scholarly journals Consequences of assisted reproductive techniques on the embryonic epigenome in cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Rocío Melissa Rivera

Procedures used in assisted reproduction have been under constant scrutiny since their inception with the goal of improving the number and quality of embryos produced. However, invitro production of embryos is not without complications because many fertilised oocytes fail to become blastocysts, and even those that do often differ in the genetic output compared with their invivo counterparts. Thus only a portion of those transferred complete normal fetal development. An unwanted consequence of bovine assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the induction of a syndrome characterised by fetal overgrowth and placental abnormalities, namely large offspring syndrome; a condition associated with inappropriate control of the epigenome. Epigenetics is the study of chromatin and its effects on genetic output. Establishment and maintenance of epigenetic marks during gametogenesis and embryogenesis is imperative for the maintenance of cell identity and function. ARTs are implemented during times of vast epigenetic reprogramming; as a result, many studies have identified ART-induced deviations in epigenetic regulation in mammalian gametes and embryos. This review describes the various layers of epigenetic regulation and discusses findings pertaining to the effects of ART on the epigenome of bovine gametes and the preimplantation embryo.

PPAR Research ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaou-Chen Huang

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ(PPARδ, also known as PPARβ) has ubiquitous distribution and extensive biological functions. The reproductive function of PPARδwas first revealed in the uterus at the implantation site. Since then, PPARδand its ligand have been discovered in all reproductive tissues, including the gametes and the preimplantation embryos. PPARδin preimplantation embryos is normally activated by oviduct-derived PPARδligand. PPARδactivation is associated with an increase in embryonic cell proliferation and a decrease in programmed cell death (apoptosis). On the other hand, the role of PPARδand its ligand in gamete formation and function is less well understood. This review will summarize the reproductive functions of PPARδand project its potential applications in assisted reproductive technology.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 701-729
Author(s):  
Hernán Corral

This article deals with the various filiation issues arising from the application of assisted reproduction techniques. The author asserts that assisted reproduction techniques produce a dissociation between the blood and genetic elements of procreation and people's will to become parents, which causes hard judicial dilemma in paternity suits. Legislative and judicial criteria developed both under European and American legal systems to solve this case are systematized in the article, wherein the author directs criticism to those criteria that tend to undermine the natural physiology of human reproduction in spite of the "intent of reproduction" concept. This latest concept is criticized as being a form of contractualization of filiation links. The author suggests that a deeper understanding of the human dignity, and of the international standard of the best interest of the child should be useful to protect children from being a part of the new market-of-human-beings that could arise from the massive application of assisted reproduction techniques.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Michela Di Trani ◽  

To evaluate the psycho-physical well-being of people coping with infertility who were forced to suspend ART treatment due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 global health emergency.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro C. Esteves ◽  
Alessandro Conforti ◽  
Sesh K. Sunkara ◽  
Luigi Carbone ◽  
Silvia Picarelli ◽  
...  

The POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) criteria were developed to help clinicians identify and classify low-prognosis patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and provide guidance for possible therapeutic strategies to overcome infertility. Since its introduction, the number of published studies using the POSEIDON criteria has increased steadily. However, a critical analysis of existing evidence indicates inconsistent and incomplete reporting of critical outcomes. Therefore, we developed guidelines to help researchers improve the quality of reporting in studies applying the POSEIDON criteria. We also discuss the advantages of using the POSEIDON criteria in ART clinical studies and elaborate on possible study designs and critical endpoints. Our ultimate goal is to advance the knowledge concerning the clinical use of the POSEIDON criteria to patients, clinicians, and the infertility community.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
Tuong M. Ho ◽  
Rong Li ◽  
Tin-Chiu Li ◽  
Chii-Ruey Tzeng ◽  
...  

