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Saucedo-Cuevas L, Ma MPQ, Le AH, Akin N, Pham TD, Ho TM, Pita G, Gonzalez-Neira A, De Vos M, Smitz J, Anckaert E, Vuong LN. Epigenetic variation in neonatal tissues in infants conceived using capacitation-in vitro maturation vs. in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:506-518. [PMID: 38052376 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate alterations of the global DNA methylation profile in placenta, cord blood, and neonatal buccal smears in infants conceived using in vitro maturation (IVM) with a prematuration step (capacitation-IVM [CAPA-IVM]) vs. in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN Analysis of data from the offspring of participants in a randomized controlled trial. SETTING Private clinic. PATIENTS Forty-six women with polycystic ovary syndrome and/or high antral follicle count and their offspring (58 newborns). INTERVENTION(S) Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and/or a high antral follicle count participating in the clinical trial were randomized to undergo CAPA-IVM or conventional IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) At delivery, biological samples including cord blood, placental tissue, and a neonatal buccal smear were collected. Genome-wide DNA methylation was determined using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Variability in methylation was also considered, and mean variances for the two treatment categories were compared. RESULTS In neonatal buccal smears, there were no significant differences between the CAPA-IVM and conventional IVF groups on the basis of the CpG probe after linear regression analysis using a significant cut-off of false-discovery rate <0.05 and |Δβ|≥0.05. In cord blood, only one CpG site showed a significant gain of methylation in the CAPA-IVM group. In the placenta, CAPA-IVM was significantly associated with changes in methylation at five CpG sites. Significantly more variable DNA methylation was found in five probes in the placenta, 54 in cord blood, and two in buccal smears after IVM of oocytes. In cord blood samples, 20 CpG sites had more variable methylation in the conventional IVF vs. IVM group. Isolated CpG sites showing differences in methylation in cord blood were not associated with changes in gene expression of the overlapping genes. CONCLUSION(S) Capacitation-IVM appeared to be associated with only a small amount of epigenetic variation in cord blood, placental tissue, and neonate buccal smears. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03405701 (www. CLINICALTRIALS gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Mai P Q Ma
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh H Le
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Toan D Pham
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Guillermo Pita
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Gonzalez-Neira
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology, and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Reply to 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; 12:jcm12010254. [PMID: 36615055 PMCID: PMC9821114 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We thank our French colleagues for commenting [...].
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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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DNA Methylation in Offspring Conceived after Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175056. [PMID: 36078985 PMCID: PMC9457481 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the last 40 years, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have emerged as potentially resolving procedures for couple infertility. This study aims to evaluate whether ART is associated with epigenetic dysregulation in the offspring. Methods. To accomplish this, we collected all available data on methylation patterns in offspring conceived after ART and in spontaneously conceived (SC) offspring. Results. We extracted 949 records. Of these, 50 were considered eligible; 12 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Methylation levels of H19 CCCTC-binding factor 3 (CTCF3) were significantly lower in the ART group compared to controls (SMD −0.81 (−1.53; −0.09), I2 = 89%, p = 0.03). In contrast, H19 CCCTC-binding factor 6 (CTCF6), Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily Q Member 1 (KCNQ1OT1), Paternally-expressed gene 3 (PEG3), and Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N (SNRPN) were not differently methylated in ART vs. SC offspring. Conclusion: The methylation pattern of the offspring conceived after ART may be different compared to spontaneous conception. Due to the lack of studies and the heterogeneity of the data, further prospective and well-sized population studies are needed to evaluate the impact of ART on the epigenome of the offspring.
