Research Progress on Neurodevelopmental Status of Progeny with Assisted Reproductive Technology
PANG Liya, LIN Yuan*
ART (assisted reproductive technology) has emerged as a pivotal technique in reproductive medicine in recent years, offering an opportunity to parenthood for numerous infertile couples. As the application of ART becomes more widespread, the short-term and long-term health outcomes of children conceived through ART have garnered extensive attention. This article provides a comprehensive review of the potential impacts of ART on the neurodevelopment of offspring, encompassing both population-based and mechanistic studies. The current body of evidence suggests that early neurodevelopmental delays observed in ART-conceived children are more strongly associated with factors such as multiple gestations, preterm birth, and low birth weight, rather than ART procedures. With rapid neurodevelopment in early life, the disparities between ART-conceived and naturally conceived children gradually diminish. Additionally, many studies suggest that the increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in ART offspring are primarily attributable to adverse reproductive characteristics and obstetric outcomes of couples undergoing ART. However, existing mechanistic studies have proposed that ART-induced epigenetic dysregulation may play an important role in the impaired neurodevelopment in ART offspring, such as intellectual disabilities, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and epilepsy. This article aims to provide patients, clinicians, and researchers with a more comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopment in ART offspring, and to continuously encourage further emphasis on the safety and technological optimization of ART within the field.
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