Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) lead to an increased risk for pregnancy
complications, congenital abnormalities, and specific imprinting disorders. Epigenetic
dysfunction is thought to be one common mechanism which may be affecting these outcomes.
The timing of multiple ART interventions overlaps with developmental time periods
that are particularly vulnerable to epigenetic change. In vitro embryo culture is
known to impact blastocyst development, in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates,
as well as neonatal outcomes. Embryo culture, in contrast to other procedures involved
in ART, is obligatory, and has the highest potential for causing alterations in epigenetic
reprograming. In this review, we summarize progress that has been made in exploring
the effects of embryo culture, culture media, and oxygen tension on epigenetic regulation
in the developing embryo. In humans, it is difficult to isolate the role of embryo
culture on epigenetic perturbations. Therefore, additional well-controlled animal
studies isolating individual exposures are necessary to minimize the epigenetic effects
of modifiable factors utilized during ART. Findings from these studies will likely
not only improve IVF success rates but also reduce the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Keywords
IVF - embryo culture - culture media - oxygen tension - DNA methylation
