What is the genetic risk of IVF malformation?
IVF refers to the baby developed by transferring the fertilized egg into the mother's uterus after in vitro fertilization through assisted reproductive technology. Compared with natural pregnancy, whether the genetic risk of IVF will increase has always been a concern. The following will elaborate on the types of genetic diseases, screening techniques for genetic diseases, genetic risks of embryo screening and genetic genes carried by infertile couples.
1、 Types of genetic diseases
Genetic diseases are mainly divided into two categories: monogenic genetic diseases and polygenic genetic diseases. Single gene genetic diseases are diseases caused by single gene mutations, such as congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, etc. Polygenic genetic diseases are diseases caused by multiple genes and environmental factors, such as cancer, diabetes, etc. The risk of genetic diseases in IVF is mainly related to whether the husband and wife carry genes related to genetic diseases.
First, if both the husband and wife are healthy people and do not carry any genes related to genetic diseases, the risk of genetic diseases in IVF is extremely low.
Secondly, if one of the couples is the carrier of a single gene genetic disease and the other is a normal person, then through gene screening technology, embryos carrying normal genes can be selected for transplantation to reduce genetic risk.
Finally, if both the husband and wife are carriers of single gene genetic diseases, the risk of genetic diseases in the test tube babies born will be significantly increased. In this case, it may be considered to carry out in vitro fertilization post embryo genetic diagnosis (PGD) screening and select healthy embryos for transplantation.
2、 Screening techniques for genetic diseases
In the process of IVF, genetic screening technology is often used to detect the risk of genetic diseases carried by embryos. Common screening techniques include PCR, MS/MS, LAMP, etc. These techniques can accurately and quickly analyze the genetic status and help to select healthy embryos for transplantation.
3、 Genetic risk of embryo screening
Embryo screening is one of the key steps in the process of IVF. Embryo screening mainly determines whether embryos carry genes related to genetic diseases by detecting the genotype of embryonic cells. However, embryo screening does not completely exclude the existence of genetic risks.
First, the genotype of embryonic cells may have the problem of wrong mutation detection, which may lead to false positive or false negative conditions in the process of embryo screening.
Secondly, embryo screening does not cover all genetic diseases. The current screening technology mainly focuses on the analysis of known common genetic diseases, and rare genetic diseases may not be found or screened.
In addition, even if the screening shows that the embryo does not carry genes related to genetic diseases, the possibility of genetic diseases cannot be completely ruled out. Some genetic diseases may be related to environmental factors, which cannot be predicted during the screening process.
4、 Genetics of infertile couples
The genetic risk of IVF in infertile couples is mainly related to the genetic genes of both spouses. Infertility itself may be related to genetic factors, such as chromosome abnormalities, single gene mutations, etc.
First of all, if there are chromosomal abnormalities between husband and wife, it may increase the risk of genetic diseases in IVF. Common chromosome abnormalities include Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, etc.
Secondly, if there are some single gene mutations between husband and wife, they may lead to infertility. These single gene mutations may be transmitted to offspring through genetic testing during IVF, increasing the risk of genetic diseases.
For infertile couples, it is recommended to conduct comprehensive tests during IVF, including routine reproductive system tests, genetic screening, etc., to reduce genetic risks.
Summary
The genetic risk of IVF malformation is the result of many factors. The existence of single gene genetic disease and polygene genetic disease makes the genetic risk of IVF closely related to the genetic genes of both spouses. Modern genetic screening technology can reduce genetic risk, but it can not completely exclude the possibility of genetic diseases. For infertile couples, genetics is an important consideration. It is recommended to conduct comprehensive testing in the process of IVF to ensure the health of children.
