life study from researchers in Melbourne, and the data published from the Western Australian Growing Up Healthy Study will go a long way to help reassure current and prospective parents who may require ART to conceive.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia,Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia,City Fertility Clinic, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,Correspondence: R. J. Hart
| | - L. A. Wijs
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Catford SR, Halliday J, Lewis S, O'Bryan MK, Handelsman DJ, Hart RJ, McBain J, Rombauts L, Amor DJ, Saffery R, McLachlan RI. The metabolic health of young men conceived using intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2908-2920. [PMID: 36166702 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the metabolic health of men conceived using ICSI different to that of IVF and spontaneously conceived (SC) men? SUMMARY ANSWER ICSI-conceived men aged 18-24 years, compared with SC controls, showed differences in some metabolic parameters including higher resting diastolic blood pressure (BP) and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores, although the metabolic parameters of ICSI- and IVF-conceived singleton men were more comparable. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Some studies suggest that IVF-conceived offspring may have poorer cardiovascular and metabolic profiles than SC children. Few studies have examined the metabolic health of ICSI-conceived offspring. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cohort study compared the metabolic health of ICSI-conceived men to IVF-conceived and SC controls who were derived from prior cohorts. Participants included 121 ICSI-conceived men (including 100 singletons), 74 IVF-conceived controls (all singletons) and 688 SC controls (including 662 singletons). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Resting systolic and diastolic BP (measured using an automated sphygmomanometer), height, weight, BMI, body surface area and fasting serum metabolic markers including fasting insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and HOMA-IR were compared between groups. Data were analysed using multivariable linear regression adjusted for various covariates including age and education level. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjusting for covariates, compared to 688 SC controls, 121 ICSI-conceived men had higher diastolic BP (β 4.9, 95% CI 1.1-8.7), lower fasting glucose (β -0.7, 95% CI -0.9 to -0.5), higher fasting insulin (ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.0), higher HOMA-IR (ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.6), higher HDLC (β 0.2, 95% CI 0.07-0.3) and lower hsCRP (ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) levels. Compared to 74 IVF-conceived singletons, only glucose differed in the ICSI-conceived singleton men (β -0.4, 95% CI -0.7 to -0.1). No differences were seen in the paternal infertility subgroups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The recruitment rate of ICSI-conceived men in this study was low and potential for recruitment bias exists. The ICSI-conceived men, the IVF-conceived men and SC controls were from different cohorts with different birth years and different geographical locations. Assessment of study groups and controls was not contemporaneous, and the measurements differed for some outcomes (BP, insulin, glucose, lipids and hsCRP). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These observations require confirmation in a larger study with a focus on potential mechanisms. Further efforts to identify whether health differences are due to parental characteristics and/or factors related to the ICSI procedure are also necessary. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Grant (NHMRC APP1140706) and was partially funded by the Monash IVF Research and Education Foundation. S.R.C. was supported through an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. R.J.H. is supported by an NHMRC project grant (634457), and J.H. and R.I.M. have been supported by the NHMRC as Senior and Principal Research Fellows respectively (J.H. fellowship number: 1021252; R.I.M. fellowship number: 1022327). L.R. is a minority shareholder and the Group Medical Director for Monash IVF Group, and reports personal fees from Monash IVF Group and Ferring Australia, honoraria from Ferring Australia and travel fees from Merck Serono and MSD and Guerbet; R.J.H. is the Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia and has equity in Western IVF; R.I.M. is a consultant for and shareholder of Monash IVF Group and S.R.C. reports personal fees from Besins Healthcare and nonfinancial support from Merck outside of the submitted work. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Catford
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Halliday
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Lewis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M K O'Bryan
- The School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D J Handelsman
- The ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Andrology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - R J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - J McBain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - L Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R I McLachlan
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
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Ducreux B, Fauque P. Comment on Cannarella et al. DNA Methylation in Offspring Conceived after Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 5056. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236908. [PMID: 36498483 PMCID: PMC9738207 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We read the study by Cannarella et al. [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence:
