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Rios P, Herlemont P, Fauque P, Lacour B, Jouannet P, Weill A, Zureik M, Clavel J, Dray-Spira R. Medically Assisted Reproduction and Risk of Cancer Among Offspring. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e249429. [PMID: 38696167 PMCID: PMC11066701 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Cancer is a leading cause of death among children worldwide. Treatments used for medically assisted reproduction (MAR) are suspected risk factors because of their potential for epigenetic disturbance and associated congenital malformations. Objective To assess the risk of cancer, overall and by cancer type, among children born after MAR compared with children conceived naturally. Design, Setting, and Participants For this cohort study, the French National Mother-Child Register (EPI-MERES) was searched for all live births that occurred in France between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021 (and followed up until June 30, 2022). The EPI-MERES was built from comprehensive data of the French National Health Data System. Data analysis was performed from December 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. Exposure Use of assisted reproduction technologies (ART), such as fresh embryo transfer (ET) or frozen ET (FET), and artificial insemination (AI). Main Outcomes and Measures The risk of cancer was compared, overall and by cancer type, among children born after fresh ET, FET, or AI and children conceived naturally, using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for maternal and child characteristics at birth. Results This study included 8 526 306 children with a mean (SD) age of 6.4 (3.4) years; 51.2% were boys, 96.4% were singletons, 12.1% were small for gestational age at birth, and 3.1% had a congenital malformation. There were 260 236 children (3.1%) born after MAR, including 133 965 (1.6%) after fresh ET, 66 165 (0.8%) after FET, and 60 106 (0.7%) after AI. A total of 9256 case patients with cancer were identified over a median follow-up of 6.7 (IQR, 3.7-9.6) years; 165, 57, and 70 were born after fresh ET, FET, and AI, respectively. The overall risk of cancer did not differ between children conceived naturally and those born after fresh ET (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12 [95% CI, 0.96 to 1.31]), FET (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.78 to 1.32]), or AI (HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.86 to 1.38]). However, the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was higher among children born after FET (20 case patients; HR 1.61 [95% CI, 1.04 to 2.50]; risk difference [RD], 23.2 [95% CI, 1.5 to 57.0] per million person-years) compared with children conceived naturally. Moreover, among children born between 2010 and 2015, the risk of leukemia was higher among children born after fresh ET (45 case patients; HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.92]; adjusted RD, 19.7 [95% CI, 2.8 to 43.2] per million person-years). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that children born after FET or fresh ET had an increased risk of leukemia compared with children conceived naturally. This risk, although resulting in a limited number of cases, needs to be monitored in view of the continuous increase in the use of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Rios
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Joint Research Unit (UMR) 1153, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Herlemont
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- INSERM UMR 1231, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Brigitte Lacour
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Joint Research Unit (UMR) 1153, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- French National Registry of Childhood Cancers, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHU) Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumours, CHU de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | | | - Alain Weill
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Mahmoud Zureik
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jacqueline Clavel
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Joint Research Unit (UMR) 1153, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- French National Registry of Childhood Cancers, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHU) Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumours, CHU de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Rosemary Dray-Spira
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
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Wimberly CE, Gulrajani NB, Russ JB, Landi D, Wiemels JL, Towry L, Wiencke JK, Walsh KM. Maternal Prenatal Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Drugs and Associations with Childhood Cancer Subtypes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024; 33:347-354. [PMID: 38112788 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between childhood cancer risk and maternal prenatal substance use/abuse remains uncertain due to modest sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs. METHODS We surveyed parents of children with cancer regarding maternal gestational use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, using a Likert-type scale, and demographic, perinatal, and clinical variables. Multivariable log-Poisson regression assessed differences in frequency of prenatal substance use across fifteen childhood cancer subtypes, adjusting for birthweight, gestational age, and demographic factors. RESULTS Respondents from 3,145 unique families completed the survey (92% biological mothers). A minority reported gestational use of tobacco products (14%), illicit drugs including marijuana or cocaine (4%), or more than a moderate amount of alcohol (2%). Prenatal illicit drug use was associated with increased prevalence of intracranial embryonal tumors [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.94; confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.58], including medulloblastoma (PR = 1.82) and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET; PR = 2.66), and was also associated with retinoblastoma (PR = 3.11; CI, 1.20-8.08). Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption was strongly associated with elevated prevalence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PR = 5.94; CI, 1.84-19.21). Prenatal smoking was not associated with elevated prevalence of any childhood cancer subtype. CONCLUSIONS We identify novel associations between illicit drug use during pregnancy and increased prevalence of nonglioma central nervous system tumors, including medulloblastoma, supratentorial PNETs, and retinoblastoma. Gestational exposure to alcohol was positively associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. IMPACT Although alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy has declined, gestational cannabis use has risen. Investigating its impact on neurodevelopment and brain tumorigenesis is vital, with important implications for childhood cancer research and public health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Wimberly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Natalie B Gulrajani
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey B Russ
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Daniel Landi
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joseph L Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lisa Towry
- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
| | - John K Wiencke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Pinborg A, Wennerholm UB, Bergh C. Long-term outcomes for children conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:449-456. [PMID: 37086833 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, more than 10 million children have been born after assisted reproduction technology (ART), comprising up to 7.9% of children born in Europe and up to 5.1 % of children born in the US in 2018. The short-term outcome for children born after ART is well-known from numerous publications, with higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in children born after fresh embryo transfer and higher rates of large for gestational age and high birth weight in children born after frozen embryo transfer compared with children born after spontaneous conception. Higher rates of birth defects in children born after ART have also been shown consistently over time. Studies on long-term health outcomes after ART are scarcer but suggest an increased risk of altered blood pressure and cardiovascular function in children born after ART. In this review, we summarize long-term health outcomes in children born after ART and discuss whether the increased health risks are associated with intrinsic maternal or paternal factors related to subfertility or ART treatments per se. Finally, we speculate where the future will bring us regarding ART treatment strategies and the safety of the mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pinborg
- Department of Fertility, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Instistute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ahmadi H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Rashidiani S, Csabai T, Nnaemeka OB, Szekeres-Bartho J. Long-Term Effects of ART on the Health of the Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13564. [PMID: 37686370 PMCID: PMC10487905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) significantly increase the chance of successful pregnancy and live birth in infertile couples. The different procedures for ART, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT), are widely used to overcome infertility-related problems. In spite of its inarguable usefulness, concerns about the health consequences of ART-conceived babies have been raised. There are reports about the association of ART with birth defects and health complications, e.g., malignancies, high blood pressure, generalized vascular functional disorders, asthma and metabolic disorders in later life. It has been suggested that hormonal treatment of the mother, and the artificial environment during the manipulation of gametes and embryos may cause genomic and epigenetic alterations and subsequent complications in the health status of ART-conceived babies. In the current study, we aimed to review the possible long-term consequences of different ART procedures on the subsequent health status of ART-conceived offspring, considering the confounding factors that might account for/contribute to the long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (H.A.); (T.C.)
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran;
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran
| | - Shima Rashidiani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Timea Csabai
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (H.A.); (T.C.)
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Obodo Basil Nnaemeka
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs University, 7621 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Julia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (H.A.); (T.C.)
