Periconception in Physiology and Medicine

Alireza Fazeli, PhD, is a Professor of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine at the University of Sheffield, Department of Human Metabolism. His research interests focus on the cross-talk between gametes and embryos, and the maternal tract. Dr. Fazeli is a Trustee of the Infertility Research Trust, and a member of the Editorial Board for the journal Reproduction.William V. Holt, PhD, is a Visiting Professor in the Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine at the University of Sheffield, and former head of Reproductive Biology unit at the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms governing sperm survival during the freeze-thaw process in small population breeding programs, as well as broader research on the cellular mechanisms involved in the processes leading to fertilization. Dr. Holt is the co-Chair of the Health and Safety subcommittee of the Companion and Domestic Animals and Endangered Species group of the International Embryo Transfer Society.

• I. General Introduction.- 1. Defining the events taking place during the periconception period.- 2. The importance of immediate effects of the periconception period in reproductive medicine and human assisted reproduction.- 3. The importance of immediate effects of periconception period in animal breeding and biotechnological advances such as artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET).- II. Establishment of Periconception Environment.- 4. The consequences of molecular cross-talk between maternal tract, gametes and embryo taking place during the periconception period.- 5. The consequences of molecular cross-talk taking place during periconception period on embryo development.- 6. What are signalling mechanisms that convey information between gametes, embryo and the maternal tract?.- III. Long-term Effect of Periconception.- 7. The long-term effects of the periconception period on the embryo's epigenetic profile and phenotype: the role of nutrition.- 8. The long-term effect ofthe periconception period on the embryo's epigenetic profile and phenotype: the role of smoking and alcohol.- 9. The long-term effects of the periconception period on embryo epigenetic profile and phenotype: the role of infection and allergens.- 10. The long-term effects of the periconception period on embryo epigenetic profile and phenotype: the role of environmental pollution and toxins.- 11. Experimental animal models.- 12. Conclusions