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Salmeri N, Carbone IF, Cavoretto PI, Farina A, Morano D. Epigenetics Beyond Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Overview. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:607-626. [PMID: 36028645 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is a pathological condition occurring when the fetus does not reach the genetically determined growth potential. The etiology of fetal growth restriction is expected to be multifactorial and include fetal, maternal, and placental factors, the latter being the most frequent cause of isolated fetal growth restriction. Severe fetal growth restriction has been related to both an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and also a greater susceptibility to developing diseases (especially cardio-metabolic and neurological disorders) later in life. In the last decade, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease, which states that individual developmental 'programming' takes place via a delicate fine tuning of fetal genetic and epigenetic marks in response to a large variety of 'stressor' exposures during pregnancy. As the placenta is the maternal-fetal interface, it has a crucial role in fetal programming, such that any perturbation altering placental function interferes with both in-utero fetal growth and also with the adult life phenotype. Several epigenetic mechanisms have been highlighted in modulating the dynamic placental epigenome, including alterations in DNA methylation status, post-translational modification of histones, and non-coding RNAs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available literature on the epigenetic background of fetal growth restriction. A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to January 2022. A detailed and fully referenced synthesis of available literature following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles guidelines is provided. A variety of epigenetic marks predominantly interfering with placental development, function, and metabolism were found to be potentially associated with fetal growth restriction. Available evidence on the role of environmental exposures in shaping the placental epigenome and the fetal phenotype were also critically discussed. Because of the highly dynamic crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and the extra level of complexity in interpreting the final placental transcriptome, a full comprehension of these phenomenon is still lacking and advances in multi-omics approaches are urgently needed. Elucidating the role of epigenetics in the developmental origins of health and disease represents a new challenge for the coming years, with the goal of providing early interventions and prevention strategies and, hopefully, new treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilma Floriana Carbone
- Unit of Obstetrics, Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Mangiagalli Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ivo Cavoretto
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Danila Morano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, University of Ferrara, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
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Menezo Y, Elder K, Clement P, Clement A, Patrizio P. Biochemical Hazards during Three Phases of Assisted Reproductive Technology: Repercussions Associated with Epigenesis and Imprinting. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168916. [PMID: 36012172 PMCID: PMC9408922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medically assisted reproduction, now considered a routine, successful treatment for infertility worldwide, has produced at least 8 million live births. However, a growing body of evidence is pointing toward an increased incidence of epigenetic/imprinting disorders in the offspring, raising concern that the techniques involved may have an impact on crucial stages of early embryo and fetal development highly vulnerable to epigenetic influence. In this paper, the key role of methylation processes in epigenesis, namely the essential biochemical/metabolic pathways involving folates and one-carbon cycles necessary for correct DNA/histone methylation, is discussed. Furthermore, potential contributors to epigenetics dysregulation during the three phases of assisted reproduction: preparation for and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH); methylation processes during the preimplantation embryo culture stages; the effects of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) during embryogenesis on imprinting methyl “tags”, are described. Advances in technology have opened a window into developmental processes that were previously inaccessible to research: it is now clear that ART procedures have the potential to influence DNA methylation in embryonic and fetal life, with an impact on health and disease risk in future generations. Critical re-evaluation of protocols and procedures is now an urgent priority, with a focus on interventions targeted toward improving ART procedures, with special attention to in vitro culture protocols and the effects of excessive folic acid intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Menezo
- Laboratoire Clément, 17 Avenue d’Eylau, 75016 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Cambridge CB1 0BE, UK
| | | | - Arthur Clement
- Laboratoire Clément, 17 Avenue d’Eylau, 75016 Paris, France
| | - Pasquale Patrizio
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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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.
