The preconception environment and sperm epigenetics

Abstract

BackgroundInfertility is a common reproductive disorder, with male factor infertility accounting for approximately half of all cases. Taking a paternal perceptive, recent research has shown that sperm epigenetics, such as changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure, and noncoding RNA expression, can impact reproductive and offspring health. Importantly, environmental conditions during the preconception period has been demonstrated to shape sperm epigenetics.ObjectivesTo provide an overview on epigenetic modifications that regulate normal gene expression and epigenetic remodeling that occurs during spermatogenesis, and to discuss the epigenetic alterations that may occur to the paternal germline as a consequence of preconception environmental conditions and exposures.Materials and methodsWe examined published literature available on databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect) focusing on adult male preconception environmental exposures and sperm epigenetics in epidemiologic studies and animal models.ResultsThe preconception period is a sensitive developmental window in which a variety of exposures such as toxicants, nutrition, drugs, stress, and exercise, affects sperm epigenetics.Discussion and ConclusionUnderstanding the environmental legacy of the sperm epigenome during spermatogenesis will enhance our understanding of reproductive health and improve reproductive success and offspring well‐being.

Effects of Paternal Preconception Vapor Alcohol Exposure Paradigms on Behavioral Responses in Offspring

“…It is not surprising that since the fetus develops in the maternal uterine environment, the study of alcohol effects on offspring development has focused mainly on maternal contributions, and the paternal preconception environment has been largely overlooked. However, emerging evidence suggests that paternal preconception exposures to a wide variety of environmental provocations including toxicant exposure produce complex phenotypes in offspring, likely by transmission of epimutations to the next generation via sperm [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Given the high prevalence of alcohol consumption in men [ 10 ], more research in this area is warranted to understand the intergenerational effects of paternal preconception alcohol use on offspring health and behavior.…”

Eating Disorders, Heredity and Environmental Activation: Getting Epigenetic Concepts into Practice

“…Fathers matter, too. Germ cells in the sperm line convey epigenetic information, meaning that fathers can also influence fetal programming in their offspring [37]. There is a now-sizable literature demonstrating that stress in parents of both sexes can impact neurodevelopment in their offspring via epigenetic processes (see [38] for a thorough review).…”

Global Methylation and Protamine Deficiency in Ram Spermatozoa Correlate with Sperm Production and Quality but Are Not Influenced by Melatonin or Season

“…Environmentally induced epigenetic changes in the male gamete are of increasing interest, as they emerge to be key drivers of developmental plasticity across generations [1]. Established Animals 2020, 10, 2302; doi:10.3390/ani10122302 www.mdpi.com/journal/animals predominantly in humans and mice, exposure of males to factors such as diet, exercise, pollutants and other environmental cues results in marked changes to the epigenome of spermatozoa [2][3][4][5], though the relationship between such changes and sperm fertility is yet to be fully elucidated. These effects upon the sperm epigenome are explored to a far lesser extent in domestic livestock, despite the exposure of males to a range of environmental conditions, stressors and diets in commercial production systems.…”