The influence of seminal plasma on offspring development and health

Abstract

The concept that a father's wellbeing at the time of conception influences the development and longterm health of his offspring is now well established. However, the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health are not fully defined. While sperm-mediated effects on offspring development have been investigated in detail, the significance of seminal plasma has been over-looked. Typically, the seminal plasma is viewed as a simple medium, with a main role to transport sperm into the female reproductive tract at the time of conception. However, a more sophisticated role for seminal plasma in the modulation of the maternal periconception cell-signalling, inflammatory and immunological physiology is emerging. Seminal plasma comprises a complex mix of nutrients, proteins, signalling molecules and cell-free genetic material which all interact with the endometrium to regulate gene expression, vascular remodelling, leukocyte recruitment and the priming of regulatory T cells (Tregs). These seminal plasma effects on the maternal periconception environment all act to facilitate uterine remodelling, embryo implantation and fetal development.Evidence is now emerging that poor paternal lifestyle factors such as diet, can modify these essential uterine responses, altering fetal development and ultimately long-term offspring health. The use of animal models has enhanced our understanding of the effects of seminal plasma on maternal uterine physiology, embryo development and offspring health. However, further studies are needed to define the interaction between seminal plasma components and female reproductive tissues in humans. Such studies will be central in providing better information and infertility treatments to intending parents.

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites

“…Traditionally thought to be a mere vehicle for sperm deposition in the female reproductive tract, studies over the years have shown SP to modulate sperm function, regulate the female reproductive environment, and even affect offspring health [6,[49][50][51]. In-depth studies of SP composition, such as the one carried out here, can aid in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind these effects.…”

Mating to Intact, but Not Vasectomized, Males Elicits Changes in the Endometrial Transcriptome: Insights From the Bovine Model

“…Traditionally, SP has been viewed as a mere vehicle for sperm that nourishes and supports these cells in the female reproductive tract. However, mounting evidence demonstrates an emerging role for SP components in the modulation of the endometrial and oviductal environment, which results in improved fertility and embryo survival and development (reviewed in Bromfeld, 2016 ; Morgan and Watkins, 2020 ). Exposure to SP in mice ( Schjenken et al, 2015 ; Song et al, 2016 ; Glynn et al, 2017 ), as well as in pigs ( O’Leary et al, 2004 , 2006 ) and mares ( Tunon et al, 2000 ; Palm et al, 2008 ; Fedorka et al, 2017 ), induces the expression of several endometrial cytokines, leading to leukocyte recruitment to the uterus.…”

Effect of Exposure to Seminal Plasma Through Natural Mating in Cattle on Conceptus Length and Gene Expression

“…Nonetheless, it is becoming apparent that offspring health can be affected by the environmental conditions experienced during gamete maturation, embryo development and fetal growth (Hanson and Gluckman, 2014). While the link between maternal environment and embryo and offspring wellbeing has been investigated in detail, the role of paternal factors in directing offspring development has been somewhat overlooked (Morgan and Watkins, 2019). However, there is growing evidence that paternal nutrition and body mass composition have direct impact on DNA integrity, sperm quality and epigenetic status (Fleming et al, 2018), which has an effect on the metabolic function of the offspring in mice (Bromfield et al, 2014;Watkins and Sinclair, 2014;Watkins et al, 2017Watkins et al, , 2018.…”