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Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Contemporary Use of ICSI and Epigenetic Risks to Future Generations. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082135. [PMID: 35456226 PMCID: PMC9031244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 via IVF, reproductive specialists have acquired enormous knowledge and refined several procedures, which are nowadays applied in assisted reproductive technology (ART). One of the most critical steps in this practice is the fertilization process. In the early days of IVF, a remarkable concern was the unpleasant outcomes of failed fertilization, overtaken by introducing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), delineating a real breakthrough in modern ART. ICSI became standard practice and was soon used as the most common method to fertilize oocytes. It has been used for severe male factor infertility and non-male factors, such as unexplained infertility or advanced maternal age, without robust scientific evidence. However, applying ICSI blindly is not free of potential detrimental consequences since novel studies report possible health consequences to offspring. DNA methylation and epigenetic alterations in sperm cells of infertile men might help explain some of the adverse effects reported in ICSI studies on reproductive health in future generations. Collected data concerning the health of ICSI children over the past thirty years seems to support the notion that there might be an increased risk of epigenetic disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal alterations, and subfertility in babies born following ICSI compared to naturally conceived children. However, it is still to be elucidated to what level these data are associated with the cause of infertility or the ICSI technique. This review provides an overview of epigenetic mechanisms and possible imprinting alterations following the use of ART, in particular ICSI. It also highlights the sperm contribution to embryo epigenetic regulation and the risks of in vitro culture conditions on epigenetic dysregulation. Lastly, it summarizes the literature concerning the possible epigenetic disorders in children born after ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas 13075-460, Brazil;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:629-655. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Barberet J, Binquet C, Guilleman M, Doukani A, Choux C, Bruno C, Bourredjem A, Chapusot C, Bourc'his D, Duffourd Y, Fauque P. Do assisted reproductive technologies and in vitro embryo culture influence the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and transposable elements in children? Hum Reprod 2021; 36:479-492. [PMID: 33319250 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo culture influence the epigenetic control of imprinted genes (IGs) and transposable elements (TEs) in children? SUMMARY ANSWER Significant differences in the DNA methylation of IGs or transposon families were reported between ART and naturally conceived children, but there was no difference between culture media. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is concern that ART may play a role in increasing the incidence of adverse health outcomes in children, probably through epigenetic mechanisms. It is crucial to assess epigenetic control, especially following non-optimal in vitro culture conditions and to compare epigenetic analyses from ART-conceived and naturally conceived children. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This follow-up study was based on an earlier randomized study comparing in vitro fertilization outcomes following the use of two distinct culture media. We compared the epigenetic profiles of children from the initial randomized study according to the mode of conception [i.e. ART singletons compared with those of a cohort of naturally conceived singleton children (CTL)], the type of embryo culture medium used [global medium (LifeGlobal) and single step medium (Irvine Scientific)] and the mode of in vitro fertilization (i.e. IVF versus ICSI). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 57 buccal smears were collected from 7- to 8-year-old children. The DNA methylation profiles of four differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of IGs (H19/IGF2: IG-DMR, KCNQ1OT1: TSS-DMR, SNURF: TSS-DMR, and PEG3: TSS-DMR) and two TEs (AluYa5 and LINE-1) were first assessed by pyrosequencing. We further explored IGs and TEs' methylation changes through methylation array (Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip referred as EPIC array, Illumina). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Changes in the IGs' DNA methylation levels were found in ART children compared to controls. DNA methylation levels of H19/IGF2 DMR were significantly lower in ART children than in CTL children [52% versus 58%, P = 0.003, false discovery rate (FDR) P = 0.018] while a significantly higher methylation rate was observed for the PEG3 DMR (51% versus 48%, P = 0.007, FDR P = 0.021). However, no differences were found between the culture media. After observing these targeted modifications, analyses were performed at wider scale. Again, no differences were detected according to the culture media, but imprinted-related DMRs overlapping promoter region near the genes major for the development (MEG3, BLCAP, and DLX5) were detected between the ART and CTL children. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size could seem relatively small, but the high consistency of our results was ensured by the homogeneity of the cohort from the initial randomized study, the standardized laboratory techniques and the robust statistical analyses accounting for multiple testing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although this study did not report DNA methylation differences depending on the culture medium, it sheds light on epigenetic changes that could be observed in some children conceived by ART as compared to CTL children. The clinical relevance of such differences remains largely unknown, and it is still unclear whether such changes are due to some specific ART procedures and/or to parental infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by funding from the Agence Nationale pour la Recherche ('CARE'-ANR JCJC 2017). The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - C Binquet
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, module Epidémiologie Clinique/essais cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC1432, module épidémiologie clinique, Dijon, France
| | - M Guilleman
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - A Doukani
