High estradiol levels after IVF up risk of glucose metabolic dysfunction in children

During early pregnancy, high levels of maternal estradiol (E2) appear to contribute to altered glucose metabolism and greater metabolic risks in children conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), reports a recent study. 

This retrospective study assessed glucose metabolism in IVF children and determined whether high E2 exposure during early pregnancy correlated with metabolic alterations. A total of 500 singletons aged 3–10 years born after fresh embryo transfer (ET; n=200), frozen ET (n=100), and natural conception (NC; n=200) from a university hospital were included. 

The authors performed anthropometric measurements and examinations among children to determine the fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid levels. They also created a mouse model of high E2 exposure during early pregnancy to analyse glucose and insulin tolerance, as well as insulin secretion. 

Children born after fresh ET had higher fasting glucose/insulin levels, increased insulin resistance, and a higher incidence of impaired fasting glucose, which potentially correlated with higher maternal E2 levels, compared with those born through NC. Frozen ET showed intermediate results. 

In the mouse model, offspring with high E2 level exposure during gestation displayed impaired glucose/insulin tolerance and defects in insulin secretion. 

“Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms,” the authors said.  

“Assisted reproductive technology is associated with increased metabolic risks in offspring,” they noted.