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Zhu L, Sun L, Liu W, Han W, Huang G, Li J. Long-term storage does not affect the DNA methylation profiles of vitrified-warmed human embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2023. [PMID: 37882215 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread application of embryo cryopreservation in assisted reproductive techniques, it is necessary to assess the safety of long-term cryopreservation of human embryos and it is unclear whether storage time has an impact on the DNA methylation profiles of human embryos. Nine women who received IVF treatment were recruited for this study. The retrieved eight-cell human embryos were classified into three groups including fresh embryos, cryopreserved embryos stored for 3 years, and cryopreserved embryos stored for 8 years. Single-cell whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (scWGBS) was conducted. The genome-wide methylation pattern of the fresh and two cryopreserved groups were similar. In addition, the methylation level in different genomic regions showed comparable patterns and no significant differences were observed in the methylation level of imprinted genes among the three groups. A total of 587 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the 3-year group and 540 DMRs in the 8-year group were identified comparing to fresh group. However, they were not enriched in promoters and had a similar genome-wide distributions, suggesting that these DMRs may not contribute to the changes in corresponding gene expressions. Our study illustrated that long-term cryopreservation will not affect the DNA methylation profiles of human eight-cell embryos at single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
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Reyes Palomares A, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA. Update on the Epigenomic Implication of Embryo Cryopreservation Methods Applied in Assisted Reproductive Technologies With Potential Long-Term Health Effects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:881550. [PMID: 35573677 PMCID: PMC9096028 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.881550] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of embryos has become an efficient method in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and these methods are currently performed at nearly all fertility centers around the globe. Cryopreservation of supernumerary embryos has contributed to an increase in cumulative pregnancy rates and as a consequence, an increasing number of children are being born through these techniques worldwide. However, long-term follow-up studies of children born through ART are scarce, and concerns about the long-term health effects on individuals conceived through ART have been raised. The relevant genomic transformations that occur at the time cryopreservation is usually applied to embryos may have potential epigenetic risks. With advances in multi-omic single cell technologies, new ways to assess the (epi)genomic status during early embryo development have now become feasible. These novel strategies could provide a revolutionary opportunity to understand the actual impact of ART, but also may help future developments aiming at increase both their efficiency and safety. Here we outline insights in current knowledge and research on the impact of cryopreservation on embryos, the possible consequences at epigenetic level and how emerging new high-throughput technologies can be used for their assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Reyes Palomares
- Laboratory of Translational Fertility Preservation, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Laboratory of Translational Fertility Preservation, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos and Their Molecular Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910864. [PMID: 34639209 PMCID: PMC8509660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of freezing cells or tissues and depositing them in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C is called cryopreservation. Sub-zero temperature is not a physiological condition for cells and water ice crystals represent the main problem since they induce cell death, principally in large cells like oocytes, which have a meiotic spindle that degenerates during this process. Significantly, cryopreservation represents an option for fertility preservation in patients who develop gonadal failure for any condition and those who want to freeze their germ cells for later use. The possibility of freezing sperm, oocytes, and embryos has been available for a long time, and in 1983 the first birth with thawed oocytes was achieved. From the mid-2000s forward, the use of egg vitrification through intracytoplasmic sperm injection has improved pregnancy rates. Births using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have some adverse conditions and events. These risks could be associated with ART procedures or related to infertility. Cryopreservation generates changes in the epigenome of gametes and embryos, given that ART occurs when the epigenome is most vulnerable. Furthermore, cryoprotective agents induce alterations in the integrity of germ cells and embryos. Notably, cryopreservation extensively affects cell viability, generates proteomic profile changes, compromises crucial cellular functions, and alters sperm motility. This technique has been widely employed since the 1980s and there is a lack of knowledge about molecular changes. The emerging view is that molecular changes are associated with cryopreservation, affecting metabolism, cytoarchitecture, calcium homeostasis, epigenetic state, and cell survival, which compromise the fertilization in ART.
