Overrepresentation of pregnancies conceived by artificial reproductive technology in prenatally identified fetuses with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Effects of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Genetics, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Outcomes

The prevalence of infertility has increased in the United States over the past decade with 1 in 5 reproductive-aged women suffering from this diagnosis. The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to achieve pregnancy has correspondingly steadily increased. After examining the outcomes of ART births, clear trends of increased preterm birth rate, higher-order multiples, and imprinting disorders have been established among ART-related outcomes. However, the relationship between ART and birth defects, abnormal placentation, and stillbirth require further investigation. This review aims to highlight current literature surrounding ART and its relationship with key obstetrical outcomes, neonatal outcomes, and medical genetics.

The role of epigenetics in women's reproductive health: the impact of environmental factors

This paper explores the significant role of epigenetics in women's reproductive health, focusing on the impact of environmental factors. It highlights the crucial link between epigenetic modifications-such as DNA methylation and histones post-translational modifications-and reproductive health issues, including infertility and pregnancy complications. The paper reviews the influence of pollutants like PM2.5, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors on gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, emphasizing the need for understanding how dietary, lifestyle choices, and exposure to chemicals affect gene expression and reproductive health. Future research directions include deeper investigation into epigenetics in female reproductive health and leveraging gene editing to mitigate epigenetic changes for improving IVF success rates and managing reproductive disorders.

Clinical Spectrum and Tumour Risk Analysis in Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Due to CDKN1C Pathogenic Variants

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome spectrum (BWSp) is an overgrowth disorder caused by imprinting or genetic alterations at the 11p15.5 locus. Clinical features include overgrowth, macroglossia, neonatal hypoglycaemia, omphalocele, hemihyperplasia, cleft palate, and increased neoplasm incidence. The most common molecular defect observed is hypomethylation at the imprinting centre 2 (KCNQ1OT1:TSS DMR) in the maternal allele, which accounts for approximately 60% of cases, although CDKN1C pathogenic variants have been reported in 5-10% of patients, with a higher incidence in familial cases. In this study, we examined the clinical and molecular features of all cases of BWSp identified by the Spanish Overgrowth Registry Initiative with pathogenic or likely pathogenic CDKN1C variants, ascertained by Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing, with special focus on the neoplasm incidence, given that there is scarce knowledge of this feature in CDKN1C-associated BWSp. In total, we evaluated 21 cases of BWSp with CDKN1C variants; 19 were classified as classical BWS according to the BWSp scoring classification by Brioude et al. One of our patients developed a mediastinal ganglioneuroma. Our study adds evidence that tumour development in patients with BWSp and CDKN1C variants is infrequent, but it is extremely relevant to the patient's follow-up and supports the high heterogeneity of BWSp clinical features associated with CDKN1C variants.

Proposal for Practical Approach in Prenatal Diagnosis of Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome and Review of the Literature

Background: Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorder associated with epigenetic/genetic aberrations on chromosome 11p15.4p15.5. There is no consensus criterion for prenatal diagnosis of BWS. Methods: Three BWS patients with their clinical histories, prenatal ultrasonographic features, and results of molecular diagnosis were presented. Likewise, by incorporating the findings of our cases and literature review, the phenotypic spectrum and genotype–phenotype correlations of fetal BWS were summarized, and a practical approach in prenatal diagnosis of BWS was proposed. Results: A total of 166 BWS cases with prenatal features were included for analysis. Common fetal features include abdominal wall defects (42.8%), polyhydramnios (33.1%), and macrosomia (32.5%). Molecular pathologies include methylation changes in imprinting control region 1 and 2 (ICR1 and ICR2), paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 11p15.5, copy number change involving 11p15, etc. Some genotype–phenotype correlations were observed. However, the broad phenotypic spectrum but limited features manifested by affected fetuses rendering ultrasonographic diagnosis not easy. Conclusions: Molecular tests are used for prenatal diagnosis of BWS suspected by ultrasonography. Methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) is recommended as the first-line molecular tool because it simultaneously detects ICR1/ICR2 methylation statuses and copy numbers that solve the majority of clinical cases in the prenatal scenario.

