Increased hepatic INSIG-SCAP-SREBP expression is associated with cholesterol metabolism disorder in assisted reproductive technology-conceived aged mice

Publication date: Available online 15 December 2018Source: Reproductive ToxicologyAuthor(s): Fang Le, Hang-ying Lou, Qi-Jing Wang, Ning Wang, Li-ya Wang, Le-jun Li, Xin-yun Yang, Qi-tao Zhan, Yi-yun Lou, Fan JinAbstractAlthough most children conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) are healthy, there are concerns regarding the potential long-term health implications of ART. It has been reported that alterations in insulin-induced gene (INSIG), sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), and SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) are involved in cardiometabolic changes. Thus, ART mouse models were established via in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI), and in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM). A significantly higher systolic blood pressure was identified in the IVM aged female mice. In addition, abnormalities in the blood lipids and liver function were identified in the IVM- or ICSI-conceived elderly mice. Furthermore, ICSI or IVM significantly affected the hepatic expression and methylation of INSIG-SCAP-SREBP from a young to old age. Our animal data indicated that ICSI or IVM result in a higher risk of cholesterol metabolism dysfunction in older mice, which may be associated with long-term alterations of INSIG-SCAP-SREBP.
Source: Reproductive Toxicology - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research