Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Placenta: Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Outcomes

Laren Riesche; Marisa S. Bartolomei

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1676640

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Semin Reprod Med 2018; 36(03/04): 240-248
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1676640

Review Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Placenta: Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Outcomes

Authors

Laren Riesche

¹Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

²Department of Family and Community Health, Claire M. Fagin School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Marisa S. Bartolomei

³Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Abstract

As the biological bridge between mother and fetus, the placenta is not only important for the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy but it also impacts the lifelong health of the fetus. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) involve procedures and exposures that are not characteristic of in vivo reproduction. Moreover, ART procedures occur when the gametes and embryos are undergoing extensive epigenetic reprogramming. Thus, the oxidative, thermal, and mechanical stress that ART procedures introduce can impact the biological processes of placental growth, development, and function with potentially long-lasting health effects for the offspring. Here, we focus on the placenta and summarize the clinical, morphological, and molecular outcomes of ART. This review highlights that ART procedures have additive effects on placental morphology as well as epigenetic disturbances and provides a foundation for reconceptualizing ART outcomes.

Keywords

infertility - in vitro fertilization - placental abruption - pregnancy - epigenetics

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Referenzen

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