Placental Abnormalities are Associated With Specific Windows of Embryo Culture in a Mouse Model

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.

Epigenetic Mechanisms of ART-Related Imprinting Disorders: Lessons From iPSC and Mouse Models

The rising frequency of ART-conceived births is accompanied by the need for an improved understanding of the implications of ART on gametes and embryos. Increasing evidence from mouse models and human epidemiological data suggests that ART procedures may play a role in the pathophysiology of certain imprinting disorders (IDs), including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Silver-Russell syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. The underlying molecular basis of this association, however, requires further elucidation. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic and imprinting alterations of in vivo mouse models and human iPSC models of ART. Mouse models have demonstrated aberrant regulation of imprinted genes involved with ART-related IDs. In the past decade, iPSC technology has provided a platform for patient-specific cellular models of culture-associated perturbed imprinting. However, despite ongoing efforts, a deeper understanding of the susceptibility of iPSCs to epigenetic perturbation is required if they are to be reliably used for modelling ART-associated IDs. Comparing the patterns of susceptibility of imprinted genes in mouse models and IPSCs in culture improves the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ART-linked IDs with implications for our understanding of the influence of environmental factors such as culture and hormone treatments on epigenetically important regions of the genome such as imprints.

Cardiac pathologies in mouse loss of imprinting models are due to misexpression of H19 long noncoding RNA

Maternal loss of imprinting (LOI) at the H19/IGF2 locus results in biallelic IGF2 and reduced H19 expression and is associated with Beckwith--Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). We use mouse models for LOI to understand the relative importance of Igf2 and H19 mis-expression in BWS phenotypes. Here we focus on cardiovascular phenotypes and show that neonatal cardiomegaly is exclusively dependent on increased Igf2. Circulating IGF2 binds cardiomyocyte receptors to hyperactivate mTOR signaling, resulting in cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These Igf2-dependent phenotypes are transient: cardiac size returns to normal once Igf2 expression is suppressed postnatally. However, reduced H19 expression is sufficient to cause progressive heart pathologies including fibrosis and reduced ventricular function. In the heart, H19 expression is primarily in endothelial cells (ECs) and regulates EC differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we establish novel mouse models to show that cardiac phenotypes depend on H19 lncRNA interactions with Mirlet7 microRNAs.

Prenatally diagnosed omphaloceles: Report of 92 cases and association with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Describe the prevalence, perinatal and long-term outcomes of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) among prenatally detected omphaloceles.

METHODS

All prenatally diagnosed omphaloceles from 2010 to 2015 within a single tertiary care centre were identified. An echocardiogram and detailed fetal ultrasound were performed, and amniocentesis was offered with karyotype/microarray analysis and BWS molecular testing. Perinatal, neonatal, and long-term outcomes were retrieved for BWS cases.

RESULTS

Among 92 omphaloceles, 62 had additional anomalies. Abnormal karyotypes were identified in 23/62 (37%) non-isolated and 2/30 (7%) isolated cases. One BWS case (5%) was identified among non-isolated omphaloceles and six BWS cases (37.5%) were identified among isolated omphaloceles after exclusion of aneuploidy. Among 19 BWS cases, 21% were conceived by ART. All omphaloceles underwent primary closure. Prenatally, macrosomia and polyhydramnios were seen in 42%. Macroglossia and nephromegaly were more commonly detected postnatally. Preterm birth occurred in 10/19 (53%) cases and cesarean deliveries were performed in 7/19 (40%) cases. Overall mortality was 20% (4/19). Embryonal tumors were diagnosed in 2/16 (12.5%) children, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were normal in 9/12 (75%) survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

After excluding aneuploidy, BWS was identified in 37.5% and 5% of isolated and non-isolated omphaloceles, respectively. Omphaloceles were small-moderate size with good long-term surgical and neurodevelopmental outcomes when isolated.