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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
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Mani S, Ghosh J, Rhon-Calderon EA, Lan Y, Ord T, Kalliora C, Chan J, Schultz B, Vaughan-Williams E, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C, Senapati S, Bartolomei MS, Mainigi M. Embryo cryopreservation leads to sex-specific DNA methylation perturbations in both human and mouse placentas. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3855-3872. [PMID: 35717573 PMCID: PMC9652110 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with DNA methylation abnormalities and a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, which exposure(s), among the many IVF interventions, contributes to these outcomes remains unknown. Frozen embryo transfer (ET) is increasingly utilized as an alternative to fresh ET, but reports suggest a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia and large for gestational age infants. This study examines DNA methylation in human placentas using the 850K Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip array obtained after 65 programmed frozen ET cycles, 82 fresh ET cycles and 45 unassisted conceptions. Nine patients provided placentas following frozen and fresh ET from consecutive pregnancies for a paired subgroup analysis. In parallel, eight mouse placentas from fresh and frozen ET were analyzed using the Infinium Mouse Methylation BeadChip array. Human and mouse placentas were significantly hypermethylated after frozen ET compared with fresh. Paired analysis showed similar trends. Sex-specific analysis revealed that these changes were driven by male placentas in humans and mice. Frozen and fresh ET placentas were significantly different from controls, with frozen samples hypermethylated compared with controls driven by males and fresh samples being hypomethylated compared with controls, driven by females. Sexually dimorphic epigenetic changes could indicate differential susceptibility to IVF-associated perturbations, which highlights the importance of sex-specific evaluation of adverse outcomes. Similarities between changes in mice and humans underscore the suitability of the mouse model in evaluating how IVF impacts the epigenetic landscape, which is valuable given limited access to human tissue and the ability to isolate specific interventions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Cancer and Cellular Biology, Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Teri Ord
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charikleia Kalliora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joe Chan
- Cancer and Cellular Biology, Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Bryant Schultz
- Cancer and Cellular Biology, Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Elaine Vaughan-Williams
- Cancer and Cellular Biology, Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Cancer and Cellular Biology, Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Suneeta Senapati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Market Street, 8th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Tel: +1 2156622972; Fax: +1 2153495512;
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Smits RM, Xavier MJ, Oud MS, Astuti GDN, Meijerink AM, de Vries PF, Holt GS, Alobaidi BKS, Batty LE, Khazeeva G, Sablauskas K, Vissers LELM, Gilissen C, Fleischer K, Braat DDM, Ramos L, Veltman JA. De novo mutations in children born after medical assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1360-1369. [PMID: 35413117 PMCID: PMC9156847 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there more de novo mutations (DNMs) present in the genomes of children born through medical assisted reproduction (MAR) compared to spontaneously conceived children? SUMMARY ANSWER In this pilot study, no statistically significant difference was observed in the number of DNMs observed in the genomes of MAR children versus spontaneously conceived children. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY DNMs are known to play a major role in sporadic disorders with reduced fitness such as severe developmental disorders, including intellectual disability and epilepsy. Advanced paternal age is known to place offspring at increased disease risk, amongst others by increasing the number of DNMs in their genome. There are very few studies reporting on the effect of MAR on the number of DNMs in the offspring, especially when male infertility is known to be affecting the potential fathers. With delayed parenthood an ongoing epidemiological trend in the 21st century, there are more children born from fathers of advanced age and more children born through MAR every day. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This observational pilot study was conducted from January 2015 to March 2019 in the tertiary care centre at Radboud University Medical Center. We included a total of 53 children and their respective parents, forming 49 trios (mother, father and child) and two quartets (mother, father and two siblings). One group of children was born after spontaneous conception (n = 18); a second group of children born after IVF (n = 17) and a third group of children born after ICSI combined with testicular sperm extraction (ICSI-TESE) (n = 18). In this pilot study, we also subdivided each group by paternal age, resulting in a subgroup of children born to younger fathers (<35 years of age at conception) and older fathers (>45 years of age at conception). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on all parent-offspring trios to identify DNMs. For 34 of 53 trios/quartets, WGS was performed twice to independently detect and validate the presence of DNMs. Quality of WGS-based DNM calling was independently assessed by targeted Sanger sequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No significant differences were observed in the number of DNMs per child for the different methods of conception, independent of parental age at conception (multi-factorial ANOVA, f(2) = 0.17, P-value = 0.85). As expected, a clear paternal age effect was observed after adjusting for method of conception and maternal age at conception (multiple regression model, t = 5.636, P-value = 8.97 × 10-7), with on average 71 DNMs in the genomes of children born to young fathers (<35 years of age) and an average of 94 DNMs in the genomes of children born to older fathers (>45 years of age). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a pilot study and other small-scale studies have recently reported contrasting results. Larger unbiased studies are required to confirm or falsify these results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This pilot study did not show an effect for the method of conception on the number of DNMs per genome in offspring. Given the role that DNMs play in disease risk, this negative result is good news for IVF and ICSI-TESE born children, if replicated in a larger cohort. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (918-15-667) and by an Investigator Award in Science from the Wellcome Trust (209451). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Smits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M J Xavier