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - C Choux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Dijon, France
| | - C Bruno
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - A Bourredjem
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, module Epidémiologie Clinique/essais cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC1432, module épidémiologie clinique, Dijon, France
| | - C Chapusot
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Plateforme de génétique des Cancers de bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - D Bourc'his
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Y Duffourd
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - P Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
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Argyraki M, Damdimopoulou P, Chatzimeletiou K, Grimbizis GF, Tarlatzis BC, Syrrou M, Lambropoulos A. In-utero stress and mode of conception: impact on regulation of imprinted genes, fetal development and future health. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:777-801. [PMID: 31633761 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic gene regulatory mechanism; disruption of this process during early embryonic development can have major consequences on both fetal and placental development. The periconceptional period and intrauterine life are crucial for determining long-term susceptibility to diseases. Treatments and procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and adverse in-utero environments may modify the methylation levels of genomic imprinting regions, including insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19, mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), affecting the development of the fetus. ART, maternal psychological stress, and gestational exposures to chemicals are common stressors suspected to alter global epigenetic patterns including imprinted genes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective is to highlight the effect of conception mode and maternal psychological stress on fetal development. Specifically, we monitor fetal programming, regulation of imprinted genes, fetal growth, and long-term disease risk, using the imprinted genes IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 as examples. The possible role of environmental chemicals in genomic imprinting is also discussed. SEARCH METHODS A PubMed search of articles published mostly from 2005 to 2019 was conducted using search terms IGF2/H19, MEST, PEG10, imprinted genes, DNA methylation, gene expression, and imprinting disorders (IDs). Studies focusing on maternal prenatal stress, psychological well-being, environmental chemicals, ART, and placental/fetal development were evaluated and included in this review. OUTCOMES IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 imprinted genes have a broad developmental effect on fetal growth and birth weight variation. Their disruption is linked to pregnancy complications, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and cancer. Adverse early environment has a major impact on the developing fetus, affecting mostly growth, the structure, and subsequent function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neurodevelopment. Extensive evidence suggests that the gestational environment has an impact on epigenetic patterns including imprinting, which can lead to adverse long-term outcomes in the offspring. Environmental stressors such as maternal prenatal psychological stress have been found to associate with altered DNA methylation patterns in placenta and to affect fetal development. Studies conducted during the past decades have suggested that ART pregnancies are at a higher risk for a number of complications such as birth defects and IDs. ART procedures involve multiple steps that are conducted during critical windows for imprinting establishment and maintenance, necessitating long-term evaluation of children conceived through ART. Exposure to environmental chemicals can affect placental imprinting and fetal growth both in humans and in experimental animals. Therefore, their role in imprinting should be better elucidated, considering the ubiquitous exposure to these chemicals. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Dysregulation of imprinted genes is a plausible mechanism linking stressors such as maternal psychological stress, conception using ART, and chemical exposures with fetal growth. It is expected that a greater understanding of the role of imprinted genes and their regulation in fetal development will provide insights for clinical prevention and management of growth and IDs. In a broader context, evidence connecting impaired imprinted gene function to common diseases such as cancer is increasing. This implies early regulation of imprinting may enable control of long-term human health, reducing the burden of disease in the population in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Argyraki
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, K57 Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigoris F Grimbizis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Basil C Tarlatzis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Dourouti University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Lambropoulos
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Mani S, Ghosh J, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C, Mainigi M. Epigenetic changes and assisted reproductive technologies. Epigenetics 2020; 15:12-25. [PMID: 31328632 PMCID: PMC6961665 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1646572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Children conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are at moderately increased risk for a number of undesirable outcomes, including low birth weight. Whether the additional risk is associated with specific procedures used in ART or biological factors that are intrinsic to infertility has been the subject of much debate, as has the mechanism by which ART or infertility might influence this risk. The potential effect of ART clinical and laboratory procedures on the gamete and embryo epigenomes heads the list of mechanistic candidates that might explain the association between ART and undesirable clinical outcomes. The reason for this focus is that the developmental time points at which ART clinical and laboratory procedures are implemented are precisely the time points at which large-scale reorganization of the epigenome takes place during normal development. In this manuscript, we review the many human studies comparing the epigenomes of ART children with children conceived in vivo, as well as assess the potential of individual ART clinical and laboratory procedures to alter the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Esteves SC, Roque M, Bedoschi G, Haahr T, Humaidan P. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male infertility and consequences for offspring. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 15:535-562. [PMID: 29967387 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become the most commonly used method of fertilization in assisted reproductive technology. The primary reasons for its popularity stem from its effectiveness, the standardization of the procedure, which means that it can easily be incorporated into the routine practice of fertility centres worldwide, and the fact that it can be used to treat virtually all forms of infertility. ICSI is the clear method of choice for overcoming untreatable severe male factor infertility, but its (over)use in other male and non-male factor infertility scenarios is not evidence-based. Despite all efforts to increase ICSI efficacy and safety through the application of advanced sperm retrieval and cryopreservation techniques, as well as methods for selecting sperm with better chromatin integrity, the overall pregnancy rates from infertile men remain suboptimal. Treating the underlying male infertility factor before ICSI seems to be a promising way to improve ICSI outcomes, but data remain limited. Information regarding the health of ICSI offspring has accumulated over the past 25 years, and there are reasons for concern as risks of congenital malformations, epigenetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, subfertility, cancer, delayed psychological and neurological development, and impaired cardiometabolic profile have been observed to be greater in infants born as a result of ICSI than in naturally conceived children. However, as subfertility probably influences the risk estimates, it remains to be determined to what extent the observed adverse outcomes are related to parental factors or associated with ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil. .,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil. .,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Matheus Roque
- ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giuliano Bedoschi
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thor Haahr
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
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Assisted reproductive technologies are associated with limited epigenetic variation at birth that largely resolves by adulthood. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3922. [PMID: 31477727 PMCID: PMC6718382 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 7 million individuals have been conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and there is clear evidence that ART is associated with a range of adverse early life outcomes, including rare imprinting disorders. The periconception period and early embryogenesis are associated with widespread epigenetic remodeling, which can be influenced by ART, with effects on the developmental trajectory in utero, and potentially on health throughout life. Here we profile genome-wide DNA methylation in blood collected in the newborn period and in adulthood (age 22–35 years) from a unique longitudinal cohort of ART-conceived individuals, previously shown to have no differences in health outcomes in early adulthood compared with non-ART-conceived individuals. We show evidence for specific ART-associated variation in methylation around birth, most of which occurred independently of embryo culturing. Importantly, ART-associated epigenetic variation at birth largely resolves by adulthood with no direct evidence that it impacts on development and health. Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is increasing globally but their impact on long term health remains unclear. Here the authors show that ART-conceived individuals show variation in epigenetic profile at birth that largely resolves by adulthood, with no evidence of an impact on long term outcomes.
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Meddeb L, Pauly V, Boyer P, Montjean D, Devictor B, Curel L, Seng P, Sambuc R, Gervoise Boyer M. Longitudinal growth of French singleton children born after in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Body mass index up to 5 years of age. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2017; 65:197-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Vincent RN, Gooding LD, Louie K, Chan Wong E, Ma S. Altered DNA methylation and expression of PLAGL1 in cord blood from assisted reproductive technology pregnancies compared with natural conceptions. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:739-748.e3. [PMID: 27178226 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes and an imprinted gene network (IGN) in neonates conceived via assisted reproductive technology (ART). DESIGN Case control. SETTING Research institution. PATIENT(S) Two hundred sixty-four cases of cord blood and/or placental villi from neonates (101 IVF, 81 ICSI, 82 naturally conceived). INTERVENTION(S) Placentas were obtained at birth for biopsy and cord blood extraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes. RESULT(S) DNA methylation at the PLAGL1 differentially methylated region (DMR) was significantly higher in IVF cord blood (48.0%) compared with controls (46.0%). No differences were found in DNA methylation between conception modes for KvDMR1 and LINE-1 in cord blood and placenta as well as PLAGL1 and PEG10 in placenta villi. PLAGL1 expression was lower in both IVF and ICSI cord blood groups than in controls (relative quantification of 0.65, 0.74, 0.89, respectively). Analyzing the expression of 3 genes in a PLAGL1 regulated IGN revealed different expression between conception modes and a significant correlation to PLAGL1 expression in only one (KCNQ1OT1). CONCLUSION(S) Our results suggest a stability of DNA methylation at imprinted DMRs; however, we show PLAGL1 methylation/expression to be altered after ART. As PLAGL1 expression correlated with only one of the three IGN genes in cord blood, we propose there is a more complex mechanism of regulating the IGN that may involve other genes and epigenetic modifications in this tissue. Further research investigating IGN-implicated genes in various neonatal tissues is warranted to elucidate the full effects ART-induced alterations to PLAGL1 and the IGN may have on fetal growth/development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luke D Gooding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kenny Louie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Edgar Chan Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Ghosh J, Mainigi M, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C. Outlier DNA methylation levels as an indicator of environmental exposure and risk of undesirable birth outcome. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:123-9. [PMID: 26566672 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified a novel molecular phenotype that defines a subgroup of newborns who have highly disrupted epigenomes. We profiled DNA methylation in cord blood of 114 children selected from the lowest and highest quintiles of the birth weight distribution (irrespective of their mode of conception) at 96 CpG sites in genes we have found previously to be related to birth weight or growth and metabolism. We identified those individuals in each group who differed from the mean of the distribution by the greatest magnitude at each site and for the largest number of sites. Such 'outlier' individuals differ substantially from the rest of the group in having highly disrupted methylation levels at many CpG sites. We find that children from the lowest quintile of the birth weight distribution have a significantly greater number of disrupted CpGs than children from the highest quintile of the birth weight distribution. Among children from the lowest quintile of the birth weight distribution, 'outlier' individuals are significantly more common among children conceived in vitro than children conceived in vivo. These observations are novel and potentially important because they associate a molecular phenotype (multiple and large DNA methylation differences) in normal somatic tissues (cord blood) with both a prenatal exposure (conception in vitro) and a clinically important outcome (low birth weight). These observations suggest that some individuals are more susceptible to environmentally mediated epigenetic alterations than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA and
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Marsit CJ. Influence of environmental exposure on human epigenetic regulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:71-9. [PMID: 25568453 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.106971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental toxicants can alter epigenetic regulatory features such as DNA methylation and microRNA expression. As the sensitivity of epigenomic regulatory features may be greatest during the in utero period, when critical windows are narrow, and when epigenomic profiles are being set, this review will highlight research focused on that period. I will focus on work in human populations, where the impact of environmental toxicants in utero, including cigarette smoke and toxic trace metals such as arsenic, mercury and manganese, on genome-wide, gene-specific DNA methylation has been assessed. In particular, arsenic is highlighted, as this metalloid has been the focus of a number of studies and its detoxification mechanisms are well understood. Importantly, the tissues and cells being examined must be considered in context in order to interpret the findings of these studies. For example, by studying the placenta, it is possible to identify potential epigenetic adaptations of key genes and pathways that may alter the developmental course in line with the developmental origins of health and disease paradigm. Alternatively, studies of newborn cord blood can be used to examine how environmental exposure in utero can impact the composition of cells within the peripheral blood, leading to immunological effects of exposure. The results suggest that in humans, like other vertebrates, there is a susceptibility for epigenomic alteration by the environment during intrauterine development, and this may represent a mechanism of plasticity of the organism in response to its environment as well as a mechanism through which long-term health consequences can be shaped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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The placenta: phenotypic and epigenetic modifications induced by Assisted Reproductive Technologies throughout pregnancy. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:87. [PMID: 26300992 PMCID: PMC4546204 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, there is growing interest in the potential epigenetic risk related to assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Much evidence in the literature supports the hypothesis that adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to ART are associated with abnormal trophoblastic invasion. The aim of this review is to investigate the relationship between epigenetic dysregulation caused by ART and subsequent placental response. The dialogue between the endometrium and the embryo is a crucial step to achieve successful trophoblastic invasion, thus ensuring a non-complicated pregnancy and healthy offspring. However, as described in this review, ART could impair both actors involved in this dialogue. First, ART may induce epigenetic defects in the conceptus by modifying the embryo environment. Second, as a result of hormone treatments, ART may impair endometrial receptivity. In some cases, it results in embryonic growth arrest but, when the development of the embryo continues, the placenta could bring adaptive responses throughout pregnancy. Amongst the different mechanisms, epigenetics, especially thanks to a finely tuned network of imprinted genes stimulated by foetal signals, may modify nutrient transfer, placental growth and vascularization. If these coping mechanisms are overwhelmed, improper maternal-foetal exchanges occur, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as abortion, preeclampsia or intra-uterine growth restriction. But in most cases, successful placental adaptation enables normal progress of the pregnancy. Nevertheless, the risks induced by these modifications during pregnancy are not fully understood. Metabolic diseases later in life could be exacerbated through the memory of epigenetic adaptation mechanisms established during pregnancy. Thus, more research is still needed to better understand abnormal interactions between the embryo and the milieu in artificial conditions. As trophectoderm cells are in direct contact with the environment, they deserve to be studied in more detail. The ultimate goal of these studies will be to render ART protocols safer. Optimization of the environment will be the key to improving the dialogue between the endometrium and embryo, so as to ensure that placentation after ART is similar to that following natural conception.
