Vascular dysfunction in children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies: underlying mechanisms and future...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Developmental Biology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Fetal development influences long-term cardiovascular health.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may represent a novel factor in fetal programming of cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on cardiovascular risks in children conceived via ART.
• To explore potential mechanisms and long-term implications of ART on vascular health.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data in ART children.
• Analysis of studies in ART mice examining vascular aging and epigenetic changes.
• Examination of the eNOS gene in relation to ART procedures.

Main Results:

• ART children exhibit premature subclinical atherosclerosis and pulmonary vascular dysfunction.
• ART procedures appear linked to these vascular abnormalities.
• ART mice show accelerated vascular aging, hypertension, and lifespan reduction with high-fat diet, linked to eNOS gene epigenetic alterations.

Conclusions:

• ART may increase cardiovascular risk in offspring, necessitating early detection and intervention.
• Longitudinal cohort studies are essential to monitor cardiovascular health in the ART population.
• The growing use of ART warrants a public health debate on its long-term consequences.