What diseases will the third generation of IVF inherit
IVF refers to the babies who transfer embryos to their mothers after in vitro fertilization through assisted reproductive technology. With the continuous progress of assisted reproductive technology, the third generation of IVF was born. However, the third generation of IVF also has the genetic risk of some diseases. Hereinafter, we will elaborate on genetic diseases, polygenic diseases, chromosome abnormalities and common genetic diseases.
Hereditary disease
Hereditary diseases are diseases caused by abnormal genes, which can be passed on to the next generation through genetic pathways. Some genetic diseases may be transmitted to the third generation of IVF through assisted reproductive technology. It should be noted that selecting healthy sperm and eggs can reduce the risk of genetic diseases. However, even if healthy sperm and eggs are selected, the risk of genetic diseases cannot be completely eliminated.
At present, some hospitals help couples understand the disease risks they may pass on to their children by means of genetic counseling and genetic testing. By understanding the risks of genetic diseases, couples can make more informed decisions.
Polygenic disease
Polygenic disease is caused by abnormal variation of multiple genes. Common polygenic diseases include congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, etc. The third generation of IVF babies may inherit multiple genetic abnormalities from their parents, increasing the risk of polygenic diseases.
However, with the progress of science and technology, some hospitals have begun to provide single gene testing and whole genome testing to help couples understand the risk of polygenic diseases that may be passed on to their children by detecting the genetic information of embryos. This helps couples make reasonable decisions, such as choosing healthy embryos for transfer or taking other measures to avoid disease risks.
Chromosomal abnormality
Chromosome abnormality refers to the abnormal number and structure of chromosomes in an individual's somatic cell or the loss, inversion, exchange and increase of chromosomes. Common chromosomal abnormalities include Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, etc. The third generation of IVF may also inherit chromosome abnormalities from their parents.
As with polygenic diseases, some hospitals provide embryo chromosome screening services to help couples predict the risk of chromosomal abnormalities by detecting the chromosomal conditions of embryos. This will help couples make corresponding decisions based on risk assessment, such as choosing healthy embryo transfer.
Common genetic diseases
In addition to the above-mentioned genetic diseases, polygenic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities, the third generation of IVF may also inherit some common genetic diseases of their parents, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. These diseases are often caused by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors, and are not completely dependent on a single gene abnormality.
For common genetic diseases, because the genetic risk is difficult to determine, there is no clear method to predict and reduce the risk. Family history and genetic counseling may help provide risk assessment and advice, but they cannot completely eliminate the risk of genetic diseases.
Summary
The third generation of IVF will also face the risk of genetic diseases. Hereditary diseases, polygenic diseases, chromosome abnormalities and common genetic diseases may be inherited to the next generation. Although scientific and technological progress has provided couples with some auxiliary means to reduce the risk of genetic diseases, it cannot completely eliminate the risk. Therefore, couples considering IVF should fully understand the risks of genetic diseases, conduct genetic counseling and genetic testing, and make wise decisions.
