scholarly journals From egg to embryo: a peripatetic journey

Reproduction ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 130 (6) ◽  
pp. 825-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Molecular Signature ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Effect Gene

The recent surge of interest in oocyte development has been spurred in large part by the increasing implementation of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat human infertility. What is becoming apparent is that ‘egg quality’ is a primary factor in the success of ART (Sauer 1998), and yet we know virtually nothing about the molecular signature of a ‘high quality’ oocyte, i.e., an oocyte that is capable of maturing, being fertilized and supporting development to term. We are gaining marked insights, however, into how sperm activate eggs and the changes in gene expression that accompany preimplantation development. Nevertheless, embryo culture is known to effect gene expression (Rinaudo & Schultz 2004), the long-term consequences of which are only recently being unmasked. This review will briefly highlight these topics that were presented during the Biennial Joint Meeting of the UK Fertility Societies at Warwick University in April 2005.

scholarly journals Secular changes in human reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-368
Author(s):  
Arthur Saniotis ◽  
Maciej Henneberg
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Secular Changes ◽  
Infertile Couples ◽  
Long Term Consequences

Abstract Since the middle to late 20th century the majority of children born in the developing world have been likely to enter into post-reproductive age. Currently, child mortality is at its lowest level in human history. While more children are living to post reproductive age, approximately 15% of couples are experiencing infecundity. This is either a result of one or both members of the couple being infecund, or, despite both being fecund, the interaction between them prevents fertility for some reason. Assisted reproductive technologies have provided many infertile couples an opportunity to have children. Assisted reproductive technologies operate by intervening and manipulating gametic and intrauterine natural selection. This paper discusses the possible influence of assisted reproductive technologies on child development. This paper outlines some of the reported changes in children resulting from assisted reproductive technologies. Although, few people are either aware or care about possible long term consequences of relaxed natural selection contributed by medical intervention (i.e. assisted reproductive technologies) we have little understanding to what extent such medical interference may affect long term fitness in humans.

scholarly journals Alteration of Genomic Imprinting after Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Long-Term Health

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 728
Author(s):  
Eguzkine Ochoa
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Genomic Imprinting ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Early Embryonic Development ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
The Impact

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are the treatment of choice for some infertile couples and even though these procedures are generally considered safe, children conceived by ART have shown higher reported risks of some perinatal and postnatal complications such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and childhood cancer. In addition, the frequency of some congenital imprinting disorders, like Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome and Silver–Russell Syndrome, is higher than expected in the general population after ART. Experimental evidence from animal studies suggests that ART can induce stress in the embryo and influence gene expression and DNA methylation. Human epigenome studies have generally revealed an enrichment of alterations in imprinted regions in children conceived by ART, but no global methylation alterations. ART procedures occur simultaneously with the establishment and maintenance of imprinting during embryonic development, so this may underlie the apparent sensitivity of imprinted regions to ART. The impact in adulthood of imprinting alterations that occurred during early embryonic development is still unclear, but some experimental evidence in mice showed higher risk to obesity and cardiovascular disease after the restriction of some imprinted genes in early embryonic development. This supports the hypothesis that imprinting alterations in early development might induce epigenetic programming of metabolism and affect long-term health. Given the growing use of ART, it is important to determine the impact of ART in genomic imprinting and long-term health.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF MULTIPLE BIRTHS ON THE OUTCOME IN EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEWBORNS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 3985-3991
Author(s):  
Victoria Atanasova ◽  
◽  
Petar Ivanov ◽  
Elitsa Gyokova ◽  
Desislava Georgieva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Ductus Arteriosus ◽  
Intraventricular Haemorrhage ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Extremely Low Birth Weight ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of the extremely low birth weight newborns (ELBWNs) from single and twin pregnancies. Material and methods: The study lasts from 2005 to 2017 and includes all life born ELBWNs treated in University Hospital, Pleven, Bulgaria. Patients' groups: singletons (1) and twins (2); twins conceived naturally(2.1) and after assisted reproductive technologies – ART(2.2). Results: One hundred and eighty two (182) ELBWNs are examined, 65 (35.7%) of them are twins. The twins, compared to singletons, are significantly more often conceived by ART (47.7 vs 4.3%, p<0.001) and significantly more rarely infected prenatally (18 vs 41%, p 0.002). The survival rate is 51.3% for singletons and 56.6% for twins, NS. Survived twins (n 37) achieve later their optimal nutritive tolerance (30±11 vs 25±10 days, p 0.046), require more blood transfusions (3.6±1.9 vs 2.6±1.8 per patient, p 0.009) and longer mechanical ventilation (16±15 vs 9±12 days, p 0.03) than survival singletons (n 60). The twins suffer more often from intraventricular haemorrhage (46 vs 18%, p 0.004), patent ductus arteriosus (35 vs 15%, p 0.02) and long-term complications (51 vs 30%, p 0.04) than singletons. ART-twins (n 31)compared to the subgroup 2.1 (n 34) are more frequently intubated in the delivery room (81 vs. 50%, p 0.01)but suffer less frequently from nosocomial infections (53 vs. 85%, p 0.03). Conclusions: According to our data, ELBW-twins frequently suffer from respiratory, haemorrhagic, and gastrointestinal problems than ELBW-singletons, resulting in more long-term complications. Our study proves that ART does not influence the outcome in multiples.

