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Balder P, Jones C, Coward K, Yeste M. Sperm chromatin: Evaluation, epigenetic signatures and relevance for embryo development and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151429. [PMID: 38905808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151429] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm chromatin is distinct from somatic cell chromatin, as a result of extensive remodeling during the final stages of spermatogenesis. In this process, the majority of histones is replaced with protamines. The chromatin is consequently highly condensed and inert, which facilitates protection of the DNA. The sperm epigenomic landscape is shaped by histone retention, histone and protamine modification, DNA methylation, and RNAs. In recent years, sperm chromatin integrity and its epigenetic marks have been increasingly studied, and the constitution of sperm chromatin is steadily being uncovered. This growing body of research prompts assessment of the frequently overlooked involvement of sperm in fertility and embryonic development. Moreover, numerous endogenous and exogenous factors are known to affect sperm chromatin, which may in turn impact the reproductive success. Concerns have been raised about the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on the sperm epigenome, embryonic development and offspring health. This review examines the structure and epigenetic signatures of sperm chromatin in the context of fertility and early embryonic development. Additionally, sperm chromatin evaluation and causes of aberrant integrity are outlined. Building on the knowledge discussed in the current review, future research should aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between all aspects of sperm chromatin and embryo development. This could lead to the uncovering of new targets for treating infertility, as well as the acquisition of much needed insights into the possible reciprocal association between ART and sperm chromatin integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Balder
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona ES-08010, Spain.
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Grebe TA, Khushf G, Greally JM, Turley P, Foyouzi N, Rabin-Havt S, Berkman BE, Pope K, Vatta M, Kaur S. Clinical utility of polygenic risk scores for embryo selection: A points to consider statement of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med 2024; 26:101052. [PMID: 38393332 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Grebe
- Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
| | - George Khushf
- Department of Philosophy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - John M Greally
- Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Patrick Turley
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Sara Rabin-Havt
- Department of OB/GYN, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Benjamin E Berkman
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health; National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kathleen Pope
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, FL; University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Shagun Kaur
- Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
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3
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Sonigo C, Ahdad-Yata N, Pirtea P, Solignac C, Grynberg M, Sermondade N. Do IVF culture conditions have an impact on neonatal outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:563-580. [PMID: 38246922 PMCID: PMC10957805 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03020-0] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Are embryo culture conditions, including type of incubator, oxygen tension, and culture media, associated with obstetric or neonatal complications following in vitro fertilization (IVF)? METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was performed from January 01, 2008, until October 31, 2021. The studies reporting quantitative data on at least one of the primary outcomes (birthweight and preterm birth) for the exposure group and the control group were included. For oxygen tension, independent meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager, comparing hypoxia/normoxia. For culture media, a network meta-analysis was carried out using R software, allowing the inclusion of articles comparing two or more culture media. RESULTS After reviewing 182 records, 39 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 28 studies were kept for review. Meta-analysis about the impact of incubator type on perinatal outcomes could not be carried out because of a limited number of studies. For oxygen tension, three studies were included. The pairwise meta-analysis comparing hypoxia/normoxia did not show any statistical difference for birthweight and gestational age at birth. For culture media, 18 studies were included. The network meta-analysis failed to reveal any significant impact of different culture media on birthweight or preterm birth. CONCLUSION No difference was observed for neonatal outcomes according to the embryo culture conditions evaluated in this review. Further research is needed about the safety of IVF culture conditions as far as future children's health is concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Sonigo
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clamart, France
| | - Naouel Ahdad-Yata
- Unité d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Hôpital Américain, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
| | - Paul Pirtea
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Reproduction, Hôpital Foch, Université Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France
| | | | - Michael Grynberg
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clamart, France
| | - Nathalie Sermondade
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.
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Lui JC, Baron J. Epigenetic Causes of Overgrowth Syndromes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:312-320. [PMID: 37450557 PMCID: PMC11032252 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Human overgrowth disorders are characterized by excessive prenatal and/or postnatal growth of various tissues. These disorders often present with tall stature, macrocephaly, and/or abdominal organomegaly and are sometimes associated with additional phenotypic abnormalities such as intellectual disability and increased cancer risk. As the genetic etiology of these disorders have been elucidated, a surprising pattern has emerged. Multiple monogenic overgrowth syndromes result from variants in epigenetic regulators: variants in histone methyltransferases NSD1 and EZH2 cause Sotos syndrome and Weaver syndrome, respectively, variants in DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A cause Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, and variants in chromatin remodeler CHD8 cause an autism spectrum disorder with overgrowth. In addition, very recently, a variant in histone reader protein SPIN4 was identified in a new X-linked overgrowth disorder. In this review, we discuss the genetics of these overgrowth disorders and explore possible common underlying mechanisms by which epigenetic pathways regulate human body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C Lui
- Section on Growth and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Baron
- Section on Growth and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Rhon-Calderon EA, Hemphill CN, Vrooman LA, Rosier CL, Lan Y, Ord T, Coutifaris C, Mainigi M, Schultz RM, Bartolomei MS. Trophectoderm biopsy of blastocysts following IVF and embryo culture increases epigenetic dysregulation in a mouse model. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:154-176. [PMID: 37994669 PMCID: PMC11032714 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead238] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does trophectoderm biopsy (TEBx) of blastocysts for preimplantation genetic testing in the clinic affect normal placental and embryo development and offspring metabolic outcomes in a mouse model? SUMMARY ANSWER TEBx impacts placental and embryonic health during early development, with some alterations resolving and others worsening later in development and triggering metabolic changes in adult offspring. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies have not assessed the epigenetic and morphological impacts of TEBx either in human populations or in animal models. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We employed a mouse model to identify the effects of TEBx during IVF. Three groups were assessed: naturally conceived (Naturals), IVF, and IVF + TEBx, at two developmental timepoints: embryonic day (E)12.5 (n = 40/Naturals, n = 36/IVF, and n = 36/IVF + TEBx) and E18.5 (n = 42/Naturals, n = 30/IVF, and n = 35/IVF + TEBx). Additionally, to mimic clinical practice, we assessed a fourth group: IVF + TEBx + Vitrification (Vit) at E12.5 (n = 29) that combines TEBx and vitrification. To assess the effect of TEBx in offspring health, we characterized a 12-week-old cohort (n = 24/Naturals, n = 25/IVF and n = 25/IVF + TEBx). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Our mouse model used CF-1 females as egg donors and SJL/B6 males as sperm donors. IVF, TEBx, and vitrification were performed using standardized methods. Placenta morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, in situ hybridization using Tpbpa as a junctional zone marker and immunohistochemistry using CD34 fetal endothelial cell markers. For molecular analysis of placentas and embryos, DNA methylation was analyzed using pyrosequencing, luminometric methylation assay, and chip array technology. Expression patterns were ascertained by RNA sequencing. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-, low-, and very low-density lipoprotein, insulin, and glucose were determined in the 12-week-old cohort using commercially available kits. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed that at E12.5, IVF + TEBx had a worse outcome in terms of changes in DNA methylation and differential gene expression in placentas and whole embryos compared with IVF alone and compared with Naturals. These changes were reflected in alterations in placental morphology and blood vessel density. At E18.5, early molecular changes in fetuses were maintained or exacerbated. With respect to placentas, the molecular and morphological changes, although different compared to Naturals, were equivalent to the IVF group, except for changes in blood vessel density, which persisted. Of note is that most differences were sex specific. We conclude that TEBx has more detrimental effects in mid-gestation placental and embryonic tissues, with alterations in embryonic tissues persisting or worsening in later developmental stages compared to IVF alone, and the addition of vitrification after TEBx results in more pronounced and potentially detrimental epigenetic effects: these changes are significantly different compared to Naturals. Finally, we observed that 12-week IVF + TEBx offspring, regardless of sex, showed higher glucose, insulin, triglycerides, lower total cholesterol, and lower high-density lipoprotein compared to IVF and Naturals, with only males having higher body weight compared to IVF and Naturals. Our findings in a mouse model additionally support the need for more studies to assess the impact of new procedures in ART to ensure healthy pregnancies and offspring outcomes. LARGE SCALE DATA Data reported in this work have been deposited in the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus under accession number GSE225318. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was performed using a mouse model that mimics many clinical IVF procedures and outcomes observed in humans, where studies on early embryos are not possible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study highlights the importance of assaying new procedures used in ART to assess their impact on placenta and embryo development, and offspring metabolic outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by a National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility grant P50 HD068157-06A1 (M.S.B., C.C., M.M.), Ruth L. Kirschstein National Service Award Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship F32 HD107914 (E.A.R.-C.) and F32 HD089623 (L.A.V.), and National Institutes of Health Training program in Cell and Molecular Biology T32 GM007229 (C.N.H.). No conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cassidy N Hemphill