Modeling human epigenetic disorders in mice: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Silver-Russell syndrome

Genomic imprinting, a phenomenon in which the two parental alleles are regulated differently, is observed in mammals, marsupials and a few other species, including seed-bearing plants. Dysregulation of genomic imprinting can cause developmental disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). In this Review, we discuss (1) how various (epi)genetic lesions lead to the dysregulation of clinically relevant imprinted loci, and (2) how such perturbations may contribute to the developmental defects in BWS and SRS. Given that the regulatory mechanisms of most imprinted clusters are well conserved between mice and humans, numerous mouse models of BWS and SRS have been generated. These mouse models are key to understanding how mutations at imprinted loci result in pathological phenotypes in humans, although there are some limitations. This Review focuses on how the biological findings obtained from innovative mouse models explain the clinical features of BWS and SRS.

Imprinting disorders in children born after ART: a Nordic study from the CoNARTaS group

STUDY QUESTION:

Is the risk of imprinting disorders increased in children conceived after

SUMMARY ANSWER:

We found an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.84 [95% CI: 1.34–6.01] for Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome in ART children, while the risk of Prader–Willi syndrome, Silver–Russell syndrome or Angelman syndrome was not increased in children conceived after ART.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

Earlier studies, most of them small, have suggested an association between ART and imprinting disorders.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

This was a binational register-based cohort study. All children conceived by ART in Denmark (n = 45 393, born between 1994 and 2014) and in Finland (n = 29 244, born between 1990 and 2014) were identified. The full background populations born during the same time periods in the two countries were included as controls. Odds ratios of imprinting disorders in ART children compared with naturally conceived (NC) children were calculated. The median follow-up time was 8 years and 9 months for ART children and 11 years and 9 months for NC children.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

From the national health registries in Denmark and Finland, we identified all children diagnosed with Prader–Willi syndrome (n = 143), Silver–Russell syndrome (n = 69), Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (n = 105) and Angelman syndrome (n = 72) born between 1994/1990 and 2014, respectively.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

We identified a total of 388 children diagnosed with imprinting disorders; 16 of these were conceived after ART. The overall AOR for the four imprinting disorders in ART children compared with NC children was 1.35 [95% CI: 0.80–2.29], but since eight ART children were diagnosed with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, the AOR for this specific imprinting disorder was 2.84 [95% CI: 1.34–6.01]. The absolute risk of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome in children conceived after ART was still low: 10.7 out of 100 000 newborns. The risks of Prader–Willi syndrome, Silver–Russell syndrome and Angelman syndrome were not increased in children conceived after ART.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION:

Imprinting disorders are rare events and our results are based on few ART children with imprinting disorders. The aetiology is complex and only partly clarified, and the clinical diagnoses are challenged by a broad phenotypic spectrum.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS:

In the existing studies, results on the risk of imprinting disorders in children conceived after ART are ambiguous. This study adds that the risk of imprinting disorders in ART children is very small and perhaps restricted to Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S):

This work was supported by the Nordic Trial Alliance: a pilot project jointly funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and NordForsk (grant number: 71450), the Nordic Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (grant numbers: NF13041, NF15058, NF16026 and NF17043) and the Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerak European Regional Development Fund (ReproUnion project). The authors have no conflicts of interest related to this work.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:

N/A

DNA Methylation in the Diagnosis of Monogenic Diseases

DNA methylation in the human genome is largely programmed and shaped by transcription factor binding and interaction between DNA methyltransferases and histone marks during gamete and embryo development. Normal methylation profiles can be modified at single or multiple loci, more frequently as consequences of genetic variants acting in cis or in trans, or in some cases stochastically or through interaction with environmental factors. For many developmental disorders, specific methylation patterns or signatures can be detected in blood DNA. The recent use of high-throughput assays investigating the whole genome has largely increased the number of diseases for which DNA methylation analysis provides information for their diagnosis. Here, we review the methylation abnormalities that have been associated with mono/oligogenic diseases, their relationship with genotype and phenotype and relevance for diagnosis, as well as the limitations in their use and interpretation of results.