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - M S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G D N Astuti
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - A M Meijerink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - P F de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G S Holt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B K S Alobaidi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - L E Batty
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G Khazeeva
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - K Sablauskas
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - L E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - C Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - K Fleischer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - D D M Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - L Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Sciorio R, El Hajj N. Epigenetic Risks of Medically Assisted Reproduction. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082151. [PMID: 35456243 PMCID: PMC9027760 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In vivo fertilization takes place in the maternal oviduct, where the unique physiological conditions guarantee the healthy development of the embryo. During early embryogenesis, a major wave of epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the correct development of the embryo. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes and non-physiological conditions such as those applied during in vitro culture, including shift in pH and temperature, oxygen tension, controlled ovarian stimulation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, as well as preimplantation embryo manipulations for genetic testing. In the last decade, concerns were raised of a possible link between ART and increased incidence of imprinting disorders, as well as epigenetic alterations in the germ cells of infertile parents that are transmitted to the offspring following ART. The aim of this review was to present evidence from the literature regarding epigenetic errors linked to assisted reproduction treatments and their consequences on the conceived children. Furthermore, we provide an overview of disease risk associated with epigenetic or imprinting alterations in children born via ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Nady El Hajj
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar;
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Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Contemporary Use of ICSI and Epigenetic Risks to Future Generations. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082135. [PMID: 35456226 PMCID: PMC9031244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 via IVF, reproductive specialists have acquired enormous knowledge and refined several procedures, which are nowadays applied in assisted reproductive technology (ART). One of the most critical steps in this practice is the fertilization process. In the early days of IVF, a remarkable concern was the unpleasant outcomes of failed fertilization, overtaken by introducing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), delineating a real breakthrough in modern ART. ICSI became standard practice and was soon used as the most common method to fertilize oocytes. It has been used for severe male factor infertility and non-male factors, such as unexplained infertility or advanced maternal age, without robust scientific evidence. However, applying ICSI blindly is not free of potential detrimental consequences since novel studies report possible health consequences to offspring. DNA methylation and epigenetic alterations in sperm cells of infertile men might help explain some of the adverse effects reported in ICSI studies on reproductive health in future generations. Collected data concerning the health of ICSI children over the past thirty years seems to support the notion that there might be an increased risk of epigenetic disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal alterations, and subfertility in babies born following ICSI compared to naturally conceived children. However, it is still to be elucidated to what level these data are associated with the cause of infertility or the ICSI technique. This review provides an overview of epigenetic mechanisms and possible imprinting alterations following the use of ART, in particular ICSI. It also highlights the sperm contribution to embryo epigenetic regulation and the risks of in vitro culture conditions on epigenetic dysregulation. Lastly, it summarizes the literature concerning the possible epigenetic disorders in children born after ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas 13075-460, Brazil;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Håberg SE, Page CM, Lee Y, Nustad HE, Magnus MC, Haftorn KL, Carlsen EØ, Denault WRP, Bohlin J, Jugessur A, Magnus P, Gjessing HK, Lyle R. DNA methylation in newborns conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1896. [PMID: 35393427 PMCID: PMC8989983 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29540-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) may affect fetal development through epigenetic mechanisms as the timing of ART procedures coincides with the extensive epigenetic remodeling occurring between fertilization and embryo implantation. However, it is unknown to what extent ART procedures alter the fetal epigenome. Underlying parental characteristics and subfertility may also play a role. Here we identify differences in cord blood DNA methylation, measured using the Illumina EPIC platform, between 962 ART conceived and 983 naturally conceived singleton newborns. We show that ART conceived newborns display widespread differences in DNA methylation, and overall less methylation across the genome. There were 607 genome-wide differentially methylated CpGs. We find differences in 176 known genes, including genes related to growth, neurodevelopment, and other health outcomes that have been associated with ART. Both fresh and frozen embryo transfer show DNA methylation differences. Associations persist after controlling for parents’ DNA methylation, and are not explained by parental subfertility. Timing of assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures coincides with extensive epigenetic remodeling early after conception. Here the authors identify 176 DNA methylation differences in cord blood of newborns conceived with ART. including genes related to growth, neurodevelopment, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Christian M Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O box 1032 Blindern, N-0315, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yunsung Lee