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa A Vrooman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Casey L Rosier
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Teri Ord
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard M Schultz
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lin HY, Lee CL, Tu YR, Chang YH, Niu DM, Chang CY, Chiu PC, Chou YY, Hsiao HP, Tsai MC, Chao MC, Tsai LP, Yang CF, Su PH, Pan YW, Lee CH, Chu TH, Chuang CK, Lin SP. Quantitative DNA Methylation Analysis and Epigenotype-Phenotype Correlations in Taiwanese Patients with Silver-Russell Syndrome. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:8-18. [PMID: 38164354 PMCID: PMC10750329 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.84154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS; OMIM #180860) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous imprinting disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth failure. The aim of this study was to identify the epigenotype-phenotype correlations in these patients using quantitative DNA methylation analysis. Methods: One hundred and eighty-three subjects clinically suspected of having SRS were referred for diagnostic testing by the methylation profiling of H19-associated imprinting center (IC) 1 and imprinted PEG1/MEST regions using methylation-specific high-resolution melting analysis and methylation quantification with the MassARRAY assay. Correlations between quantitative DNA methylation status and clinical manifestations of the subjects according to the Netchine-Harbison (N-H) clinical scoring system for SRS were analyzed. Results: Among the 183 subjects, 90 had a clinical diagnosis of SRS [N-H score ≥ 4 (maximum = 6)] and 93 had an SRS score < 4. Molecular lesions were detected in 41% (37/90) of the subjects with a clinical diagnosis of SRS, compared with 3% (3/93) of those with an N-H score < 4. The IC1 methylation level was negatively correlated with the N-H score. The molecular diagnosis rate was positively correlated with the N-H score. Thirty-one subjects had IC1 hypomethylation (IC1 methylation level <35% by the MassARRAY assay), seven had maternal uniparental disomy 7, and two had pathogenic copy number variants. Among the 90 subjects with an N-H score ≥ 4, the IC1 methylation level was significantly different between those with or without some clinical SRS features, including birth length ≤ 10th centile, relative macrocephaly at birth, normal cognitive development, body asymmetry, clinodactyly of the fifth finger, and genital abnormalities. Conclusions: This study confirmed the suitability of the N-H clinical scoring system as clinical diagnostic criteria for SRS. Quantitative DNA methylation analysis using the MassARRAY assay can improve the detection of epigenotype-phenotype correlations, further promoting better genetic counseling and multidisciplinary management for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Yu Lin
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Rare Disease Center, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Lin Lee
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Rare Disease Center, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Rong Tu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Rare Disease Center, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dau-Ming Niu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pao Chin Chiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yin Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Pin Hsiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Che Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chyn Chao
- Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ping Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Feng Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pen-Hua Su
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hao Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hung Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kuang Chuang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuan-Pei Lin
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Rare Disease Center, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Infant and Child Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
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Karahan G, Martel J, Rahimi S, Farag M, Matias F, MacFarlane AJ, Chan D, Trasler J. Higher incidence of embryonic defects in mouse offspring conceived with assisted reproduction from fathers with sperm epimutations. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 33:48-63. [PMID: 37740387 PMCID: PMC10729866 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad160] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) account for 1-6% of births in developed countries. While most children conceived are healthy, increases in birth and genomic imprinting defects have been reported; such abnormal outcomes have been attributed to underlying parental infertility and/or the ART used. Here, we assessed whether paternal genetic and lifestyle factors, that are associated with male infertility and affect the sperm epigenome, can influence ART outcomes. We examined how paternal factors, haploinsufficiency for Dnmt3L, an important co-factor for DNA methylation reactions, and/or diet-induced obesity, in combination with ART (superovulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture and embryo transfer), could adversely influence embryo development and DNA methylation patterning in mice. While male mice fed high-fat diets (HFD) gained weight and showed perturbed metabolic health, their sperm DNA methylation was minimally affected by the diet. In contrast, Dnmt3L haploinsufficiency induced a marked loss of DNA methylation in sperm; notably, regions affected were associated with neurodevelopmental pathways and enriched in young retrotransposons, sequences that can have functional consequences in the next generation. Following ART, placental imprinted gene methylation and growth parameters were impacted by one or both paternal factors. For embryos conceived by natural conception, abnormality rates were similar for WT and Dnmt3L+/- fathers. In contrast, paternal Dnmt3L+/- genotype, as compared to WT fathers, resulted in a 3-fold increase in the incidence of morphological abnormalities in embryos generated by ART. Together, the results indicate that embryonic morphological and epigenetic defects associated with ART may be exacerbated in offspring conceived by fathers with sperm epimutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurbet Karahan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Josée Martel
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Sophia Rahimi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mena Farag
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Fernando Matias
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | | | - Donovan Chan
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
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8
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Beiraghdar M, Beiraghdar M, Khosravi S. The methylation status of GATA3 potentially predicts the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1279-1285. [PMID: 36625441 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2164871] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of methylation status of genes in sperm samples has been suggested for diagnosis of male infertility as well as prognosis of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes. In this study, we compared the methylation pattern of the GATA3 gene in infertile and fertile men as well as in infertile men with positive and negative ART outcome based on clinical pregnancy. Ejaculates were obtained from 42 infertile men with a negative ART outcome (group 1), 30 infertile men with a positive ART outcome (group 2), and 21 fertile men (control). Then, samples were subjected to genomic DNA isolation and subsequent TUNEL assay and methylation-specific PCR. The number of infertile men with at least one methylated allele of GATA3 was significantly higher compared to the control group (p = 0.022). Also, the number of patients with at least one methylated allele was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.013). Moreover, the TUNEL assay revealed that the amount of sperm DNA fragmentation is higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.008). The findings of our study demonstrated that the degree of GATA3 methylation can potentially differentiate between infertile and fertile men and more importantly can potentially predict the outcome of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Beiraghdar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University of Center Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Beiraghdar
- Department of pathology, specialist of anatomical and clinical pathology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharifeh Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
- Genetic Lab in Majesty of Maryam Infertility Center, Martyr Beheshti Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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Shacfe G, Turko R, Syed HH, Masoud I, Tahmaz Y, Samhan LM, Alkattan K, Shafqat A, Yaqinuddin A. A DNA Methylation Perspective on Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2132. [PMID: 38136954 PMCID: PMC10743303 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122132] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide and its incidence is increasing. While assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionized the treatment landscape of infertility, a significant number of couples present with an idiopathic cause for their infertility, hindering effective management. Profiling the genome and transcriptome of infertile men and women has revealed abnormal gene expression. Epigenetic modifications, which comprise dynamic processes that can transduce environmental signals into gene expression changes, may explain these findings. Indeed, aberrant DNA methylation has been widely characterized as a cause of abnormal sperm and oocyte gene expression with potentially deleterious consequences on fertilization and pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to provide a concise overview of male and female infertility through the lens of DNA methylation alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (G.S.); (R.T.); (H.H.S.); (I.M.); (Y.T.); (L.M.S.); (K.A.); (A.Y.)