Long-term complications of assisted reproductive technologies

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Metwally ◽  
William L. Ledger
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies

The Irish Border

2020 ◽  
pp. 148-168
Author(s):  
Colin Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Peace Process ◽  
Violent Conflict ◽  
Controversial Issue ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Eu

This chapter focuses on Northern Ireland, a jurisdiction within the UK acutely affected by the nature of the Brexit debate and the process. It is a contested region that is divided along ethno-national lines and still emerging from a violent conflict. Removing Northern Ireland from the EU against its wishes will have long-term consequences that remain difficult to predict. One result is a more intense discussion of the region’s place within the UK, with Irish reunification acknowledged to be a way to return to the EU. The chapter then analyses the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland attached to the Withdrawal Agreement which regulates the single most controversial issue in the Brexit process: namely, the Irish border question. It looks at the difficulties connected to the fragile peace process in Northern Ireland and explains the creative solution that was ultimately agreed in the withdrawal treaty to prevent the return of a hard border in the island of Ireland through regulatory alignment, while also indicating the challenges that the Protocol creates.

scholarly journals Mental health and poverty in the UK – time for change?

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jed Boardman ◽  
Nisha Dogra ◽  
Peter Hindley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
The Uk

Poverty and income inequality have increased in the UK since the 1970s. Poverty and mental ill-health are closely associated and disadvantage can have long-term consequences. In addition, the recent recession and austerity measures have had a detrimental effect on people with mental health problems and the mental health of the population. Mental health services can play a role in addressing the problems of poverty and inequality.

scholarly journals Transitioning from Infertility-Based (ART 1.0) to Elective (ART 2.0) Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the DOHaD Hypothesis: Do We Need to Change Consenting?

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Adeleye ◽  
Paolo Rinaudo
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Glucose Intolerance ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Infertile Patients ◽  
Art Techniques

AbstractThe use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has increased significantly in recent years. While this is partially due to improved access for infertile patients, another contribution to the growth of ART utilization is represented by individuals without infertility, who electively chose to freeze their gametes and embryos for future use, before ever attempting conception spontaneously. Overall, the safety of ART for parents and children is well described and the risks are modest. However, while long-term health consequences for offspring as postulated by the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis are unknown, numerous animal studies suggest a predisposition for chronic diseases like hypertension and glucose intolerance. In this article, we argue that a key difference exists between infertile patients, who need to use ART as the only means to achieve pregnancy, and (likely) fertile patients who elect to use ART techniques as a family planning option. We believe that these two sets of patients are different and their risks–benefit ratios are different. We propose that while all patients should be aware of the risks, patients planning to utilize ART techniques without a diagnosis of infertility should be encouraged to think critically about the additional risks, particularly the “potential” long-term risks that may be imposed from these elective procedures.

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