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Haakon E Nustad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Deepinsight, Karl Johans gate 8, 0154, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria C Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Kristine L Haftorn
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Ø Carlsen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - William R P Denault
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 5801S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jon Bohlin
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astanand Jugessur
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. box 7804, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håkon K Gjessing
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. box 7804, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert Lyle
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, OUS HF, P.O. box 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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Cleal JK, Poore KR, Lewis RM. The placental exposome, placental epigenetic adaptations and lifelong cardio-metabolic health. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 87:101095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ghidini A, Gandhi M, McCoy J, Kuller JA, Kuller JA. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #60: Management of pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:B2-B12. [PMID: 34736912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technology has increased in the United States in the past several decades. Although most of these pregnancies are uncomplicated, in vitro fertilization is associated with an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes primarily caused by the increased risks of prematurity and low birthweight associated with in vitro fertilization pregnancies. This Consult discusses the management of pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization and provides recommendations based on the available evidence. The recommendations by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine are as follows: (1) we suggest that genetic counseling be offered to all patients undergoing or who have undergone in vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (GRADE 2C); (2) regardless of whether preimplantation genetic testing has been performed, we recommend that all patients who have achieved pregnancy with in vitro fertilization be offered the options of prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis (GRADE 1C); (3) we recommend that the accuracy of first-trimester screening tests, including cell-free DNA for aneuploidy, be discussed with patients undergoing or who have undergone in vitro fertilization (GRADE 1A); (4) when multifetal pregnancies do occur, we recommend that counseling be offered regarding the option of multifetal pregnancy reduction (GRADE 1C); (5) we recommend that a detailed obstetrical ultrasound examination (CPT 76811) be performed for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (GRADE 1B); (6) we suggest that fetal echocardiography be offered to patients with pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (GRADE 2C); (7) we recommend that a careful examination of the placental location, placental shape, and cord insertion site be performed at the time of the detailed fetal anatomy ultrasound, including evaluation for vasa previa (GRADE 1B); (8) although visualization of the cervix at the 18 0/7 to 22 6/7 weeks of gestation anatomy assessment with either a transabdominal or endovaginal approach is recommended, we do not recommend serial cervical length assessment as a routine practice for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization (GRADE 1C); (9) we suggest that an assessment of fetal growth be performed in the third trimester for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization; however, serial growth ultrasounds are not recommended for the sole indication of in vitro fertilization (GRADE 2B); (10) we do not recommend low-dose aspirin for patients with pregnancies achieved with IVF as the sole indication for preeclampsia prophylaxis; however, if 1 or more additional risk factors are present, low-dose aspirin is recommended (GRADE 1B); (11) given the increased risk for stillbirth, we suggest weekly antenatal fetal surveillance beginning by 36 0/7 weeks of gestation for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization (GRADE 2C); (12) in the absence of studies focused specifically on timing of delivery for pregnancies achieved with IVF, we recommend shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers when considering induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation (GRADE 1C).
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Wang D, Yuan X, Guo H, Yan S, Wang G, Wang Y, Wang T, He J, Peng X. Bohring-Opitz syndrome caused by a novel ASXL1 mutation (c.3762delT) in an IVF baby: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28759. [PMID: 35119035 PMCID: PMC8812699 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Bohring-Opitz syndrome is a severe congenital disorder associated with a de novo mutation in the additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1) gene, and it is characterized by symptoms that include developmental delay and musculoskeletal and neurological features. PATIENT CONCERNS The patient was a girl, an in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby, with delayed motor development, drooling, short stature, slow growth, low muscle tone, image diagnosis of hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, delayed tooth eruption, high palatal arch, adduction of the thumb, drooling, not chewing, excessive joint activity, and ligament relaxation. DIAGNOSIS Whole-exome sequencing analysis detected 1 novel disruptive frameshift mutation in ASXL1 in the proband but wild-type ASXL1 in both parents. INTERVENTIONS Approximately 1 year of rehabilitation training, which included exercise therapy, toy imitation operation, cognition of daily objects, daily living skills training, gesture language training, oral muscle training, and hand movement training. OUTCOMES After approximately 1 year of training, the patient was 3 years old and able to eat normally without drooling. She was able to grasp objects and pick them up after they fell. She was able to grasp small objects and actively played with toys. In addition, she was able to crawl on the floor (at slow speed, with poor initiative), stand with assistance, and walk with assistance; she was unstable when standing unassisted (standing unassisted for 8 seconds at most during training). LESSON ASXL1 c.3762delT is a novel mutation that may be caused by IVF. This finding suggests that appropriate gene mutation detection approaches may be necessary for IVF technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongbo Wang