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10
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Coppedè F, Bhaduri U, Stoccoro A, Nicolì V, Di Venere E, Merla G. DNA Methylation in the Fields of Prenatal Diagnosis and Early Detection of Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11715. [PMID: 37511475 PMCID: PMC10380460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411715] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The central objective of the metamorphosis of discovery science into biomedical applications is to serve the purpose of patients and curtail the global disease burden. The journey from the discovery of DNA methylation (DNAm) as a biological process to its emergence as a diagnostic tool is one of the finest examples of such metamorphosis and has taken nearly a century. Particularly in the last decade, the application of DNA methylation studies in the clinic has been standardized more than ever before, with great potential to diagnose a multitude of diseases that are associated with a burgeoning number of genes with this epigenetic alteration. Fetal DNAm detection is becoming useful for noninvasive prenatal testing, whereas, in very preterm infants, DNAm is also shown to be a potential biological indicator of prenatal risk factors. In the context of cancer, liquid biopsy-based DNA-methylation profiling is offering valuable epigenetic biomarkers for noninvasive early-stage diagnosis. In this review, we focus on the applications of DNA methylation in prenatal diagnosis for delivering timely therapy before or after birth and in detecting early-stage cancers for better clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we also provide an up-to-date commercial landscape of DNAm biomarkers for cancer detection and screening of cancers of unknown origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Biology and Pathology of Aging, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Utsa Bhaduri
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Di Venere
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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11
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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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12
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Carrion SA, Michal JJ, Jiang Z. Imprinted Genes: Genomic Conservation, Transcriptomic Dynamics and Phenomic Significance in Health and Diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3128-3142. [PMID: 37416777 PMCID: PMC10321285 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1991, genomic imprinting has been the subject of numerous studies into its mechanisms of establishment and regulation, evolution and function, and presence in multiple genomes. Disturbance of imprinting has been implicated in a range of diseases, ranging from debilitating syndromes to cancers to fetal deficiencies. Despite this, studies done on the prevalence and relevance of imprinting on genes have been limited in scope, tissue types available, and focus, by both availability and resources. This has left a gap in comparative studies. To address this, we assembled a collection of imprinted genes available in current literature covering five species. Here we sought to identify trends and motifs in the imprinted gene set (IGS) in three distinct arenas: evolutionary conservation, across-tissue expression, and health phenomics. Overall, we found that imprinted genes displayed less conservation and higher proportions of non-coding RNA while maintaining synteny. Maternally expressed genes (MEGs) and paternally expressed genes (PEGs) occupied distinct roles in tissue expression and biological pathway use, while imprinted genes collectively showed a broader tissue range, notable preference for tissue specific expression and limited gene pathways than comparable sex differentiation genes. Both human and murine imprinted genes showed the same clear phenotypic trends, that were distinct from those displayed by sex differentiation genes which were less involved in mental and nervous system disease. While both sets had representation across the genome, the IGS showed clearer clustering as expected, with PEGs significantly more represented than MEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhihua Jiang
- ✉ Corresponding author: Dr. Zhihua Jiang (ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1986-088X), Professor of Genome Biology. Phone: 509-335 8761;
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Hara-Isono K, Matsubara K, Nakamura A, Sano S, Inoue T, Kawashima S, Fuke T, Yamazawa K, Fukami M, Ogata T, Kagami M. Risk assessment of assisted reproductive technology and parental age at childbirth for the development of uniparental disomy-mediated imprinting disorders caused by aneuploid gametes. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:78. [PMID: 37147716 PMCID: PMC10163687 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01494-w] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study suggested that assisted reproductive technology (ART) may be a possible risk factor for the development of epimutation-mediated imprinting disorders (epi-IDs) for mothers aged ≥ 30 years. However, whether ART or advanced parental age facilitates the development of uniparental disomy-mediated IDs (UPD-IDs) has not yet been investigated. RESULTS We enrolled 130 patients with aneuploid UPD-IDs including various IDs confirmed by molecular studies and obtained ART data of the general population and patients with epi-IDs from a robust nationwide database and our previous report, respectively. We compared the proportion of ART-conceived livebirths and maternal childbearing age between patients with UPD-IDs and the general population or patients with epi-IDs. The proportion of ART-conceived livebirths in patients with aneuploid UPD-IDs was consistent with that in the general population of maternal age ≥ 30 years and was lower than that in the patients with epi-IDs, although there was no significant difference. The maternal childbearing age of patients with aneuploid UPD-IDs was skewed to the increased ages with several cases exceeding the 97.5th percentile of maternal childbearing age of the general population and significantly higher than that of patients with epi-IDs (P < 0.001). In addition, we compared the proportion of ART-conceived livebirths and parental age at childbirth between patients with UPD-IDs caused by aneuploid oocytes (oUPD-IDs) and that by aneuploid sperm (sUPD-IDs). Almost all ART-conceived livebirths were identified in patients with oUPD-IDs, and both maternal age and paternal age at childbirth were significantly higher in patients with oUPD-IDs than in patients with sUPD-IDs. Because maternal age and paternal age were strongly correlated (rs = 0.637, P < 0.001), higher paternal age in oUPD-IDs was explained by the higher maternal age in this group. CONCLUSIONS Different from the case of epi-IDs, ART itself is not likely to facilitate the development of aneuploid UPD-IDs. We demonstrated that advanced maternal age can be a risk factor for the development of aneuploid UPD-IDs, particularly oUPD-IDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Hara-Isono
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keiko Matsubara
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Akie Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8648, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sano
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shizuoka Children's Hospital, 860 Urushiyama, Aoi-Ku, Shizuoka, 420-8660, Japan
| | - Takanobu Inoue
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fuke
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kazuki Yamazawa
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Medical Genetics Center, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1 Higashigaoka, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1‑20‑1 Handayama, Higashi‑ku, Hamamatsu, 431‑3192, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu Medical Center, 328 Tomizuka Cho, Naka-Ku, Hamamatsu, 432-8580, Japan
| | - Masayo Kagami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.
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Schriml LM, Lichenstein R, Bisordi K, Bearer C, Baron JA, Greene C. Modeling the enigma of complex disease etiology. J Transl Med 2023; 21:148. [PMID: 36829165 PMCID: PMC9957692 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex diseases often present as a diagnosis riddle, further complicated by the combination of multiple phenotypes and diseases as features of other diseases. With the aim of enhancing the determination of key etiological factors, we developed and tested a complex disease model that encompasses diverse factors that in combination result in complex diseases. This model was developed to address the challenges of classifying complex diseases given the evolving nature of understanding of disease and interaction and contributions of genetic, environmental, and social factors. METHODS Here we present a new approach for modeling complex diseases that integrates the multiple contributing genetic, epigenetic, environmental, host and social pathogenic effects causing disease. The model was developed to provide a guide for capturing diverse mechanisms of complex diseases. Assessment of disease drivers for asthma, diabetes and fetal alcohol syndrome tested the model. RESULTS We provide a detailed rationale for a model representing the classification of complex disease using three test conditions of asthma, diabetes and fetal alcohol syndrome. Model assessment resulted in the reassessment of the three complex disease classifications and identified driving factors, thus improving the model. The model is robust and flexible to capture new information as the understanding of complex disease improves. CONCLUSIONS The Human Disease Ontology's Complex Disease model offers a mechanism for defining more accurate disease classification as a tool for more precise clinical diagnosis. This broader representation of complex disease, therefore, has implications for clinicians and researchers who are tasked with creating evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations and for public health tracking of complex disease. The new model facilitates the comparison of etiological factors between complex, common and rare diseases and is available at the Human Disease Ontology website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Schriml
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Richard Lichenstein
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Katharine Bisordi
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Cynthia Bearer
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - J. Allen Baron
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Carol Greene
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Tanaka A, Watanabe S. How to improve the clinical outcome of round spermatid injection (ROSI) into the oocyte: Correction of epigenetic abnormalities. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12503. [PMID: 36789269 PMCID: PMC9909386 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12503] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background First successful human round spermatid injection (ROSI) was conducted by Tesarik et al. in 1996 for the sole treatment of nonobstructive azoospermic men whose most advanced spermatogenic cells were elongating round spermatids. Nine offsprings from ROSI were reported between 1996 and 2000. No successful deliveries were reported for 15 years after that. Tanaka et al. reported 90 babies born after ROSI and their follow-up studies in 2015 and 2018 showed no significant differences in comparison with those born after natural conception in terms of physical and cognitive abilities. However, clinical outcomes remain low. Method Clinical and laboratory data of successful cases in the precursor ROSI groups and those of Tanaka et al. were reviewed. Results Differences were found between the two groups in terms of identification of characteristics of round spermatid and oocyte activation. Additionally, epigenetic abnormalities were identified as underlying causes for poor ROSI results, besides correct identification of round spermatid and adequate oocyte activation. Correction of epigenetic errors could lead to optimal embryonic development. Conclusion Correction of epigenetic abnormalities has a probability to improve the clinical outcome of ROSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySaint Mother ClinicKitakyushuJapan,Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyJuntendo University School of MedicineBunkyo‐kuJapan
| | - Seiji Watanabe
- Department of Anatomical ScienceHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineAomoriJapan
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In vivo and in vitro matured bovine oocytes present a distinct pattern of single-cell gene expression. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:31-43. [PMID: 36263617 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte gene expression is a well controlled event that promotes gamete competence to undergo maturation, fertilization, and to support early embryo development, directly affecting reproductive outcomes. Considering that in vivo controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro maturation (IVM) for the acquisition of mature oocytes has distinct implications for gene expression, we sought to evaluate the effects of these procedures on the expression of competence-related genes in single-cell oocytes. Healthy Nelore cows of reproductive age were synchronized to harvest in vivo matured oocytes; ovaries from slaughtered animals were used to obtain cumulus-oocyte complexes that were in vitro matured. Single-cell gene expression was performed using TaqMan Low-Density Arrays and 42 genes were evaluated. In silico analysis of protein interactions and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed. Reduced gene expression was observed for 24 targets in IVM oocytes when compared with those of in vivo matured oocytes (P < 0.05). Differences ranged from 1.5-fold to 4.8-fold higher in in vivo oocytes and the BMP15 (5.28), GDF9 (6.23), NOBOX (7.25), HSPA8 (7.85) and MSX1 (11.00) showed the greatest fold increases. The strongest score of functional interactions was observed between the CDC20 and CKS2, with the differentially expressed gene CDC20 being the main marker behind GO enrichment. IVM negatively affected the expression of important genes related to oocyte competency, and showed higher expression levels in in vivo matured oocytes. In vivo controlled ovarian stimulation may be a better strategy to achieve proper oocyte competence and increase the success of assisted reproductive technologies.
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology may influence epigenetic signature as the procedures coincide with the extensive epigenetic modification occurring from fertilization to embryo implantation. However, it is still unclear to what extent ART alters the embryo epigenome. In vivo fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, where a specific and natural environment enables the embryo's healthy development. During this dynamic period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Over the past decade, concerns relating to the raised incidence of epigenetic anomalies and imprinting following ART have been raised by several authors. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period; therefore, unphysiological conditions, including ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, parental lifestyle, and underlying infertility, have the potential to contribute to epigenetic dysregulation independently or collectively. This review critically appraises the evidence relating to the association between ART and genetic and epigenetic modifications that may be transmitted to the offspring.
