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Embryo responses to stress induced by assisted reproductive technologies
Author(s) -
RamosIbeas Priscila,
Heras Sonia,
GómezRedondo Isabel,
Planells Benjamín,
FernándezGonzález Raúl,
Pericuesta Eva,
LagunaBarraza Ricardo,
PérezCerezales Serafín,
GutiérrezAdán Alfonso
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.23119
Subject(s) - offspring , biology , embryo , stressor , epigenetics , assisted reproductive technology , embryo quality , physiology , embryonic stem cell , reproductive technology , pregnancy , andrology , infertility , embryogenesis , genetics , neuroscience , medicine , gene
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has led to the birth of millions of babies. In cattle, thousands of embryos are produced annually. However, since the introduction and widespread use of ART, negative effects on embryos and offspring are starting to emerge. Knowledge so far, mostly provided by animal models, indicates that suboptimal conditions during ART can affect embryo viability and quality, and may induce embryonic stress responses. These stress responses take the form of severe gene expression alterations or modifications in critical epigenetic marks established during early developmental stages that can persist after birth. Unfortunately, while developmental plasticity allows the embryo to survive these stressful conditions, such insult may lead to adult health problems and to long‐term effects on offspring that could be transmitted to subsequent generations. In this review, we describe how in mice, livestock, and humans, besides affecting the development of the embryo itself, ART stressors may also have significant repercussions on offspring health and physiology. Finally, we argue the case that better control of stressors during ART will help improve embryo quality and offspring health.