During this event, Dr Omar Zamora, Fertility Specialist at IREMA Clinic in Spain, discussed the role of epigenetics in egg donation and fertility treatments. Dr Zamora explained epigenetics and how it influences the development of children conceived through egg donation. He also highlighted how the recipient’s environment and lifestyle could potentially impact the epigenetic profile of the donated egg. Additionally, Dr. Zamora shared recent research findings and addressed the potential risks and benefits associated with epigenetics in the context of reproductive medicine.
There are always two ways to approach this. I have a book upstairs that I found quite useful. Unfortunately, I don’t have it with me at the moment, but it’s an introduction to epigenetics. I can’t recall the authors, but it’s a great read, especially for those not specialized in this mechanism. It’s written by an anthropologist or palaeontologist who explores evolutionary processes and how epigenetics work over time, especially through events like the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs. However, for someone with your level of knowledge, it might feel a bit superficial. It’s more suited for the general population. I hope this helps.
This is a controversial area with a lot of ongoing research. We don’t have the full picture yet, but there are traces of information. For instance, we do have data on BPA, which mimics estrogen and can negatively affect epigenetic factors, increasing methylation. So, yes, there is information suggesting endocrine disruptors can impact epigenetics. However, it’s not enough to definitively say it will affect your baby or grandchildren. The possibility is there, but it’s complex and influenced by many factors over a lifespan.
Chronic inflammation can indeed impact epigenetic factors, but it’s important to remember that this is a very complex process. It doesn’t necessarily mean that one event will cause specific health issues like diabetes or obesity. It may increase the probability, but other factors like diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices also play a significant role. For someone considering egg donation after 10 failed transfers, consulting with a specialist who can take a closer look at the specific circumstances would be helpful.
Yes, there are some papers, though not a lot. There are epigenetic patterns in patients with endometriosis that are not found in those without it. This could explain why some people have endometriosis while others don’t. However, it’s still not very strong evidence, as we’re still learning about it.
Endometriosis and PCOS both show strong connections to epigenetic changes. There are more papers on PCOS than on endometriosis. PCOS is related to epigenetic changes that can be passed on to offspring. This gives us more insight into how these conditions may affect future generations.
For me, egg donation is something very important. Some people feel it’s not the same because the child won’t look like them, but I think what’s most important is having a healthy baby. Epigenetics plays a role here, as we can potentially improve the health of the embryo, even if it’s from a donor. Research has shown that embryos from egg or sperm donors have fewer epigenetic changes compared to embryos from the biological couple, which could mean fewer adverse outcomes. So, in my opinion, egg donation is a marvellous option with many benefits.
Indeed, we don’t have a lot of evidence on how egg donation affects epigenetics in the child. There are ideas on how to study this, such as comparing preserved fertility patients with donors of the same age and phenotype. However, designing such studies is challenging. It’s easier to study animal models, where we can control for environmental and nurturing factors, which is much harder in human studies.
This is a great question, and it’s something still debated in science. Some argue that epigenetics is just another form of nurture, influenced by the environment. However, there is evidence, particularly in animal studies, that suggests epigenetics is separate from nurture. For example, studies on worms like C. elegans show how epigenetic traits can be passed down for several generations without environmental influence. So, while nurture plays a role, epigenetics has its own distinct mechanisms that are not solely based on external factors.
I’m not familiar with this particular study, but the final part of the question can be addressed. When it comes to donors, we have strict criteria for selection. We focus on phenotype (external appearance), but also behaviour. Donors undergo psychological consultations, and can be ruled out if there are concerns. However, we can’t legally access information like legal records or if the donor’s mother had problems during pregnancy.
We do our best to find suitable donors, but we must also acknowledge that donors are individuals. While we can set certain standards, we can’t control everything. Some factors, like their behaviour during pregnancy, are beyond our reach. It’s also important for patients to consider their own lifestyle and health, as it plays a role in their children’s health.
While I defend epigenetics and the influence it has during pregnancy, I believe that how we raise our children is far more important than epigenetic modifications. Lifestyle changes, such as improving body mass or behaviour, will have a lasting impact on children. Patients often focus too much on external factors, like C-sections versus vaginal delivery, but in the grand scheme, it’s how you raise your child that matters most.
In most cases, donors are under 30 years old, with some between 30 and 35. For donors above 35, they are typically not accepted because the results aren’t as good. We also know about “epigenetic clockwork,” which tells us how old a cell is based on epigenetic changes. As donors age, these changes increase, potentially leading to worse outcomes.
It’s not strange, but nationality doesn’t matter as much as phenotype. People are so mixed that nationality alone doesn’t guarantee a closer match in appearance. For example, in Venezuela, we have a wide range of looks, so choosing a Venezuelan donor wouldn’t necessarily result in a child who looks like you. It’s more about the individual characteristics than the country of origin.
