Usage Information
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a noncoital method of conception used to treat human infertility. Although IVF is viewed as largely safe, it is associated with adverse outcomes in the fetus, placenta, and adult offspring. Because studies focusing on the effect of IVF on the male reproductive system are limited, we used a mouse model to assess the morphological and molecular effects of IVF on male offspring. We evaluated 3 developmental stages: 18.5-day fetuses and 12- and 39-week-old adults. Regardless of age, we observed changes in testicular-to-body weight ratios, serum testosterone levels, testicular morphology, gene expression, and DNA methylation. Also, sperm showed changes in morphology and DNA methylation. To assess multigenerational phenotypes, we mated IVF-conceived and naturally conceived males with wild-type females. Offspring from IVF males exhibited decreased fetal-to-placental weight ratios and changes in placenta gene expression and morphology regardless of sex. At 12 weeks of age, offspring showed higher body weights and differences in glucose, triglyceride, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL/VLDL-C levels. Both sexes showed changes in gene expression in liver, testes, and ovaries and decreased global DNA methylation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that male IVF offspring exhibit abnormal testicular and sperm morphology and molecular alterations with a multigenerational impact.
Authors
Eric A. Rhon-Calderon, Cassidy N. Hemphill, Alexandra J. Savage, Laren Riesche, Richard M. Schultz, Marisa S. Bartolomei
Usage data is cumulative from March 2025 through March 2026.
| Usage | JCI | PMC |
|---|---|---|
| Text version | 2,716 | 421 |
| 997 | 84 | |
| Figure | 851 | 0 |
| Supplemental data | 1,804 | 24 |
| Citation downloads | 178 | 0 |
| Totals | 6,546 | 529 |
| Total Views | 7,075 | |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.