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pécs University, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA—PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Wiltshire A, Schaal R, Wang F, Tsou T, McKerrow W, Keefe D. Vitrification with Dimethyl Sulfoxide Induces Transcriptomic Alteration of Gene and Transposable Element Expression in Immature Human Oocytes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1232. [PMID: 37372413 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061232] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial advancements in the field of cryobiology, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation still compromise developmental competence. Furthermore, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), one of the most commonly used cryoprotectants, has been found to exert potent effects on the epigenetic landscape of cultured human cells, as well as mouse oocytes and embryos. Little is known about its impact on human oocytes. Additionally, few studies investigate the effects of DMSO on transposable elements (TE), the control of which is essential for the maintenance of genomic instability. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitrification with DMSO-containing cryoprotectant on the transcriptome, including on TEs, of human oocytes. Twenty-four oocytes at the GV stage were donated by four healthy women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation. Oocytes were paired such that half from each patient were vitrified with DMSO-containing cryoprotectant (Vitrified Cohort), while the other half were snap frozen in phosphate buffer, unexposed to DMSO (Non-Vitrified Cohort). All oocytes underwent RNA sequencing via a method with high fidelity for single cell analysis, and which allows for the analysis of TE expression through Switching Mechanism at the 5'-end of the RNA Transcript sequencing 2 (SMARTseq2), followed by functional enrichment analysis. Of the 27,837 genes identified by SMARTseq2, 7331 (26.3%) were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). There was a significant dysregulation of genes involved in chromatin and histone modification. Mitochondrial function, as well as the Wnt, insulin, mTOR, HIPPO, and MAPK signaling pathways were also altered. The expression of TEs was positively correlated with the expression of PIWIL2, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, and negatively correlated with age. These findings suggest that the current standard process of oocyte vitrification, involving DMSO-containing cryoprotectant, induces significant transcriptome changes, including those involving TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wiltshire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Renata Schaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tiffany Tsou
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
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LHX6 promoter hypermethylation in oncological pediatric patients conceived by IVF. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:140-145. [PMID: 36154949 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000526] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The multifactorial etiology of pediatric cancer is poorly understood. Environmental factors occurring during embryogenesis can disrupt epigenetic signaling, resulting in several diseases after birth, including cancer. Associations between assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and birth defects, imprinting disorders and other perinatal adverse events have been reported. IVF can result in methylation changes in the offspring, and a link with pediatric cancer has been suggested. In this study, we investigated the peripheral blood methylomes of 11 patients conceived by IVF who developed cancer in childhood. Methylation data of patients and paired sex/aged controls were obtained using the Infinium MethylationEPIC Kit (Illumina). We identified 25 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), 17 of them hypermethylated, and 8 hypomethylated in patients. The most significant DMR was a hypermethylated genomic segment located in the promoter region of LHX6, a transcription factor involved in the forebrain development and interneuron migration during embryogenesis. An additional control group was included to verify the LHX6 methylation status in children with similar cancers who were not conceived by ART. The higher LHX6 methylation levels in IVF patients compared to both control groups (healthy children and children conceived naturally who developed similar pediatric cancers), suggested that hypermethylation at the LHX6 promoter could be due to the IVF process and not secondary to the cancer itself. Further studies are required to evaluate this association and the potential role of LHX6 promoter hypermethylation for tumorigenesis.
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Gulrajani NB, Montes S, McGough D, Wimberly CE, Khattab A, Semmes EC, Towry L, Cohen JL, Hurst JH, Landi D, Hill SN, Walsh KM. Assisted reproductive technology and association with childhood cancer subtypes. Cancer Med 2023; 12:3410-3418. [PMID: 35929579 PMCID: PMC9939138 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and childhood cancer subtype. STUDY DESIGN We deployed a cross-sectional survey of 1701 parents of children with cancer about their ART use, demographics, and gestational and perinatal factors. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the association between ART use, birthweight and multiple gestation status with childhood cancer, by subtype. RESULTS ART use was highest among children with osteosarcoma relative to children with other cancer types, and this association was statistically significant in multivariable models (OR = 4.4; 95% CI = 1.7-11.3; p = 0.0020). ART use was also elevated among children with hepatoblastoma, but this relationship appeared to be due to the strong associations between ART use and lower birthweight in our sample. No specific ART modality appeared to drive these associations. In univariate models, multiple gestation was associated with a 2.7-fold increased odds of hepatoblastoma (OR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.14-6.42; p = 0.02) and a 1.6-fold increased odds of neuroblastoma (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.03-2.54; p = 0.03), but these associations were not retained in multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS Associations between ART use and hepatoblastoma risk may be attributable to birthweight, a known hepatoblastoma risk factor. ART use may also be associated with osteosarcoma, independent of birthweight, an association not previously observed in studies limited to cancers diagnosed before adolescence. Evaluating long-term health outcomes in children conceived by ART, throughout adolescence and potentially into adulthood, appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie B. Gulrajani