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Lazaraviciute G, Kauser M, Bhattacharya S, Haggarty P, Bhattacharya S. Reply: To pool or not to pool DNA methylation data from different tissues? Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:553-4. [PMID: 25904656 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabija Lazaraviciute
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Miriam Kauser
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Sohinee Bhattacharya
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Paul Haggarty
- Division of Lifelong Health, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Siladitya Bhattacharya
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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van Montfoort APA. To pool or not to pool DNA methylation data from different tissues? Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:552-3. [PMID: 25904657 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lazaraviciute G, Kauser M, Bhattacharya S, Haggarty P, Bhattacharya S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of DNA methylation levels and imprinting disorders in children conceived by IVF/ICSI compared with children conceived spontaneously. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:555-7. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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20
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Song S, Ghosh J, Mainigi M, Turan N, Weinerman R, Truongcao M, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C. DNA methylation differences between in vitro- and in vivo-conceived children are associated with ART procedures rather than infertility. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:41. [PMID: 25901188 PMCID: PMC4404660 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We, and others, have demonstrated previously that there are differences in DNA methylation and transcript levels of a number of genes in cord blood and placenta between children conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and children conceived in vivo. The source of these differences (the effect of ART versus the underlying infertility) has never been determined in humans. In this study, we have attempted to resolve this issue by comparing placental DNA methylation levels at 37 CpG sites in 16 previously identified candidate genes in independent populations of children conceived in vivo (‘fertile control’ group) with ART children conceived from two groups: either autologous oocytes with infertility in one or both parents (‘infertile ART’ group) or donor oocytes (obtained from young fertile donors) without male infertility (‘donor oocyte ART’ group). Results Of the 37 CpG sites analyzed, significant differences between the three groups were found in 11 CpGs (29.73 %), using ANOVA. Tukey’s post hoc test on the significant results indicated that seven (63.63 %) of these differences were significant between the donor oocyte ART and fertile control groups. In addition, 20 of the 37 CpGs analyzed had been identified as differentially methylated between ART and fertile control groups in an independent population in a prior study. Of these 20 CpG sites, 9 also showed significant differences in the present population. An additional 9 CpGs were found to be significantly different between the two groups. Of these 18 candidate CpGs, 12 CpGs (in seven candidate genes) also showed significant differences in placental DNA methylation levels between the donor oocyte ART and fertile control groups. Conclusions These data suggest strongly that the DNA methylation differences observed between ART and in vivo conceptions are associated with some aspect of ART protocols, not simply the underlying infertility. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-015-0071-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Song
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119 USA
| | - Nahid Turan
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Rachel Weinerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119 USA
| | - May Truongcao
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119 USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA ; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
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21
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Nelissen ECM, Dumoulin JCM, Busato F, Ponger L, Eijssen LM, Evers JLH, Tost J, van Montfoort APA. Altered gene expression in human placentas after IVF/ICSI. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2821-31. [PMID: 25316457 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is gene expression in placental tissue of IVF/ICSI patients altered when compared with a spontaneously conceived group, and are these alterations due to loss of imprinting (LOI) in the case of imprinted genes? SUMMARY ANSWER An altered imprinted gene expression of H19 and Pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 2 (PHLDA2), which was not due to LOI, was observed in human placentas after IVF/ICSI and several biological pathways were significantly overrepresented and mostly up-regulated. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Genomic imprinting plays an important role in placental biology and in placental adaptive responses triggered by external stimuli. Changes in placental development and function can have dramatic effects on the fetus and its ability to cope with the intrauterine environment. An increased frequency of placenta-related problems as well as an adverse perinatal outcome is seen in IVF/ICSI derived pregnancies, but the role of placental epigenetic deregulation is not clear yet. STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS In this prospective cohort study, a total of 115 IVF/ICSI and 138 control couples were included during pregnancy. After applying several exclusion criteria (i.e. preterm birth or stillbirth, no placental samples, pregnancy complications or birth defects), respectively, 81 and 105 placentas from IVF/ICSI and control pregnancies remained for analysis. Saliva samples were collected from both parents. METHODS We quantitatively analysed the mRNA expression of several growth-related imprinted genes [H19, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), PHLDA2, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), mesoderm-specific transcript homolog (MEST) isoform α and β by quantitative PCR] after standardization against three housekeeping genes [Succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA), YWHAZ and TATA-binding protein (TBP)]. A quantitative allele-specific expression analysis of the differentially expressed imprinted genes was performed to investigate LOI, independent of the mechanism of imprinting. Furthermore, a microarray analysis was carried out (n = 10 in each group) to investigate the expression of non-imprinted genes as well. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both H19 and PHLDA2 showed a significant change, respectively, a 1.3-fold (P = 0.033) and 1.5-fold (P = 0.002) increase in mRNA expression in the IVF/ICSI versus control group. However, we found no indication that there is an increased frequency of LOI in IVF/ICSI placental samples. Genome-wide mRNA expression revealed 13 significantly overrepresented biological pathways involved in metabolism, immune response, transmembrane signalling and cell cycle control, which were mostly up-regulated in the IVF/ICSI placental samples. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only a subset of samples was found to be fully informative, which unavoidably led to lower sample numbers for our LOI analysis. Our study cannot distinguish whether the reported differences in the IVF/ICSI group are exclusively attributable to the IVF/ICSI technique itself or to the underlying subfertility of the patients. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Whether these placental adaptations observed in pregnancies conceived by IVF/ICSI might be connected to an adverse perinatal outcome after IVF remains unknown. However, it is possible that these differences affect fetal development and long-term patterns of gene expression, as well as maternal gestational physiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Partly funded by an unrestricted research grant by Organon BV (now MSD BV) and GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology without any role in study design, data collection and analysis or preparation of the manuscript. No conflict of interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Dutch Trial Registry (NTR) number 1298.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewka C M Nelissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - John C M Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, CEA-Institut de Génomique, Centre National de Génotypage, Evry, France
| | - Loïc Ponger
- MNHN CNRS UMR7196, Paris, France INSERM U565, Paris, France
| | - Lars M Eijssen
- Department of Bioinformatics-BiGCaT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes L H Evers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, CEA-Institut de Génomique, Centre National de Génotypage, Evry, France
| | - Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lazaraviciute G, Kauser M, Bhattacharya S, Haggarty P, Bhattacharya S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of DNA methylation levels and imprinting disorders in children conceived by IVF/ICSI compared with children conceived spontaneously. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:840-52. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Fernández AF, Toraño EG, Urdinguio RG, Lana AG, Fernández IA, Fraga MF. The Epigenetic Basis of Adaptation and Responses to Environmental Change: Perspective on Human Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:97-117. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Camprubí C, Iglesias-Platas I, Martin-Trujillo A, Salvador-Alarcon C, Rodriguez MA, Barredo DR, Court F, Monk D. Stability of genomic imprinting and gestational-age dynamic methylation in complicated pregnancies conceived following assisted reproductive technologies. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:50. [PMID: 23884645 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.108456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
For the past three decades, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatments. The use of ART is thought to be safe. However, early investigations suggested that children born as a result of ART had higher risk of diseases with epigenetic etiologies, including imprinting disorders caused by a lack of maternal methylation at imprinting control elements. In addition, large epidemiology studies have highlighted an increased risk of obstetric complications, including severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in babies conceived using ART. It is plausible that the increased frequency of IUGR may be due to abnormal imprinting because these transcripts are key for normal fetal growth and development. To address this, we have collected a large cohort of placenta and cord blood samples from ART conceptions and compared the imprinting status with appropriate non-ART population. Using a custom DNA methylation array that simultaneously quantifies 25 imprinted differentially methylated regions, we observed similar epigenetic profiles between groups. A multiplex Sequenom iPLEX allelic expression assay revealed monoallelic expression for 11 imprinted transcripts in our placenta cohort. We also observe appropriate gestational age-dependent methylation dynamics at retrotransposable elements and promoters associated with growth genes in ART placental biopsies. This study confirms that children conceived by ART do not show variability in imprinted regulation and that loss-of-imprinting is not commonly associated with nonsyndromic IUGR or prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Camprubí