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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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Guo H, Sheng R, Zhang X, Jin X, Gu W, Liu T, Dong H, Jia R. Prenatal diagnosis of fetuses conceived by assisted reproductive technology by karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14678. [PMID: 36684682 PMCID: PMC9854383 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive prenatal evaluation by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and karyotyping might represent an important option in pregnant women, but limited reports have applied CMA and karyotyping of fetuses conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study aimed to examine the value of CMA and karyotyping in prenatal diagnosis after ART. Methods This retrospective study included all singleton fetuses conceived by ART from January 2015 to December 2021. Anomalies prenatally diagnosed based on karyotyping and CMA were analyzed. Prevalence rates for various CMA and karyotyping results were stratified based on specific testing indications including isolated-and non-isolated ART groups. The rates of CMA findings with clinical significance (pathogenic/likely pathogenic) and karyotype anomalies were assessed and compared to those of local control individuals with naturally conceived pregnancies and without medical indications. Results In total, 224 subjects were assessed by karyotyping and CMA. In the examined patients, chromosomal and karyotype abnormality rates were 3.57% (8/224) and 8.93% (20/224), respectively. This finding indicated a 5.35% (12/224)-incremental rate of abnormal CMA was obtained over karyotype analysis (p = 0.019). The risk of CMA with pathogenic findings for all pregnancies conceived by ART (5.80%, 13/224) was markedly elevated in comparison with the background value obtained in control individuals (1.47%, 9/612; p = 0.001). In addition, risk of CMA with clinically pathogenic results in isolated ART groups was significant higher compared to the background risk reported in the control cohort (p = 0.037). Conclusions Prenatal diagnosis including karyotyping and CMA is recommended for fetuses conceived by ART, with or without ultrasound findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Sheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xiu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xuemei Jin
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjing Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Haixin Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Jia
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation alterations induced by superovulation, sexual immaturity and in vitro follicle growth in mouse blastocysts. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:9. [PMID: 36647174 PMCID: PMC9843966 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In their attempt to fulfill the wish of having children, women who suffer from fertility issues often undergo assisted reproductive technologies such as ovarian stimulation, which has been associated with adverse health outcomes and imprinting disorders in children. However, given the crucial role of exogenous hormone stimulation in improving human infertility treatments, a more comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts on DNA methylation in embryos following ovarian stimulation is needed. Here, we provide genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of blastocysts generated after superovulation of prepubertal or adult mice, compared with blastocysts derived from non-stimulated adult mice. Additionally, we assessed the impact of the in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes on methylation in blastocysts. RESULTS Neither hormone stimulation nor sexual maturity had an impact on the low global methylation levels characteristic of the blastocyst stage or was associated with extensive DNA methylation alterations. However, we found hormone- and age-associated changes at specific positions but dispersed throughout the genome. In particular, we detected anomalous methylation at a limited number of CpG islands. Additionally, superovulation in adult mice was associated with alterations at the Sgce and Zfp777 imprinted genes. On the other hand, in vitro culture of follicles from the early pre-antral stage was associated with globally reduced methylation and increased variability at imprinted loci in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a minimal effect of ovarian stimulation of adult and prepubertal mice on the DNA methylation landscape attained at the blastocyst stage, but potentially greater impacts of in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes. These findings have potential significance for the improvement of assisted reproductive techniques, in particular for those related to treatments in prepubertal females, which could be crucial for improving human fertility preservation strategies.
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Graham ME, Jelin A, Hoon AH, Wilms Floet AM, Levey E, Graham EM. Assisted reproductive technology: Short- and long-term outcomes. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:38-49. [PMID: 35851656 PMCID: PMC9809323 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes fertility treatment in which either eggs or embryos are handled outside a female's body to promote successful pregnancies and healthy offspring. Current ART procedures encompass in vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The most common complication of ART is related to the consequences of multiple pregnancy, which can be prevented or minimized by reducing the number of embryos transferred to the uterus, commonly single embryo transfer. ART has been shown to be variably associated with adverse short- and long-term perinatal outcomes, including cerebral palsy, autism, neurodevelopmental imprinting disorders, and cancer. However, there is uncertainty as to whether reported problems are related to the ART procedure itself, to factors related to infertility, to other medical and environmental factors, or a combination thereof. From a pathophysiological perspective, whether ART alters epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression, leading to later developmental, medical, and behavioral disorders, is an area of active investigation. With the meticulously conducted short- and long-term outcome studies completed so far, overall, and after controlling for multiple gestations and preterm delivery, the results suggest that ART is a safe procedure, offering hope to many parent(s) wishing for a healthy child. This paper highlights ART methods and the risk factors and confounders in the interpretation of short- and long-term outcome data, providing the reader with a means to evaluate findings and conclusions of outcome studies. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a relatively safe procedure. Single embryo implantation optimizes outcome. Informed consent, including the risks and benefits of ART, should be required. Ongoing longitudinal studies are necessary to fully understand ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Elaine Graham
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, USA
| | - Angie Jelin
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander H. Hoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Maria Wilms Floet
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Development and Learning, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Levey
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ernest M. Graham
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Neuroscience Intensive Care Nursery Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Milazzotto MP, Ispada J, de Lima CB. Metabolism-epigenetic interactions on in vitro produced embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:84-97. [PMID: 36592974 DOI: 10.1071/rd22203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism and epigenetics, which reciprocally regulate each other in different cell types, are fundamental aspects of cellular adaptation to the environment. Evidence in cancer and stem cells has shown that the metabolic status modifies the epigenome while epigenetic mechanisms regulate the expression of genes involved in metabolic processes, thereby altering the metabolome. This crosstalk occurs as many metabolites serve as substrates or cofactors of chromatin-modifying enzymes. If we consider the intense metabolic dynamic and the epigenetic remodelling of the embryo, the comprehension of these regulatory networks will be important not only for understanding early embryonic development, but also to determine in vitro culture conditions that support embryo development and may insert positive regulatory marks that may persist until adult life. In this review, we focus on how metabolism may affect epigenetic reprogramming of the early stages of development, in particular acetylation and methylation of histone and DNA. We also present other metabolic modifications in bovine embryos, such as lactylation, highlighting the promising epigenetic and metabolic targets to improve conditions for in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Laboratory of Embryo Metabolism and Epigenomic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ispada
- Laboratory of Embryo Metabolism and Epigenomic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Bruna de Lima
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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22
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Chao Y, Qin Y, Zou X, Wang X, Hu C, Xia F, Zou C. Promising therapeutic aspects in human genetic imprinting disorders. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:146. [PMID: 36371218 PMCID: PMC9655922 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon of monoallelic gene expression pattern depending on parental origin. In humans, congenital imprinting disruptions resulting from genetic or epigenetic mechanisms can cause a group of diseases known as genetic imprinting disorders (IDs). Genetic IDs involve several distinct syndromes sharing homologies in terms of genetic etiologies and phenotypic features. However, the molecular pathogenesis of genetic IDs is complex and remains largely uncharacterized, resulting in a lack of effective therapeutic approaches for patients. In this review, we begin with an overview of the genomic and epigenomic molecular basis of human genetic IDs. Notably, we address ethical aspects as a priority of employing emerging techniques for therapeutic applications in human IDs. With a particular focus, we delineate the current field of emerging therapeutics for genetic IDs. We briefly summarize novel symptomatic drugs and highlight the key milestones of new techniques and therapeutic programs as they stand today which can offer highly promising disease-modifying interventions for genetic IDs accompanied by various challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi Chao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Endocrinology, The Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052 Zhejiang China
| | - Yifang Qin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Endocrinology, The Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052 Zhejiang China
| | - Xinyi Zou
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XZhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiangzhi Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Endocrinology, The Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052 Zhejiang China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Endocrinology, The Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052 Zhejiang China
| | - Fangling Xia
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Endocrinology, The Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052 Zhejiang China
| | - Chaochun Zou
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Endocrinology, The Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052 Zhejiang China
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23
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Mantravadi KC, Rao DG, Sree YR. Does Testicular Sperm Alter Reproductive and Perinatal Outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles? 10 Years' Experience in an Indian Clinic. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:388-395. [PMID: 37033133 PMCID: PMC10077750 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_146_22] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the reproductive outcomes for couples with male factor infertility. Especially in azoospermic men, use of ICSI with surgically retrieved testicular sperm has helped them have their own biological child. However, considering the immature nature of testicular sperm safety of testicular sperm has been debated. Aims To compare reproductive outcomes, neonatal outcomes and the incidence of congenital malformations in children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), using different sperm origins. Settings and Design This is a retrospective study in which a total of 989 participants were enrolled. Study group (Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) ICSI group) had 552 couples with female partners aged ≤37 and had self gamete cycles. ICSI cycles with ejaculated sperm (EJS) acted as the control group. Materials and Methods All male patients underwent surgical sperm retrieval and all the women underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and transvaginal oocyte retrieval and Ovum Pick Up (OPU) as per the standard operating procedures of the clinic. Frozen embryo transfer with two good-grade blastocysts, which had shown 100% survival, were transferred in subsequent cycles. Statistical Analysis Used The Student's t-test was performed for age distribution; odds ratio was performed to find the confounding factors. Results Embryonic and reproductive outcomes were comparable and not statistically significant in the study and control groups. Incidence of congenital anomalies was observed in singleton live births and twin live births in both the TESA-ICSI group and the EJS-ICSI group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Our study revealed that congenital malformations in children born out of ICSI using testicular sperm and EJS were similar; no difference was observed in miscarriages between the testicular sperm-ICSI and EJS-ICSI group. Our data suggests that surgical sperm retrieval in couples with male factor infertility does not alter their reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Durga Gedela Rao
- Department of Androlife, Oasis Fertility, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Y. Rupa Sree
- Department of Androlife, Oasis Fertility, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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24