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Haichun Guo
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Shuyuan Yan
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Guohong Wang
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Tuanmei Wang
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Jun He
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
| | - Xiangwen Peng
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care of Hunan Normal University, China
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Catford SR, Halliday J, Lewis S, O'Bryan MK, Handelsman DJ, Hart RJ, McBain J, Rombauts L, Amor DJ, Saffery R, McLachlan RI. Reproductive function in men conceived with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:727-737. [PMID: 35120745 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the semen quality and reproductive hormones of men conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) compared with men conceived without assisted reproductive technology (ART). DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING IVF centers in Victoria and the Western Australian Raine Study. PATIENT(S) Men conceived with IVF/ICSI and men conceived without ART aged 18-25 years. INTERVENTION(S) Clinical review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the prevalence of severe oligozoospermia (sperm concentration, <5 million/mL). The secondary outcomes were total sperm count, total and progressive motility, total motile count, normal morphology, and serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). RESULTS There was no difference in the prevalence of severe oligozoospermia between 120 men conceived with IVF/ICSI and 356 men conceived without ART (9% vs. 5.3%). Men conceived with IVF/ICSI had similar sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile count but lower mean total (55.3% vs. 60.6%) and progressive (44.7% vs. 53.9%) sperm motility with higher mean normal morphology (8.5% vs. 5.4%). Differences in progressive motility (ß, -9.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], -16.7 - -3.0), normal morphology (ß, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.0-5.7), and proportion with abnormal morphology (adjusted odds ratios, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04-0.5) remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Men conceived with IVF/ICSI had lower mean FSH (3.3 IU/L) and LH (3.9 IU/L) levels and higher mean testosterone levels (19.1 nmol/L) than controls (4.2 IU/L, 11.0 IU/L, and 16.8 nmol/L). CONCLUSION This study of men conceived with IVF/ICSI found similar sperm output to men conceived without ART. Overall, the results are reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jane Halliday
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney and Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John McBain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
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Franasiak JM, Polyzos NP, Neves AR, Yovich JL, Ho TM, Vuong LN, Norman RJ. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection for all or for a few? Fertil Steril 2022; 117:270-284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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McClam M, Xiao S. Preserving Oocytes in Oncofertility†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:328-337. [PMID: 35040934 PMCID: PMC8862718 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The prodigious rise of cancer survival rates enables many cancer survivors to live long lives. Therefore, the side effects of cancer treatments as well as the long-term quality of life after cancer have become more relevant. Ovarian toxicity is a major off-target effect of anticancer agents for childhood and young adult female cancer patients. Both chemotherapy and irradiation have been demonstrated to damage the ovary and increase the risks of premature ovarian failure (POF), early menopause, ovarian endocrine disorders, and sub- or infertility. Oncofertility is an emerging and multidisciplinary research and medical field that focuses on providing cancer patients with fertility preservation options. Oocyte quality and quantity are one of the most important factors to determine women's fertility success; therefore, preserving oocytes is paramount for maintaining the ability of young female cancer patients' reproduction after their recovery. This review summarizes peer-reviewed literature on current oocyte preservation options in oncofertility. We describe in-depth oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, ovarian suppression, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, in vitro maturation, ovarian transposition, and adjuvant therapy. Further, we discuss current guidelines and practices of female fertility preservation that cover preserving oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria McClam
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA,Correspondence: 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. Tel: + 1-848-445-3729; E-mail:
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:629-655. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:457-479. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Epigenetic Modifications at the Center of the Barker Hypothesis and Their Transgenerational Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312728. [PMID: 34886453 PMCID: PMC8656758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryo/fetal nutrition and the environment in the reproductive tract influence the subsequent risk of developing adult diseases and disorders, as formulated in the Barker hypothesis. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart disease, and hypertension in adulthood have all been linked to unwanted epigenetic programing in embryos and fetuses. Multiple studies support the conclusion that environmental challenges, such as a maternal low-protein diet, can change one-carbon amino acid metabolism and, thus, alter histone and DNA epigenetic modifications. Since histones influence gene expression and the program of embryo development, these epigenetic changes likely contribute to the risk of adult disease onset not just in the directly affected offspring, but for multiple generations to come. In this paper, we hypothesize that the effects of parental nutritional status on fetal epigenetic programming are transgenerational and warrant further investigation. Numerous studies supporting this hypothesis are reviewed, and potential research techniques to study these transgenerational epigenetic effects are offered.