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Lucas E. Epigenetic effects on the embryo as a result of periconceptional environment and assisted reproduction technology. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:477-85. [PMID: 23933034 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The early embryonic environment has been shown to be remarkably influential on the developing organism, despite the relative brevity of this developmental stage. The cells of the zygote and cleavage-stage embryo hold the potential to form all cell lineages of the embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues, with gradual fate restriction occurring from the time of compaction and blastocyst formation. As such, these cells carry with them the potential to influence the phenotype of all successive cell types as the organism grows, differentiates and ages. The implication is, therefore, that sublethal adverse conditions which alter the developmental trajectory of these cells may have long-term implications for the health and development of the resulting offspring. One confirmed mechanism for the translation of environmental cues to phenotypic outcome is epigenetic modification of the genome to modulate chromatin packaging and gene expression in a cell- and lineage-specific manner. The influence of the periconceptional milieu on the epigenetic profile of the developing embryo has become a popular research focus in the quest to understand the effects of environment, nutrition and assisted reproduction technology on human development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
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Lu YH, Wang N, Jin F. Long-term follow-up of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2013; 14:359-71. [PMID: 23645173 PMCID: PMC3650450 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1200348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Children conceived via assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are nowadays a substantial proportion of the population. It is important to follow up these children and evaluate whether they have elevated health risks compared to naturally conceived (NC) children. In recent years there has been a lot of work in this field. This review will summarize what is known about the health of ART-conceived children, encompassing neonatal outcomes, birth defects, growth and gonadal developments, physical health, neurological and neurodevelopmental outcomes, psychosocial developments, risk for cancer, and epigenetic abnormalities. Most of the children conceived after ART are normal. However, there is increasing evidence that ART-conceived children are at higher risk of poor perinatal outcome, birth defects, and epigenetic disorders, and the mechanism(s) leading to these changes have not been elucidated. Continuous follow-up of children after ART is of great importance as they progress through adolescence into adulthood, and new ART techniques are constantly being introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-hong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shaoxing Women and Children’s Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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Feuer S, Rinaudo P. Preimplantation stress and development. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART C, EMBRYO TODAY : REVIEWS 2012; 96:299-314. [PMID: 24203919 PMCID: PMC3824155 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis holds that inappropriate environmental cues in utero, a period marked by tremendous developmental sensitivity, facilitate cellular reprogramming to ultimately predispose disease in adulthood. In this review, we analyze if stress during early stages of development can affect future health. This has wide clinical importance, given that 5 million children have been conceived with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Because the primary outcome of assisted reproduction procedures is delivery at term of a live, healthy baby, the postnatal effects occurring outside ofthe neonatal period are often overlooked. To this end, the long-term outcome of ART is appropriately the most relevant concern of the field today. Evidence of adverse consequences is controversial. The majority of studies have concluded no obvious problems in IVF-conceived children, although a number of isolated cases of imprinted diseases, cancers, or malformations have been reported. Given that animal studies suggest alteration of metabolic pathways following preimplantation stress, it will be of great importance to follow-up ART individuals as they enter later stages of adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sky Feuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, California 94115
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143
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