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Oveisi A, Vahdati A, Shahhoseini M, Favaedi R, Maroufizadeh S, Movaghar B. Ovulation Induction Changes Epigenetic Marks of Imprinting Genes in Mice Fetus Organs. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:99-108. [PMID: 33650826 PMCID: PMC7944133 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.6953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that plays a critical role in normal development of embryo.
Using exogenous hormones during assisted reproductive technology (ART) can change an organism hormonal profile
and subsequently affect epigenetic events. Ovarian stimulation changes gene expression and epigenetic pattern of
imprinted genes in the organs of mouse fetus.
Materials and Methods For this experimental study, expression of three imprinted genes H19, Igf2 (Insulin-like growth
factor 2) and Cdkn1c (Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C), which have important roles in development of placenta
and embryo, and the epigenetic profile of their regulatory region in some tissues of 19-days-old female fetuses, from
female mice subjected to ovarian stimulation, were evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR)
and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) methods.
Results H19 gene was significantly lower in heart (P<0.05), liver (P<0.05), lung (P<0.01), placenta (P<0.01) and ovary
(P<0.01). It was significantly higher in kidney of ovarian stimulation group compared to control fetuses (P<0.05). Igf2
expression was significantly higher in brain (P<0.05) and kidney (P<0.05), while it was significantly lower in lung of
experimental group fetuses in comparison with control fetuses (P<0.05). Cdkn1c expression was significantly higher in
lung (P<0.05). It was significantly decreased in placenta of experimental group fetuses rather than the control fetuses
(P<0.05). Histone modification data and DNA methylation data were in accordance to the gene expression profiles.
Conclusion Results showed altered gene expressions in line with changes in epigenetic pattern of their promoters in
the ovarian stimulation group, compared to normal cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Oveisi
- Department of Biology, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran.,Department of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akbar Vahdati
- Department of Biology, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran.,Department of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahhoseini
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Raha Favaedi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Maroufizadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Bahar Movaghar
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Choux C, Petazzi P, Sanchez-Delgado M, Hernandez Mora JR, Monteagudo A, Sagot P, Monk D, Fauque P. The hypomethylation of imprinted genes in IVF/ICSI placenta samples is associated with concomitant changes in histone modifications. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1386-1395. [PMID: 32573317 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1783168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although more and more children are born by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), ART safety has not fully been demonstrated. Notably, ART could disturb the delicate step of implantation, and trigger placenta-related adverse outcomes with potential long-term effects, through disrupted epigenetic regulation. We have previously demonstrated that placental DNA methylation was significantly lower after IVF/ICSI than following natural conception at two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with imprinted genes (IGs): H19/IGF2 and KCNQ1OT1. As histone modifications are critical for placental physiology, the aim of this study was to profile permissive and repressive histone marks in placenta biopsies to reveal a better understanding of the epigenetic changes in the context of ART. Utilizing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled with quantitative PCR, permissive (H3K4me3, H3K4me2, and H3K9ac) and repressive (H3K9me3 and H3K9me2) post-translational histone modifications were quantified. The analyses revealed a significantly higher quantity of H3K4me2 precipitation in the IVF/ICSI group than in the natural conception group for H19/IGF2 and KCNQ1OT1 DMRs (P = 0.016 and 0.003, respectively). Conversely, the quantity of both repressive marks at H19/IGF2 and SNURF DMRs was significantly lower in the IVF/ICSI group than in the natural conception group (P = 0.011 and 0.027 for H19/IGF2; and P = 0.010 and 0.035 for SNURF). These novel findings highlight that DNA hypomethylation at imprinted DMRs following ART is linked with increased permissive/decreased repressive histone marks, altogether promoting a more permissive chromatin conformation. This concomitant change in epigenetic state at IGs at birth might be an important developmental event because of ART manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Choux
- GAD (Génétique des anomalies du développement), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - INSERM UMR1231 , Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique , Dijon, France
| | - Paolo Petazzi
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sanchez-Delgado
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - José R Hernandez Mora
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Monteagudo
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul Sagot
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique , Dijon, France
| | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute , Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park , Norwich Norfolk, UK
| | - Patricia Fauque
- GAD (Génétique des anomalies du développement), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - INSERM UMR1231 , Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction , Dijon, France
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