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Ducreux B, Frappier J, Bruno C, Doukani A, Guilleman M, Simon E, Martinaud A, Bourc’his D, Barberet J, Fauque P. Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Buccal Cells of Children Conceived through IVF and ICSI. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1912. [PMID: 34946866 PMCID: PMC8701402 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life periconceptional exposures during assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures could alter the DNA methylation profiles of ART children, notably in imprinted genes and repetitive elements. At the genome scale, DNA methylation differences have been reported in ART conceptions at birth, but it is still unclear if those differences remain at childhood. Here, we performed an epigenome-wide DNA methylation association study using Illumina InfiniumEPIC BeadChip to assess the effects of the mode of conception on the methylome of buccal cells from 7- to 8-year-old children (48 children conceived after ART or naturally (control, CTL)) and according to the embryo culture medium in which they were conceived. We identified 127 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and 16 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (FDR < 0.05) with low delta beta differences between the two groups (ART vs. CTL). DMPs were preferentially located inside promoter proximal regions and CpG islands and were mostly hypermethylated with ART. We highlighted that the use of distinct embryo culture medium was not associated with DNA methylation differences in childhood. Overall, we bring additional evidence that children conceived via ART display limited genome-wide DNA methylation variation compared with those conceived naturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Jean Frappier
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Céline Bruno
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Abiba Doukani
- Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Université, UMS 37 PASS Plateforme P3S, 91, Bd de l’hôpital, F-75634 Paris, France;
| | - Magali Guilleman
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Emmanuel Simon
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Aurélie Martinaud
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Déborah Bourc’his
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, INSERM, 26 Rue d’Ulm, F-75248 Paris, France;
| | - Julie Barberet
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France; (B.D.); (J.F.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (A.M.); (J.B.)
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
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Cui L, Zhao M, Zhang Z, Zhou W, Lv J, Hu J, Ma J, Fang M, Yang L, Magnussen CG, Xi B, Chen ZJ. Assessment of Cardiovascular Health of Children Ages 6 to 10 Years Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2132602. [PMID: 34735014 PMCID: PMC8569486 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.32602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been widely used for treatment of infertility and has brought millions of births worldwide. The health of offspring conceived by ART has been of much concern, and adverse cardiovascular health outcomes have been reported by previous studies. OBJECTIVE To assess the cardiovascular health of children conceived by ART. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was conducted among participants recruited from November 2017 to February 2019. Participants were 382 children conceived by ART who were selected from a single reproductive center and 382 children who were naturally conceived, randomly selected from a primary school, and matched by sex, age, and maternal age at the child's birth (2 years older or younger). Data were analyzed from March 2019 through December 2019. EXPOSURES Conception by ART. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Blood pressure was measured, and echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular structural and functional parameters. Adjusted relative wall thickness (aRWT) was found for age, with high RWT defined as an aRWT of 0.375 or more. RESULTS Among 764 children aged 6 to 10 years, 382 children were conceived by ART (mean [SD] age, 7.20 [1.21] years; 201 [52.6%] boys) and 382 children were naturally conceived (mean [SD] age, 7.20 [1.21] years; 201 [52.6%] boys). Children conceived by ART had statistically significantly increased mean (SD) height (130.2 [9.5] cm vs 128.5 [8.1] cm; P = .007) and body mass index (17.6 [3.6] vs 17.1 [2.7]; P = .03). Those conceived by ART, compared with children in the matched control group, had statistically significantly increased blood pressure (mean [SD] systolic blood pressure, 105.5 [6.9] mm Hg vs 103.5 [8.4] mm Hg; adjusted P < .001; mean [SD] diastolic blood pressure, 67.2 [5.6] mm Hg vs 62.2 [6.3] mm Hg ; adjusted P < .001), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (mean [SD] left ventricular ejection fraction, 64.61% [3.20%] vs 66.70% [3.89%]; adjusted P < .001), and diastolic dysfunction (mean [SD] early/late mitral/tricuspid diastolic velocities ratio, 1.66 [0.28] vs 2.21 [0.36]; adjusted P < .001). They also had statistically significantly increased parameters of left ventricular structure, including mean (SD) left ventricular mass index (31.97 [5.04] g/m2.7 vs 28.28 [3.54] g/m2.7; adjusted P < .001) and RWT (3.30 [0.41] mm vs 2.98 [0.14] mm; adjusted P < .001). Additionally, children conceived by ART had statistically significantly increased prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (9 children [2.4%] vs 2 children [0.5%]; P = .03), high RWT (61 children [16.0%] vs 0 children; P < .001), and left ventricle remodeling patterns, including concentric remodeling (60 children [15.7%] vs 0 children), eccentric hypertrophy (8 children [2.1%] vs 2 children [0.5%]), and concentric hypertrophy (1 child [0.3%] vs 0 children) (P for left ventricle remodeling < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that children conceived by ART had increased blood pressure and unfavorable changes in left ventricular structure and function compared with children who were naturally conceived. These findings suggest that further studies are needed to investigate the potential mechanisms and long-term outcomes associated with these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianan Lv