Background: Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) aims to improve knowledge and awareness of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and infertility-related services, with the aim of improving the quality of patient care. Methods:A survey was developed and responded by a group of 10 ASPIRE board members to gather in-depth information about current practices, recommendations, and perceptions about SARS-CoV-2 and ART. The collected data were summarized and individual responses pooled among questions requiring voting. The overall rates were computed by response category. The group discussed the summary evidence, until a consensus was reached concerning a series of recommendation on how to make decisions concerning ART service provision during the current (and any future) pandemic. A two-tier recommendation was developed based on agreement rate and implementation priority. Tier 1 comprises recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” responses were [Formula: see text]60%, whereas tier 2 refers to recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” plus “agree” was ¿60%, but the rate of “absolutely agree” was [Formula: see text]50%. Results:The survey was responded by all participants between July 24 and July 30, 2020. Nine tier 1 and five tier 2 recommendations are provided concerning prevention, testing, personal protective equipment, informed consent, and quality management. The former indicates the situations in which most individuals should receive the intervention/procedure, whereas the latter relates to those that may be suitable for individual clinics and patients. Conclusions:This document provides the ASPIRE viewpoint on better managing infertile patients seeking ART during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expert opinion guide aims to help both competent authorities and healthcare providers to deliver quality and safe ART.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 697-704
Author(s):  
Asmaa Zaidouni ◽  
Fatima Ouasmani ◽  
Amal Benbella ◽  
Fouad Ktiri ◽  
Zakaria Abidli ◽  
...  

Context: Infertility is one of the most painful experiences that can have a negative impact in many areas of an individual’s life. Providing quality care to infertile couples requires health professionals to explore their experiences and needs to plan effective supportive interventions. Objectives: To explore the experiences and needs of Moroccan infertile couples in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Material and Methods: This is a qualitative exploratory study. It involves 40 infertile couples (men and women) and 5 health professionals as key informants. Infertile couples were selected among those attending the first public center for Assisted Reproductive Technology in Morocco located in Rabat during the period 2017-2018. In-depth unstructured interviews, field notes were used with couples and semi-structured interviews with health professionals. The analysis of the interview data was based on a conventional content analysis method. Results: Five types of needs were identified among infertile Moroccan couples, namely: i. Infertility and social support; ii. Infertility and financial support; iii. Infertility and spiritual support; iv. Infertility and informational support; v. Infertility and emotional support. Conclusion: Infertile moroccan couples experienced many emotional, psychosocial and economic difficulties that can negatively affect their quality of life. Thus, to meet the needs and expectations of these couples alongside their medical treatment, it’s necessary to develop couple-centered approaches, which can improve their quality of life, treatment outcomes and mitigate negative psychosocial consequences. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(4) 2020 p.697-704


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 205510292093307
Author(s):  
Alessia Renzi ◽  
Michela Di Trani ◽  
Luigi Solano ◽  
Elisa Minutolo ◽  
Renata Tambelli

Infertility is a deeply distressing experience, which can threaten important personal and martial goals, frequently affecting the psychophysical health. A supportive relationship and a secure romantic attachment appear to reduce infertility stress, as well as play a relevant role in the success of assisted reproductive technology treatments. The principal aim of the study is to investigate the predictive effect of romantic attachment, couple characteristics, quality of life and age on assisted reproductive technology outcome. A total of 88 infertile women, enrolled in an assisted reproductive technology Centre of Rome, completed the Experience in Close Relationship-Revised, the Couple Relationship Inventory, the Fertility Quality of Life and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The participants completed the questionnaires at the beginning of the medical treatment. Data analyses showed significant associations among Experience in Close Relationship-Revised dimensions, Couple Relationship Inventory and Fertility Quality of Life Scales. Assisted reproductive technology outcome was negatively correlated to Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Avoidance and positively related to Couple Relationship Inventory Dependence. A multi-variable logistic regression revealed that Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Avoidance decreased the probability of pregnancy. The present findings partially confirmed the study hypotheses since several associations among couple characteristics, attachment anxiety and avoidance dimensions, infertility-related quality of life in infertile women were found. Furthermore, according to a definition of Avoidance, assisted reproductive technology positive outcome appears to be associated to lower levels of fear of dependence and interpersonal intimacy, and to a low need both for self-reliance and for reluctance to self-disclose within the romantic relationship. Further investigations are needed both to confirm this preliminary finding and for promoting focused therapeutic interventions for couples facing assisted reproductive technology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 978-987.e4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Santulli ◽  
Mathilde Bourdon ◽  
Marion Presse ◽  
Vanessa Gayet ◽  
Louis Marcellin ◽  
...  

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