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Samuel Montes
- Master of Biomedical Sciences ProgramDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Daniel McGough
- Master of Biomedical Sciences ProgramDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Courtney E. Wimberly
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor CenterDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ameera Khattab
- Master of Biomedical Sciences ProgramDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Eleanor C. Semmes
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lisa Towry
- My Childhood Cancer ProgramAlex's Lemonade Stand FoundationBala CynwydPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jennifer L. Cohen
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jillian H. Hurst
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Daniel Landi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor CenterDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sherika N. Hill
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development InstituteThe University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Kyle M. Walsh
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor CenterDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Duke Cancer InstituteDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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Sargisian N, Lannering B, Petzold M, Opdahl S, Gissler M, Pinborg A, Henningsen AKA, Tiitinen A, Romundstad LB, Spangmose AL, Bergh C, Wennerholm UB. Cancer in children born after frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004078. [PMID: 36048761 PMCID: PMC9436139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to investigate whether children born after assisted reproduction technology (ART), particularly after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), are at higher risk of childhood cancer than children born after fresh embryo transfer and spontaneous conception. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed a registry-based cohort study using data from the 4 Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The study included 7,944,248 children, out of whom 171,774 children were born after use of ART (2.2%) and 7,772,474 children were born after spontaneous conception, representing all children born between the years 1994 to 2014 in Denmark, 1990 to 2014 in Finland, 1984 to 2015 in Norway, and 1985 to 2015 in Sweden. Rates for any cancer and specific cancer groups in children born after each conception method were determined by cross-linking national ART registry data with national cancer and health data registries and population registries. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of any cancer, with age as the time scale. After a mean follow-up of 9.9 and 12.5 years, the incidence rate (IR) of cancer before age 18 years was 19.3/100,000 person-years for children born after ART (329 cases) and 16.7/100,000 person-years for children born after spontaneous conception (16,184 cases). Adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96 to 1.21, p = 0.18. Adjustment was performed for sex, plurality, year of birth, country of birth, maternal age at birth, and parity. Children born after FET had a higher risk of cancer (48 cases; IR 30.1/100,000 person-years) compared to both fresh embryo transfer (IR 18.8/100,000 person-years), aHR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.20, p = 0.005, and spontaneous conception, aHR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.19, p = 0.001. Adjustment either for macrosomia, birth weight, or major birth defects attenuated the association marginally. Higher risks of epithelial tumors and melanoma after any assisted reproductive method and of leukemia after FET were observed. The main limitation of this study is the small number of children with cancer in the FET group. CONCLUSIONS Children born after FET had a higher risk of childhood cancer than children born after fresh embryo transfer and spontaneous conception. The results should be interpreted cautiously based on the small number of children with cancer, but the findings raise concerns considering the increasing use of FET, in particular freeze-all strategies without clear medical indications. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration number: ISRCTN 11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nona Sargisian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Lannering
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Signe Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mika Gissler
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Information Services Department, Helsinki, Finland
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden and Region Stockholm, Academic Primary Health Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Aila Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Center for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Lærke Spangmose
