Epigenetic effects of paraquat on development of preimplantation embryo

The first vital stage in the developmental program occurs at the time before implantation, after  fertilization, and before implantation of the fetus in the uterus. This period represents a vulnerable stage because the epigenome undergoes dynamic changes in DNA methylation profiles. Changes in early embryonic reprogramming can disrupt DNA methylation patterns and cause permanent changes in the growth program, leading to the onset of adverse health outcomes in offspring. Although there are many evidences that exposure to harmful substances during embryonic development before implantation can cause lasting epigenetic changes in offspring, the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Since the physiological or pathological changes in DNA methylation can occur in response to environmental cues, a suitable environment plays an important role in fetal growth success. In this review article, we investigated the mechanisms involved in fetal epigenetic reprogramming during DNA methylation and maternal environmental stressors, such as the effects of paraquat herbicide during the pre-implantation stages of the embryo.