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Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Schymura MJ, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Forestieri NE, Rao C, Nichols HB, Yazdy MM, Gershman ST, Sacha CR, Williams M, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Doody KJ, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL, Williams C, Sutcliffe AG, Richard MA, Lupo PJ. The risks of birth defects and childhood cancer with conception by assisted reproductive technology. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2672-2689. [PMID: 36112004 PMCID: PMC9960485 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between fertility status, method of conception and the risks of birth defects and childhood cancer? SUMMARY ANSWER The risk of childhood cancer had two independent components: (i) method of conception and (ii) presence, type and number of birth defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The rarity of the co-occurrence of birth defects, cancer and ART makes studying their association challenging. Prior studies have indicated that infertility and ART are associated with an increased risk of birth defects or cancer but have been limited by small sample size and inadequate statistical power, failure to adjust for or include plurality, differences in definitions and/or methods of ascertainment, lack of information on ART treatment parameters or study periods spanning decades resulting in a substantial historical bias as ART techniques have improved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a population-based cohort study linking ART cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2017 that resulted in live births in 2004-2018 in Massachusetts and North Carolina and live births in 2004-2017 in Texas and New York. A 10:1 sample of non-ART births were chosen within the same time period as the ART birth. Non-ART siblings were identified through the ART mother's information. Children from non-ART births were classified as being born to women who conceived with ovulation induction or IUI (OI/IUI) when there was an indication of infertility treatment on the birth certificate, and the woman did not link to the SART CORS; all others were classified as being naturally conceived. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study population included 165 125 ART children, 31 524 non-ART siblings, 12 451 children born to OI/IUI-treated women and 1 353 440 naturally conceived children. All study children were linked to their respective State birth defect registries to identify major defects diagnosed within the first year of life. We classified children with major defects as either chromosomal (i.e. presence of a chromosomal defect with or without any other major defect) or nonchromosomal (i.e. presence of a major defect but having no chromosomal defect), or all major defects (chromosomal and nonchromosomal), and calculated rates per 1000 children. Logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs of the risk of birth defects by conception group (OI/IUI, non-ART sibling and ART by oocyte source and embryo state) with naturally conceived children as the reference, adjusted for paternal and maternal ages; maternal race and ethnicity, education, BMI, parity, diabetes, hypertension; and for plurality, infant sex and State and year of birth. All study children were also linked to their respective State cancer registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of cancer by birth defect status (including presence of a defect, type and number of defects), and conception group. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 29 571 singleton children (2.0%) and 3753 twin children (3.5%) had a major birth defect (chromosomal or nonchromosomal). Children conceived with ART from autologous oocytes had increased risks for nonchromosomal defects, including blastogenesis, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and, for males only, genitourinary defects, with AORs ranging from 1.22 to 1.85; children in the autologous-fresh group also had increased risks for musculoskeletal (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13, 1.45) and orofacial defects (AOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.17, 1.68). Within the donor oocyte group, the children conceived from fresh embryos did not have increased risks in any birth defect category, whereas children conceived from thawed embryos had increased risks for nonchromosomal defects (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03, 1.40) and blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.14, 2.65). The risk of cancer was increased among ART children in the autologous-fresh group (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08, 1.59) and non-ART siblings (1.34, 95% CI 1.02, 1.76). The risk of leukemia was increased among children in the OI/IUI group (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.04, 4.47) and non-ART siblings (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02, 2.61). The risk of central nervous system tumors was increased among ART children in the autologous-fresh group (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14, 2.48), donor-fresh group (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.04, 6.32) and non-ART siblings (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.12, 3.03). ART children in the autologous-fresh group were also at increased risk for solid tumors (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09, 1.77). A total of 127 children had both major birth defects and cancer, of which 53 children (42%) had leukemia. The risk of cancer had two independent components: (i) method of conception (described above) and (ii) presence, type and number of birth defects. The presence of nonchromosomal defects increased the cancer risk, greater for two or more defects versus one defect, for all cancers and each type evaluated. The presence of chromosomal defects was strongly associated with cancer risk (HR 8.70 for all cancers and HR 21.90 for leukemia), further elevated in the presence of both chromosomal and nonchromosomal defects (HR 21.29 for all cancers, HR 64.83 for leukemia and HR 4.71 for embryonal tumors). Among the 83 946 children born from ART in the USA in 2019 compared to their naturally conceived counterparts, these risks translate into an estimated excess of 761 children with major birth defects, 31 children with cancer and 11 children with both major birth defects and cancer. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the SART CORS database, it was not possible to differentiate method of embryo freezing (slow freezing versus vitrification), and data on ICSI were only available in the fresh embryo ART group. In the OI/IUI group, it was not possible to differentiate type of non-ART treatment utilized, and in both the ART and OI/IUI groups, data were unavailable on duration of infertility. Since OI/IUI is underreported on the birth certificate, some OI/IUI children were likely included among the naturally conceived children, which will decrease the difference between all the groups and the naturally conceived children. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The use of ART is associated with increased risks of major nonchromosomal birth defects. The presence of birth defects is associated with greater risks for cancer, which adds to the baseline risk in the ART group. Although this study does not show causality, these findings indicate that children conceived with ART, non-ART siblings, and all children with birth defects should be monitored more closely for the subsequent development of cancer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by grant R01 HD084377 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the National Institutes of Health, nor any of the State Departments of Health which contributed data. M.L.E. reports consultancy for Ro, Hannah, Dadi, Sandstone and Underdog; presidency of SSMR; and SMRU board member. The remaining authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, East Fee Hall, Room 628, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Tel: +1-517-353-1678; Fax: +1-517-353-1663; E-mail:
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Maria J Schymura
- New York State Department of Health, New York State Cancer Registry, Albany, NY, USA,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA,New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C Fisher
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nina E Forestieri
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Chandrika Rao
- North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan T Gershman
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Cancer Registry, Office of Data Management and Outcomes Assessment, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin R Sacha
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Melanie Williams
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie Williams
- Policy, Practice, and Population Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alastair G Sutcliffe
- Policy, Practice, and Population Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa A Richard
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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25
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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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26
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Aoki S, Higashimoto K, Hidaka H, Ohtsuka Y, Aoki S, Mishima H, Yoshiura KI, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Yatsuki H, Hara S, Ohba T, Katabuchi H, Soejima H. Aberrant hypomethylation at imprinted differentially methylated regions is involved in biparental placental mesenchymal dysplasia. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:64. [PMID: 35581658 PMCID: PMC9115938 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a morphological abnormality resembling partial hydatidiform moles. It is often associated with androgenetic/biparental mosaicism (ABM) and complicated by Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), an imprinting disorder. These phenomena suggest an association between PMD and aberrant genomic imprinting, particularly of CDKN1C and IGF2. The existence of another type of PMD containing the biparental genome has been reported. However, the frequency and etiology of biparental PMD are not yet fully understood. RESULTS We examined 44 placental specimens from 26 patients with PMD: 19 of these were macroscopically normal and 25 exhibited macroscopic PMD. Genotyping by DNA microarray or short tandem repeat analysis revealed that approximately 35% of the macroscopic PMD specimens could be classified as biparental, while the remainder were ABM. We performed a DNA methylation analysis using bisulfite pyrosequencing of 15 placenta-specific imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 36 ubiquitous imprinted DMRs. As expected, most DMRs in the macroscopic PMD specimens with ABM exhibited the paternal epigenotype. Importantly, the biparental macroscopic PMD specimens exhibited frequent aberrant hypomethylation at seven of the placenta-specific DMRs. Allelic expression analysis using single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed that five imprinted genes associated with these aberrantly hypomethylated DMRs were biallelically expressed. Frequent aberrant hypomethylation was observed at five ubiquitous DMRs, including GRB10 but not ICR2 or ICR1, which regulate the expression of CDKN1C and IGF2, respectively. Whole-exome sequencing performed on four biparental macroscopic PMD specimens did not reveal any pathological genetic abnormalities. Clinical and molecular analyses of babies born from pregnancies with PMD revealed four cases with BWS, each exhibiting different molecular characteristics, and those between BWS and PMD specimens were not always the same. CONCLUSION These data clarify the prevalence of biparental PMD and ABM-PMD and strongly implicate hypomethylation of DMRs in the pathogenesis of biparental PMD, particularly placenta-specific DMRs and the ubiquitous GRB10, but not ICR2 or ICR1. Aberrant hypomethylation of DMRs was partial, indicating that it occurs after fertilization. PMD is an imprinting disorder, and it may be a missing link between imprinting disorders and placental disorders incompatible with life, such as complete hydatidiform moles and partial hydatidiform moles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Aoki
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Ken Higashimoto
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Hidenori Hidaka
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Ohtsuka
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Aoki
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mishima
- Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Koh-Ichiro Yoshiura
- Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yatsuki
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hara
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Katabuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Soejima
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
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27
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Ongoing Challenges in the Diagnosis of 11p15.5-Associated Imprinting Disorders. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:263-272. [PMID: 35522427 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00587-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The overgrowth disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and the growth restriction disorder Silver-Russell syndrome have been described as 'mirror' syndromes, in both their clinical features and molecular causes. Clinically, their nonspecific features, focused around continuous variables of atypical growth, make it hard to set diagnostic thresholds that are pragmatic without potentially excluding some cases. Molecularly, both are imprinting disorders, classically associated with 'opposite' genetic and epigenetic changes to genes on chromosome 11p15, but both are associated with somatic mosaicism as well as an increasing range of alternative (epi)genetic changes to other genes, which make molecular diagnosis an increasingly complex process. In this Current Opinion, we explore how the understanding of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Silver-Russell syndrome has evolved in recent years, stretching the canonical 'mirror' designations in different ways for the two disorders and how this is changing clinical and molecular diagnosis. We suggest some possible directions of travel toward more timely and stratified diagnosis, so that patients can access the early interventions that are so critical for good outcome.
