IVF exposure induced intergenerational effects on metabolic phenotype in mice.

Research Question: What is the potential transmission of metabolic phenotype from IVF offspring to the subsequent generation?

Design: An IVF mouse model was established. The F generation mice were produced though IVF or natural mating and the F generation was obtained through the mating of F generation males with normal females. Their metabolic phenotype, including systemic and hepatic glucolipid metabolism, was examined.

Results: It was found that IVF F males exhibited metabolic changes. Compared with the control group, the IVF F generation showed increased body weight, elevated fasting glucose and insulin, and increased serum triglyceride concentrations. IVF F mice also showed an increased expression of hepatic lipogenesis and autophagy genes. Moreover, IVF F males transmitted some metabolic changes to their own male progeny (IVF F) in the absence of a dietary challenge. IVF F mice had increased peri-epididymal and subcutaneous fat and decreased insulin sensitivity. Under the 'second hit' of a high-fat diet, IVF F mice further showed increased hepatic lipid deposition with unaltered autophagy levels.

Conclusion: This research demonstrates the impact of IVF on hepatic glucose-lipid metabolism in two successive generations of offspring, highlighting the need for additional investigation. Enhanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying the transmission of multigenerational effects induced by IVF could potentially lead to the advancement of therapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing infertility.