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mei Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Children Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Costan G. Magnussen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bo Xi
- Children Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Cheeloo Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Horánszky A, Becker JL, Zana M, Ferguson-Smith AC, Dinnyés A. Epigenetic Mechanisms of ART-Related Imprinting Disorders: Lessons From iPSC and Mouse Models. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111704. [PMID: 34828310 PMCID: PMC8620286 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising frequency of ART-conceived births is accompanied by the need for an improved understanding of the implications of ART on gametes and embryos. Increasing evidence from mouse models and human epidemiological data suggests that ART procedures may play a role in the pathophysiology of certain imprinting disorders (IDs), including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Silver-Russell syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. The underlying molecular basis of this association, however, requires further elucidation. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic and imprinting alterations of in vivo mouse models and human iPSC models of ART. Mouse models have demonstrated aberrant regulation of imprinted genes involved with ART-related IDs. In the past decade, iPSC technology has provided a platform for patient-specific cellular models of culture-associated perturbed imprinting. However, despite ongoing efforts, a deeper understanding of the susceptibility of iPSCs to epigenetic perturbation is required if they are to be reliably used for modelling ART-associated IDs. Comparing the patterns of susceptibility of imprinted genes in mouse models and IPSCs in culture improves the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ART-linked IDs with implications for our understanding of the influence of environmental factors such as culture and hormone treatments on epigenetically important regions of the genome such as imprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Horánszky
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Jessica L. Becker
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK; (J.L.B.); (A.C.F.-S.)
| | - Melinda Zana
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (M.Z.)
| | - Anne C. Ferguson-Smith
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK; (J.L.B.); (A.C.F.-S.)
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Stem Cell Research Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, H-6723 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-20-510-9632; Fax: +36-28-526-151
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Secular changes in human reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2021-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Since the middle to late 20th century the majority of children born in the developing world have been likely to enter into post-reproductive age. Currently, child mortality is at its lowest level in human history. While more children are living to post reproductive age, approximately 15% of couples are experiencing infecundity. This is either a result of one or both members of the couple being infecund, or, despite both being fecund, the interaction between them prevents fertility for some reason. Assisted reproductive technologies have provided many infertile couples an opportunity to have children. Assisted reproductive technologies operate by intervening and manipulating gametic and intrauterine natural selection. This paper discusses the possible influence of assisted reproductive technologies on child development. This paper outlines some of the reported changes in children resulting from assisted reproductive technologies. Although, few people are either aware or care about possible long term consequences of relaxed natural selection contributed by medical intervention (i.e. assisted reproductive technologies) we have little understanding to what extent such medical interference may affect long term fitness in humans.
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Environmental Alterations during Embryonic Development: Studying the Impact of Stressors on Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101564. [PMID: 34680959 PMCID: PMC8536136 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) sauch as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are rising rapidly in all countries world-wide. Environmental maternal factors (e.g., diet, oxidative stress, drugs and many others), maternal illnesses and other stressors can predispose the newborn to develop diseases during different stages of life. The connection between environmental factors and NCDs was formulated by David Barker and colleagues as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. In this review, we describe the DOHaD concept and the effects of several environmental stressors on the health of the progeny, providing both animal and human evidence. We focus on cardiovascular diseases which represent the leading cause of death worldwide. The purpose of this review is to discuss how in vitro studies with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), such as embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESC, iPSC), can underpin the research on non-genetic heart conditions. The PSCs could provide a tool to recapitulate aspects of embryonic development “in a dish”, studying the effects of environmental exposure during cardiomyocyte (CM) differentiation and maturation, establishing a link to molecular mechanism and epigenetics.
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