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28
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Vrooman LA, Rhon-Calderon EA, Suri KV, Dahiya AK, Lan Y, Schultz RM, Bartolomei MS. Placental Abnormalities are Associated With Specific Windows of Embryo Culture in a Mouse Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884088. [PMID: 35547813 PMCID: PMC9081528 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) employ gamete/embryo handling and culture in vitro to produce offspring. ART pregnancies have an increased risk of low birth weight, abnormal placentation, pregnancy complications, and imprinting disorders. Embryo culture induces low birth weight, abnormal placental morphology, and lower levels of DNA methylation in placentas in a mouse model of ART. Whether preimplantation embryos at specific stages of development are more susceptible to these perturbations remains unresolved. Accordingly, we performed embryo culture for several discrete periods of preimplantation development and following embryo transfer, assessed fetal and placental outcomes at term. We observed a reduction in fetal:placental ratio associated with two distinct windows of preimplantation embryo development, one prior to the morula stage and the other from the morula to blastocyst stage, whereas placental morphological abnormalities and reduced imprinting control region methylation were only associated with culture prior to the morula stage. Extended culture to the blastocyst stage also induces additional placental DNA methylation changes compared to embryos transferred at the morula stage, and female concepti exhibited a higher loss of DNA methylation than males. By identifying specific developmental windows of susceptibility, this study provides a framework to optimize further culture conditions to minimize risks associated with ART pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Vrooman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Eric A. Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kashviya V. Suri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Asha K. Dahiya
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Richard M. Schultz
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marisa S. Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Marisa S. Bartolomei,
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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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Brooks KE, Daughtry BL, Davis B, Yan MY, Fei SS, Shepherd S, Carbone L, Chavez SL. Molecular contribution to embryonic aneuploidy and karyotypic complexity in initial cleavage divisions of mammalian development. Development 2022; 149:dev198341. [PMID: 35311995 PMCID: PMC9058497 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic aneuploidy is highly complex, often leading to developmental arrest, implantation failure or spontaneous miscarriage in both natural and assisted reproduction. Despite our knowledge of mitotic mis-segregation in somatic cells, the molecular pathways regulating chromosome fidelity during the error-prone cleavage-stage of mammalian embryogenesis remain largely undefined. Using bovine embryos and live-cell fluorescent imaging, we observed frequent micro-/multi-nucleation of mis-segregated chromosomes in initial mitotic divisions that underwent unilateral inheritance, re-fused with the primary nucleus or formed a chromatin bridge with neighboring cells. A correlation between a lack of syngamy, multipolar divisions and asymmetric genome partitioning was also revealed, and single-cell DNA-seq showed propagation of primarily non-reciprocal mitotic errors. Depletion of the mitotic checkpoint protein BUB1B (also known as BUBR1) resulted in similarly abnormal nuclear structures and cell divisions, as well as chaotic aneuploidy and dysregulation of the kinase-substrate network that mediates mitotic progression, all before zygotic genome activation. This demonstrates that embryonic micronuclei sustain multiple fates, provides an explanation for blastomeres with uniparental origins, and substantiates defective checkpoints and likely other maternally derived factors as major contributors to the karyotypic complexity afflicting mammalian preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E. Brooks
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Brittany L. Daughtry
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brett Davis
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Melissa Y. Yan
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Suzanne S. Fei
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Selma Shepherd
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Shawn L. Chavez
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Milioto A, Reyes M, Hanna P, Kiuchi Z, Turan S, Zeve D, Agarwal C, Grigelioniene G, Chen A, Mericq V, Frangos M, Ten S, Mantovani G, Salusky IB, Tebben P, Jüppner H. Lack of GNAS Remethylation During Oogenesis May Be a Cause of Sporadic Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ib. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1610-e1619. [PMID: 34791361 PMCID: PMC8947795 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP1B) is characterized by hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia due to parathyroid hormone resistance in the proximal renal tubules. Maternal pathogenic STX16/GNAS variants leading to maternal epigenetic GNAS changes impair expression of the stimulatory G protein alpha-subunit (Gsα) thereby causing autosomal dominant PHP1B. In contrast, genetic defects responsible for sporadic PHP1B (sporPHP1B) remain mostly unknown. OBJECTIVE Determine whether PHP1B encountered after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) causes GNAS remethylation defects similar to those in sporPHP1B. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. RESULTS Nine among 36 sporPHP1B patients investigated since 2000, all with loss of methylation (LOM) at the 3 maternal GNAS differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and gain of methylation at the paternal NESP DMR, had been conceived through IVF or ICSI. Besides abnormal GNAS methylation, IVF/ICSI PHP1B cases revealed no additional imprinting defects. Three of these PHP1B patients have dizygotic twins, and 4 have IVF/ICSI-conceived siblings, all with normal GNAS methylation; 2 unaffected younger siblings were conceived naturally. CONCLUSION Sporadic and IVF/ICSI-conceived PHP1B patients revealed indistinguishable epigenetic changes at all 4 GNAS DMRs, thus suggesting a similar underlying disease mechanism. Given that remethylation at the 3 maternal DMRs occurs during oogenesis, male factors are unlikely to cause LOM postfertilization. Instead, at least some of the sporPHP1B variants could be caused by a defect or defects in an oocyte-expressed gene that is required for fertility and for re-establishing maternal GNAS methylation imprints. It remains uncertain, however, whether the lack of GNAS remethylation alone and the resulting reduction in Gsα expression is sufficient to impair oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Milioto
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monica Reyes
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick Hanna
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zentaro Kiuchi
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Serap Turan
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Daniel Zeve
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Giedre Grigelioniene
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ang Chen
- Any Chen, Arizona Kidney Disease and Hypertension Center, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Veronica Mericq
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Svetlana Ten
- Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Giovanna Mantovani
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Isidro B Salusky
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Tebben
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Harald Jüppner
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Aitken RJ. Role of sperm DNA damage in creating de novo mutations in human offspring: the ‘post-meiotic oocyte collusion’ hypothesis. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:109-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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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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Agarwal A, Maldonado Rosas I, Anagnostopoulou C, Cannarella R, Boitrelle F, Munoz LV, Finelli R, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R, Saleh R. Oxidative Stress and Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiological Role and Strategies for Optimizing Embryo Culture Environment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030477. [PMID: 35326126 PMCID: PMC8944628 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants has been established as an important factor that can negatively affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Excess ROS exert their pathological effects through damage to cellular lipids, organelles, and DNA, alteration of enzymatic function, and apoptosis. ROS can be produced intracellularly, from immature sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Additionally, several external factors may induce high ROS production in the ART setup, including atmospheric oxygen, CO2 incubators, consumables, visible light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds, and culture media additives. Pathological amounts of ROS can also be generated during the cryopreservation-thawing process of gametes or embryos. Generally, these factors can act at any stage during ART, from gamete preparation to embryo development, till the blastocyst stage. In this review, we discuss the in vitro conditions and environmental factors responsible for the induction of OS in an ART setting. In addition, we describe the effects of OS on gametes and embryos. Furthermore, we highlight strategies to ameliorate the impact of OS during the whole human embryo culture period, from gametes to blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, 78300 Poissy, France;
- Department BREED, UVSQ, INRAE, Paris Saclay University, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Lina Villar Munoz
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City 11520, Mexico; (I.M.R.); (L.V.M.)