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Schroeder M, Badini G, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Albrecht C. The Consequences of Assisted Reproduction Technologies on the Offspring Health Throughout Life: A Placental Contribution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:906240. [PMID: 35747691 PMCID: PMC9210138 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.906240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) worldwide has led to the conception and birth of over eight million babies since being implemented in 1978. ART use is currently on the rise, given growing infertility and the increase in conception age among men and women in industrialized countries. Though obstetric and perinatal outcomes have improved over the years, pregnancies achieved by ART still bear increased risks for the mother and the unborn child. Moreover, given that the first generation of ART offspring is now only reaching their forties, the long-term effects of ART are currently unknown. This is important, as there is a wealth of data showing that life-long health can be predetermined by poor conditions during intrauterine development, including irregularities in the structure and functioning of the placenta. In the current review, we aim to summarize the latest available findings examining the effects of ART on the cardiometabolic, cognitive/neurodevelopmental, and behavioral outcomes in the perinatal period, childhood and adolescence/adulthood; and to examine placental intrinsic factors that may contribute to the developmental outcomes of ART offspring. Altogether, the latest knowledge about life outcomes beyond adolescence for those conceived by ART appears to suggest a better long-term outcome than previously predicted. There are also changes in placenta structure and functional capacity with ART. However, more work in this area is critically required, since the potential consequences of ART may still emerge as the offspring gets older. In addition, knowledge of the placenta may help to foresee and mitigate any adverse outcomes in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Schroeder
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gina Badini
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Wang T, Wang J, Jiang H, Ni M, Zou Y, Chen Y, Wu T, Ding D, Xu H, Li X. Targeted regulation of tumor microenvironment through the inhibition of MDSCs by curcumin loaded self-assembled nano-filaments. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100304. [PMID: 35711288 PMCID: PMC9194645 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Bal MH, Harlev A, Sergienko R, Levitas E, Har-Vardi I, Zeadna A, Mark-Reich A, Becker H, Ben-David N, Naggan L, Wainstock T. Possible association between in vitro fertilization technologies and offspring neoplasm. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:105-113. [PMID: 33597091 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association among fertility treatments, treatment protocol, and offspring neoplasm risk up to the age of 18 years. DESIGN A population-based retrospective cohort. SETTING Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), the single tertiary medical center and in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit in southern Israel. PATIENT(S) All offspring born at the SUMC between the years 1995 and 2018 after IVF treatment (the exposed group) and offspring conceived spontaneously (the unexposed group). INTERVENTION(S) The study was performed at the SUMC, the single tertiary medical center and IVF unit in southern Israel. The exposed and unexposed were matched with a ratio of 1:4, based on maternal age and calendar month of delivery. Data collection included a summary of the couple's medical records, delivery data, and offspring neoplasm diagnoses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Offspring neoplasm of any kind and time to diagnosis in each of the groups. RESULT(S) A total of 1,583 exposed and 5,874 offspring were included in the study. The incidences of offspring benign neoplasm were 14 (0.9%) versus 21 (0.4%), and the incidences of malignancies were 17 (1.1%) versus 29 (0.5%) among offspring of the IVF and spontaneous groups, respectively. The association between mode of conception and offspring neoplasm risk remained significant after adjusting for confounders, including mode of delivery and pregnancy complications such as hypertensive disorder, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm delivery compared with spontaneously conceived offspring. Among the IVF group, the increased risk for neoplasm was found among offspring who were transferred as fresh embryos, at an earlier stage of development (cleavage stage), or after three or more aspirated oocytes. CONCLUSION(S) IVF treatment is associated with offspring neoplasm risk; specifically, the risk was greater among offspring who were returned as fresh embryos, at an earlier embryotic stage (cleavage stage), or after three or more aspirated oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Hagbi Bal
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Avi Harlev
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruslan Sergienko
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu Levitas
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Atif Zeadna
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Aya Mark-Reich
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hadas Becker
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noa Ben-David
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lechaim Naggan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Onkologie und Versorgung in Fach- und Publikumsmedien. DER ONKOLOGE 2021; 27:174-178. [PMID: 33173255 PMCID: PMC7646488 DOI: 10.1007/s00761-020-00868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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13
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Cancer risk in children born after assisted reproductive technology. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-020-00334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Zhang Y, Gao R, Chen H, Xu W, Yang Y, Zeng X, Sun X, Zhang S, Hu X, Qin L. The association between fertility treatments and the incidence of paediatric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer 2020; 138:133-148. [PMID: 32889368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to explore the association between different fertility treatments and the incidence of paediatric cancer, as this will provide crucial guidance for clinical decision-making. Previous studies have explored the relationship between fertility treatments and different types of cancer in offspring, but the results are controversial. METHOD Two authors searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases independently to acquire qualified studies. Then, the same authors extracted data from these studies and analysed these data using RevMan 5.3. MAIN RESULTS Eleven case-control studies and 16 cohort studies were included in this review and meta-analysis. The relative risk of association