Effect of frozen and fresh embryo transfers on the birthweight of live-born twins

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of frozen embryo transfer (FET) and fresh embryo transfer (Fresh) on the birthweight of live-born twins.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 8482 live-born twins were studied. The proportions of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA), the mean birthweight and the z score of live-born twins in the two groups were compared. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between confounding factors and the birthweight of live-born twins.

RESULTS

The proportion of SGA infants significantly decreased as BMI increased (BMI < 20, 6.1 %; 20 ≤ BMI≤25, 4.1 %; BMI > 25, 3.6 %; P<0.05). The proportion of LGA infants significantly increased as BMI increased (BMI < 20, 20.5 %; 20 ≤ BMI≤25, 25.2 %; BMI > 25, 30.7 %; P<0.0001). The proportion of SGA infants was significantly lower in the FET group than in the Fresh group, whereas the proportion of LGA infants was significantly higher in the former than in the latter. The absolute mean birthweight of live-born twins was significantly higher in the FET group compared with the Fresh group (2579 ± 458 vs. 2534 ± 465, P < 0.0001). The mean z score of the FET group was also significantly higher than that of the Fresh group (0.420 vs. 0.240, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that FET was a more significant factor than fresh embryo transfer in influencing the birthweight of live-born twins.

CONCLUSION

FET significantly increased the birthweight of live-born twins compared with fresh embryo transfer.

Overgrowth Syndromes-Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Management

Abnormally excessive growth results from perturbation of a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal factors that orchestrate human growth. Overgrowth syndromes generally present with inherent health concerns and, in some instances, an increased risk of tumor predisposition that necessitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral. In this review, we introduce some of the more common overgrowth syndromes, along with their molecular mechanisms, diagnostics, and medical complications for improved recognition and management of patients affected with these disorders.

Characterization of the Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum: Diagnosis and management

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is the most common epigenetic overgrowth and cancer predisposition disorder. Due to both varying molecular defects involving chromosome 11p15 and tissue mosaicism, patients can present with a variety of clinical features, leading to the newly defined Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp). The BWSp can be further divided into three subsets of patients: those presenting with classic features, those presenting with isolated lateralized overgrowth (ILO) and those not fitting into the previous two categories, termed atypical BWSp. Previous reports of patients with BWS have focused on those with the more recognizable, classic features, and limited information is available on those who fit into the atypical and ILO categories. Here, we present the first cohort of patients recruited across the entire BWSp, describe clinical features and molecular diagnostic characteristics, and provide insight into practical diagnosis and management recommendations that we have gained from this cohort.

Imatinib treatments have long-term impact on placentation and embryo survival

Imatinib is an oral chemotherapeutic used primarily to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The potential effects of cancer treatments on a patient’s future fertility  are a major concern affecting the quality of life for cancer survivors. The effects of imatinib on future fertility are unknown. It is teratogenic. Therefore, patients are advised to stop treatment before pregnancy. Unfortunately, CML and GIST have high rates of recurrence in the absence of the drug, therefore halting imatinib during pregnancy endangers the mother. Possible long-term (post-treatment) effects of imatinib on reproduction have not been studied. We have used a mouse model to examine the effects of imatinib on the placenta and implantation after long-term imatinib exposure. We found significant changes in epigenetic markers of key imprinted genes in the placenta. There was a significant decrease in the labyrinth zone and vasculature of the placenta, which could impact fetal growth later in pregnancy. These effects on placental growth occurred even when imatinib was stopped prior to pregnancy. These results indicate potential long-term effects of imatinib on pregnancy and implantation. A prolonged wash-out period prior to pregnancy or extra monitoring for possible placental insufficiency may be advisable.