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Theale RG7 4AB, UK
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag 82524, Egypt
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Ochoa E, Lee S, Lan-Leung B, Dias RP, Ong KK, Radley JA, Pérez de Nanclares G, Martinez R, Clark G, Martin E, Castaño L, Bottolo L, Maher ER. ImprintSeq, a novel tool to interrogate DNA methylation at human imprinted regions and diagnose multilocus imprinting disturbance. Genet Med 2022; 24:463-474. [PMID: 34906518 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Disruptions of genomic imprinting are associated with congenital imprinting disorders (CIDs) and other disease states, including cancer. CIDs are most often associated with altered methylation at imprinted differentially methylated regions (iDMRs). In some cases, multiple iDMRs are affected causing multilocus imprinting disturbances (MLIDs). The availability of accurate, quantitative, and scalable high-throughput methods to interrogate multiple iDMRs simultaneously would enhance clinical diagnostics and research. METHODS We report the development of a custom targeted methylation sequencing panel that covered most relevant 63 iDMRs for CIDs and the detection of MLIDs. We tested it in 70 healthy controls and 147 individuals with CIDs. We distinguished loss and gain of methylation per differentially methylated region and classified high and moderate methylation alterations. RESULTS Across a range of CIDs with a variety of molecular mechanisms, ImprintSeq performed at 98.4% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity, and 99.9% accuracy (when compared with previous diagnostic testing). ImprintSeq was highly sensitive for detecting MLIDs and enabled diagnostic criteria for MLID to be proposed. In a child with extreme MLID profile a probable genetic cause was identified. CONCLUSION ImprintSeq provides a novel assay for clinical diagnostic and research studies of CIDs, MLIDs, and the role of disordered imprinting in human disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eguzkine Ochoa
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sunwoo Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benoit Lan-Leung
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Renuka P Dias
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica A Radley
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; London North West Regional Genetics Service, St. Mark's and Northwick Park hospitals, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | - Gustavo Pérez de Nanclares
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, CIBERDEM, CIBERER, Endo-ERN, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Rosa Martinez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, CIBERDEM, CIBERER, Endo-ERN, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Graeme Clark
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Stratified Medicine Core Laboratory NGS Hub, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ezequiel Martin
- Stratified Medicine Core Laboratory NGS Hub, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Castaño
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, CIBERDEM, CIBERER, Endo-ERN, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leonardo Bottolo
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; The Alan Turing Institute, London, United Kingdom; MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eamonn R Maher
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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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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Wang C, Johansson ALV, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Landén M, Almqvist C, Hernández-Díaz S, Oberg AS. Long-term Follow-up of Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Sweden. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:133-142. [PMID: 34910092 PMCID: PMC8674804 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.3647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Importance Individuals conceived with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) could be at elevated risk of psychiatric disorders owing to potential adverse effects of the procedures themselves, or because such traits or their risk factors may be more common in couples with infertility. Objective To investigate the risk of psychiatric disorders in adolescents and young adults conceived with ARTs and to evaluate the role of treatment-related parental characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective follow-up of a nationwide birth cohort used linkage of Swedish population registers with coverage through 2018. All children born in Sweden from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2006, were included in the analysis. Follow-up was completed on December 31, 2018, when participants were 12 to 25 years of age, and data was analyzed from March 17, 2020, to September 10, 2021. Exposures In vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection and transfer of fresh or frozen-thawed embryos. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical diagnoses of mood disorder, including major depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or suicidal behavior, were identified from hospital records and outpatient specialist care. Suicide was additionally identified from death certificates. Antidepressant use was identified from dispensations of prescribed medications. Results A total of 1 221 812 children (48.6% female, 51.4% male) born between 1994 and 2006 were followed up to a median age of 18 (IQR, 15-21) years. Among these participants, 31 565 (2.6%) were conceived with ART. Compared with all others, adolescents conceived with ART had an elevated risk of OCD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.20-1.51]), but the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant after adjustment for parental characteristics (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.10 [95% CI, 0.98-1.24]) and was no longer present when restricted to individuals born to couples with known infertility (aHR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.89-1.17]). Adolescents conceived with ARTs were not at elevated risk of depression or suicidal behavior compared with other adolescents (irrespective of parental infertility). Type of fertilization (standard in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection) had no association with outcomes. Compared with non-ART-conceived children of couples with infertility, fresh, but not frozen, embryo transfer was associated with a lower risk of mood disorders (aHR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.83-0.97]), making frozen embryo transfer appear less advantageous when directly contrasted with fresh embryo transfer. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that adolescents conceived with ARTs around the millennium are not at risk of poor psychiatric health compared with the general population, except for an elevated risk of OCD that may be explained by differences in parental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna L. V. Johansson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Landén
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Catarina Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonia Hernández-Díaz
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna S. Oberg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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Placental Dysfunction in Assisted Reproductive Pregnancies: Perinatal, Neonatal and Adult Life Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020659. [PMID: 35054845 PMCID: PMC8775397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstetric and newborn outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies are associated with significative prevalence of maternal and neonatal adverse health conditions, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. These data are interpreted as anomalies in placentation involving a dysregulation of several molecular factors and pathways. It is not clear which extent of the observed placental alterations are the result of ART and which originate from infertility itself. These two aspects probably act synergically for the final obstetric risk. Data show that mechanisms of inappropriate trophoblast invasion and consequent altered vascular remodeling sustain several clinical conditions, leading to obstetric and perinatal risks often found in ART pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and placenta previa or accreta. The roles of factors such as VEGF, GATA3, PIGF, sFLT-1, sEndoglin, EGFL7, melatonin and of ART conditions, such as short or long embryo cultures, trophectoderm biopsy, embryo cryopreservation, and supraphysiologic endometrium preparation, are discussed. Inflammatory local conditions and epigenetic influence on embryos of ART procedures are important research topics since they may have important consequences on obstetric risk. Prevention and treatment of these conditions represent new frontiers for clinicians and biologists involved in ART, and synergic actions with researchers at molecular levels are advocated.
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Reproductive fluids, added to the culture media, contribute to minimizing phenotypical differences between in vitro-derived and artificial insemination-derived piglets. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2022; 13:593-605. [PMID: 34986913 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The addition of reproductive fluids (RF) to the culture media has shown benefits in different embryonic traits but its long-term effects on the offspring phenotype are still unknown. We aimed to describe such effects in pigs. Blood samples and growth parameters were collected from piglets derived from in vitro-produced embryos (IVP) with or without RF added in the culture media versus those artificially inseminated (AI), from day 0 to month 6 of life. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 45 of life. We show here the first comparative data of the growth of animals produced through different assisted reproductive techniques, demonstrating differences between groups. Overall, there was a tendency to have a larger size at birth and faster growth in animals derived from in vitro fertilization and embryo culture versus AI, although this trend was diminished by the addition of RFs to the culture media. Similarly, small differences in hematological indices and glucose tolerance between animals derived from AI and those derived from IVP, with a sex-dependent effect, tended to fade in the presence of RF. The addition of RF to the culture media could contribute to minimizing the phenotypical differences between the in vitro-derived and AI offspring, particularly in males.