between in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and paediatric cancer incidence was 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-1.28) in cohort studies and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.74-1.58) in case-control studies. The relative risk of association between intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and paediatric cancer incidence was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.80-1.17) in cohort studies. The relative risk of association between fertility drugs and paediatric cancer incidence was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.68-1.69) in cohort studies and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.90-1.41) in case-control studies. The relative risk of association between frozen embryo transfer and paediatric cancer incidence was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.04-1.81) in natural pregnancy controls and 1.28 (95% CI: 0.96-1.69) in fresh embryo transfer controls. CONCLUSION There is no evidence that IVF, ICSI and fertility drugs are associated with an increase in paediatric cancer incidence in offspring; however, frozen embryo transfer is associated with an increase in paediatric cancer incidence in the offspring, but this finding needs further research and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Zhang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Gao
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanxiao Chen
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Zeng
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaochi Sun
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Sirui Zhang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lang Qin
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Wan X, He X, Liu Q, Wang X, Ding X, Li H. Frequent and mild scrotal heat stress in mice epigenetically alters glucose metabolism in the male offspring. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E291-E304. [PMID: 32603600 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00038.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have reported that health problems occur in assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived offspring. Recently, investigations have demonstrated that paternal environmental conditions influence offspring health. However, it is unclear whether the factors that cause male infertility per se affect offspring health and contribute to health problems in ART-born children. Scrotal heat stress represents a common cause for oligoasthenozoospermia, and in these cases, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is typically recommended for those individuals trying to conceive. We exposed C57BL/6J male mice to frequent and mild scrotal heat stress (fmSHS) (39°C for 30 min once weekly for 5 consecutive wk). Sperm was subjected to IVF-ET with oocytes of untreated C57BL/6J females to produce offspring mice. Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance was observed in the male offspring mice derived from fmSHS-exposed fathers. Islets, after evaluation, remained unchanged. Genes involved in glucose metabolism, especially, those in insulin signaling pathways, showed dysregulation in the liver of the fmSHS-derived male offspring. Differentially methylated regions were found in the sperm of fmSHS-exposed mice by whole genome bisulfite sequencing. Interestingly, abnormal methylation of some genes with altered expression in offspring was observed in both the sperm of fmSHS fathers and the liver of their male offspring. Our results suggest that the factors that cause male infertility can affect male offspring health by an epigenetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei He
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofang Ding
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Jiangan District, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Abnormal bowel movement frequency increases the risk of rectal cancer: evidence from cohort studies with one million people. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:222519. [PMID: 32232384 PMCID: PMC7160378 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200355] [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: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies from case-control studies failed to draw reliable conclusions regarding the relationship between bowel movement frequency and the risk of colorectal cancer. To further examine this relationship, we collect the data from cohort studies that make a more accurate estimation. Several online data were searched from inception to February 29, 2020. Ten cohort studies involving 1,038,598 individuals were included in our study. The pooled results indicated that a bowel movement of less than once per day was not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (relative risk (RR)= 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-1.16, P = 0.950) compared with that of once per day. Compared with a bowel movement frequency of once per day, a bowel movement of more than once per day was also not related to elevated risk of colorectal cancer (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.91-1.19, P = 0.570). The subgroup analyses indicated a low or high bowel movement frequency did not increase the risk of colon cancer (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.80-1.03, P = 0.130). However, an increased frequency of bowel movements increased the risk of rectal cancer (RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.19-1.52, P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis still supports the results. No significant publication bias existed. The data from cohort indicated that less bowel movement frequency was not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. The frequency of bowel movement affects the risk of rectal cancer.
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Bovbjerg ML, Irvin V. Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, March 2020. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2020; 49:212-222. [PMID: 32061594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of the concept of overdiagnosis and implications for research and commentaries on reviews focused on exogenous progestogen to maintain pregnancies and cancer risk among children conceived using fertility treatments.