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Coy P, Romar R, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J. The embryo culture media in the era of epigenetics: is it time to go back to nature? Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210132. [PMID: 35493788 PMCID: PMC9037603 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is intended to draw attention to the importance of the culture media composition on the health of the embryos, fetuses, newborns, and adults derived from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Although current research and industry trends are to use chemically defined media because of their suitability for manufacturing, commercialization, and regulatory purposes, compelling evidence indicates that those media fail to adequately account for the biological demands of early embryogenesis. Here, we list the main undesirable consequences of the ART described in the literature and results we and others have obtained over the past decade exploring an alternative and more natural way to support embryo growth in vitro: inclusion of endogenous reproductive fluids as additives in the ART culture media for pigs, cows, and humans. This review systematically assesses the pros and cons of using reproductive fluid additives, as well as the requirements to implement this approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Coy
- Universidad de Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Universidad de Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, Spain
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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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Bari MW, Ishiyama S, Matsumoto S, Mochizuki K, Kishigami S. From lessons on the long-term effects of the preimplantation environment on later health to a "modified ART-DOHaD" animal model. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12469. [PMID: 35781921 PMCID: PMC9243299 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12469] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At its earliest stages, mammalian embryonic development is apparently simple but vulnerable. The environment during the preimplantation period, which only lasts a couple of days, has been implicated in adult health, extending to such early stages the concept of the developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD). Methods In this review, we first provide a brief history of assisted reproductive technology (ART) focusing on in vitro culture and its outcomes during subsequent development mainly in mice and humans. Further, we introduce the "MEM mouse," a novel type 2 diabetes mouse model generated by in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos in alpha minimum essential medium (αMEM). Main findings The association between ART and its long-term effects has been carefully examined for its application in human infertility treatment. The "MEM mouse" develops steatohepatitis and kidney disease with diabetes into adulthood. Conclusion The close association between the environment of preimplantation and health in postnatal life is being clarified. The approach by which severe mouse phenotypes are successfully induced by manipulating the environment of preimplantation embryos could provide new chronic disease animal models, which we call "modified ART-DOHaD" animal models. This will also offer insights into the mechanisms underlying their long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Wasim Bari
- Department of Integrated Applied Life ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Shiori Ishiyama
- Department of Integrated Applied Life ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Sachi Matsumoto
- Faculty of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Kazuki Mochizuki
- Department of Integrated Applied Life ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Department of Integrated Applied Life ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
- Center for advanced Assisted Reproductive TechnologiesUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
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Bao J, Chen L, Hao Y, Wu H, He X, Lu C, Ji X, Qiao J, Wang Y, Chi H. Prognosis of Congenital Anomalies in Conceptions Following In Vitro Fertilization: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:900499. [PMID: 35909529 PMCID: PMC9331169 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.900499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conceptions following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have an increased risk of congenital anomalies. Few studies have explored the prognosis of fetuses with congenital anomalies. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognosis of congenital anomalies in IVF/ICSI pregnancies, and to analyze the influencing factors contributing to poor prognosis. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we followed 405,473 embryo transfer cycles at 15 reproductive centers between January 2010 and December 2019 and enrolled 2,006 intrauterine pregnancies with congenital anomalies. The relatively positive prognosis group with one or more live births and neonatal survival for more than 7 days was compared with the poor prognosis group with poorer outcomes. RESULTS Among the 168,270 ongoing intrauterine pregnancy cycles, the prevalence of congenital anomalies was 1.19%, wherein the malformation rates of cycles with late abortion and delivery were 2.37% (716/30,202) and 0.93% (1,290/138,068), respectively. Among all IVF/ICSI cycles with congenital anomalies, the relatively positive prognosis rate was 61.39%. Moreover, the fertilization failure rate (2 pro-nuclei rate < 25%) in the poor prognosis group was significantly higher than that in the relatively positive prognosis group (10.89% vs. 5.09%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences in the relatively positive prognosis rate among the various IVF/ICSI protocols. The relatively positive prognosis rate of fertilization failure cycles was 0.180 times that of normal fertilization cycles. CONCLUSION Poor fertilization rates during IVF/ICSI treatments are more likely to have poor prognosis in fetuses or neonates with congenital anomalies, and obstetric management should be strengthened in pregnant women, with which pregnant women should be recommended to strengthen obstetric management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Bao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxiu Hao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongping Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhua Ji
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbin Chi, ; Yuanyuan Wang,
| | - Hongbin Chi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbin Chi, ; Yuanyuan Wang,
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Xia X, Chen L, Wang J, Yu X, Gao L, Zhang Y, Diao F, Cui Y, Liu J, Meng Y. Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Children Conceived via Assisted Reproductive Technology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:827978. [PMID: 35222282 PMCID: PMC8867605 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.827978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) differences between assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived children and naturally conceived (NC) children. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included ART-conceived children and controls aged 1 to 12 years assessed with a follow-up protocol. Maternal and paternal background, birth condition, and growth and development indicators were analyzed. RESULTS The ART and NC groups exhibited differences in maternal and paternal childbearing age; maternal weight; maternal body mass index (BMI); maternal alcohol consumption; paternal smoking; delivery method; and serum zinc, iron, and lead levels. Multifactor analysis adjusted for relevant factors showed that paternal childbearing age and group significantly affected the BMD Z score. In the subgroup analysis, in vitro fertilization (IVF) (p=0.026) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (p=0.008) had a positive impact on the BMD Z score. Male infertility only (p=0.010) or male infertility combined with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (p=0.026) may affect the BMD Z score. In the embryo transfer cycle subgroup analysis, compared with natural conception, both stimulation cycle fresh embryo transfer (p=0.019) and natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (p=0.006) had a positive effect on the BMD Z score. CONCLUSIONS The BMD levels of the ART and control groups were generally in the normal range. Paternal childbearing age and the use of ART independently affected the BMD Z score of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Meng, ; Jiayin Liu,
| | - Yan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Meng, ; Jiayin Liu,
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Genomic imprinting in human placentation. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12490. [DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Peral-Sanchez I, Hojeij B, Ojeda DA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Willaime-Morawek S. Epigenetics in the Uterine Environment: How Maternal Diet and ART May Influence the Epigenome in the Offspring with Long-Term Health Consequences. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:31. [PMID: 35052371 PMCID: PMC8774448 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden of non-communicable disease is closely linked with environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours, including the adherence to a poor maternal diet from the earliest preimplantation period of the life course onwards. Epigenetic variations caused by a compromised maternal nutritional status can affect embryonic development. This review summarises the main epigenetic modifications in mammals, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA. These epigenetic changes can compromise the health of the offspring later in life. We discuss different types of nutritional stressors in human and animal models, such as maternal undernutrition, seasonal diets, low-protein diet, high-fat diet, and synthetic folic acid supplement use, and how these nutritional exposures epigenetically affect target genes and their outcomes. In addition, we review the concept of thrifty genes during the preimplantation period, and some examples that relate to epigenetic change and diet. Finally, we discuss different examples of maternal diets, their effect on outcomes, and their relationship with assisted reproductive technology (ART), including their implications on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Peral-Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Batoul Hojeij
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
| | - Diego A. Ojeda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
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Chu M, Yao F, Xi G, Yang J, Zhang Z, Yang Q, Tian J, An L. Vitamin C Rescues in vitro Embryonic Development by Correcting Impaired Active DNA Demethylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:784244. [PMID: 34869387 PMCID: PMC8640463 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During preimplantation development, a wave of genome-wide DNA demethylation occurs to acquire a hypomethylated genome of the blastocyst. As an essential epigenomic event, postfertilization DNA demethylation is critical to establish full developmental potential. Despite its importance, this process is prone to be disrupted due to environmental perturbations such as manipulation and culture of embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF), and thus leading to epigenetic errors. However, since the first case of aberrant DNA demethylation reported in IVF embryos, its underlying mechanism remains unclear and the strategy for correcting this error remains unavailable in the past decade. Thus, understanding the mechanism responsible for DNA demethylation defects, may provide a potential approach for preventing or correcting IVF-associated complications. Herein, using mouse and bovine IVF embryos as the model, we reported that ten-eleven translocation (TET)-mediated active DNA demethylation, an important contributor to the postfertilization epigenome reprogramming, was impaired throughout preimplantation development. Focusing on modulation of TET dioxygenases, we found vitamin C and α-ketoglutarate, the well-established important co-factors for stimulating TET enzymatic activity, were synthesized in both embryos and the oviduct during preimplantation development. Accordingly, impaired active DNA demethylation can be corrected by incubation of IVF embryos with vitamin C, and thus improving their lineage differentiation and developmental potential. Together, our data not only provides a promising approach for preventing or correcting IVF-associated epigenetic errors, but also highlights the critical role of small molecules or metabolites from maternal paracrine in finetuning embryonic epigenomic reprogramming during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqiang Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fusheng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenni Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei An
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Epigenotype, Genotype, and Phenotype Analysis of Taiwanese Patients with Silver-Russell Syndrome. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111197. [PMID: 34834549 PMCID: PMC8624617 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111197] [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: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by severe intrauterine growth retardation, poor postnatal growth, characteristic facial features, and body asymmetry. Hypomethylation of the imprinted genes of the chromosome 11p15.5 imprinting gene cluster and maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (mUPD7) are the major epigenetic disturbances. The aim of this study was to characterize the epigenotype, genotype, and phenotype of these patients in Taiwan. Methods: Two hundred and six subjects with clinically suspected SRS were referred for diagnostic testing, which was performed by profiling the methylation of H19-associated imprinting center (IC) 1 and the imprinted PEG1/MEST region using methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and high-resolution melting analysis with a methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay. We also applied a whole genome strategy to detect copy number changes and loss of heterozygosity. Clinical manifestations were recorded and analyzed according to the SRS scoring system proposed by Bartholdi et al. Results: Among the 206 referred subjects, 100 were classified as having a clinical diagnosis of SRS (score ≥ 8, maximum = 15) and 106 had an SRS score ≤ 7. Molecular lesions were detected in 45% (45/100) of the subjects with a clinical diagnosis of SRS, compared to 5% (5/106) of those with an SRS score ≤ 7. Thirty-seven subjects had IC1 hypomethylation, ten subjects had mUPD7, and three subjects had microdeletions. Several clinical features were found to be statistically different (p < 0.05) between the “IC1 hypomethylation” and “mUPD7” groups, including relative macrocephaly at birth (89% vs. 50%), triangular shaped face (89% vs. 50%), clinodactyly of the fifth finger (68% vs. 20%), and SRS score (11.4 ± 2.2 vs. 8.3 ± 2.5). Conclusions: The SRS score was positively correlated with the molecular diagnosis rate (p < 0.001). The SRS subjects with mUPD7 seemed to have fewer typical features and lower SRS scores than those with IC1 hypomethylation. Careful clinical observation and timely molecular confirmation are important to allow for an early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of these patients.
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