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Hargreave M, Jensen A, Hansen MK, Dehlendorff C, Winther JF, Schmiegelow K, Kjær SK. Association Between Fertility Treatment and Cancer Risk in Children. JAMA 2019; 322:2203-2210. [PMID: 31821431 PMCID: PMC7081748 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.18037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE An increasing number of children worldwide are born after the use of fertility treatment, although it remains unclear whether the treatment affects the risk of childhood cancer and whether any associations observed are due to the use of specific drugs, the use of specific procedures, or the underlying infertility. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between different types of fertility treatments and cancer risk in children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective cohort study based on Danish population-based registry data and the Danish Infertility Cohort (individual record linkage) that included 1 085 172 children born in Denmark between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2012, linked with parental information. There were a total of 2217 children diagnosed with cancer (follow-up occurred during 1996-2015). EXPOSURES Maternal fertility treatment during the index pregnancy, including the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene [n = 33 835], gonadotropins [n = 57 136], gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs [n = 38 653], human chorionic gonadotropin [n = 68 181], progesterone [n = 41 628], and estrogen [n = 16 948]) and assisted reproductive technology (in vitro fertilization [n = 19 448], intracytoplasmic sperm injection [n = 13 417], and frozen embryo transfer [n = 3356]). Each exposure was examined separately and compared with children born to fertile women. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hazard ratios and incidence rate differences for childhood cancer. RESULTS After 12.2 million person-years of follow-up (mean, 11.3 years), the incidence rate of childhood cancer was 17.5 per 100 000 for children born to fertile women (n = 910 291) and 44.4 per 100 000 for children born after the use of frozen embryo transfer (n = 3356). Compared with children born to fertile women, the use of frozen embryo transfer was associated with an elevated risk of childhood cancer (14 cancer cases; hazard ratio, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.44 to 4.11]; incidence rate difference, 26.9 [95% CI, 2.8 to 51.0] per 100 000), mainly due to an increased risk of leukemia (5 cancer cases; incidence rate, 14.4 per 100 000; hazard ratio, 2.87 [95% CI, 1.19 to 6.93]; incidence rate difference, 10.1 [95% CI, -4.0 to 24.2] per 100 000) and sympathetic nervous system tumors (<5 cancer cases; hazard ratio, 7.82 [95% CI, 2.47 to 24.70]). There were no statistically significant associations with the use of the other types of fertility treatment examined. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among children born in Denmark, the use of frozen embryo transfer, compared with children born to fertile women, was associated with a small but statistically significant increased risk of childhood cancer; this association was not found for the use of other types of fertility treatment examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hargreave
- Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Allan Jensen
- Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Kjær Hansen
- Statistics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Dehlendorff
- Statistics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University and University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne K. Kjær
- Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cancer Risk in Children and Young Adults (Offspring) Born after Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/j2040028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the relationship between medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and health outcomes, particularly cancer, in the offspring. This meta-analysis investigated the association between MAR and childhood cancer. Data sources were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up until June 2018. From the selected studies, we extracted the cancer risk estimates of the exposure of interest (MAR, assisted reproductive technology—ART, and in fitro fertilization—IVF). We conducted the meta-analysis using a random effects model. The outcomes of interest were childhood cancers, classified according to the international classification of childhood cancer (ICCC-3). In our meta-analysis (18 cohort and 15 case-control studies) the overall cancer risk was significantly increased in children conceived by MAR, ART, or IVF. MAR and ART significantly increased the risk for hematological tumors, hepatic tumors, and sarcomas (odds ratio (OR) 1.54; 95% CI 1.18–2.02 and OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.34–2.74, respectively). MAR increased acute myeloid leukemia risk (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.02–1.95) and ART increased neural cancer risk (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.01–1.46). Our results suggest an increased risk of cancer in children conceived by MAR. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of fertility treatments, parental subfertility status, and their association on health outcomes in the offspring.
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