Correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation and methylation in male partners of couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss

With ∼50% recurrent pregnancy loss cases being termed idiopathic (iRPL), understanding of contribution of male factors to iRPL is still lacking. Higher prevalence of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and lower sperm 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) levels have been previously reported in male partners of iRPL couples and shed light on importance of the male gamete in maintenance of a successful pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine the serum sex steroid hormone levels, sperm DFI and 5-mC and correlation between them in male partners of fertile and iRPL couples. Further, correlation between sperm DFI and 5-mC with semen parameters and paternal age in both groups were determined. 36 male partners of fertile couples and 45 male partners of women experiencing iRPL were enrolled for this study and semen and blood samples were collected. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured by ELISA; sperm DFI and global 5-mC were determined by TUNEL assay and ELISA respectively. Significantly higher serum testosterone levels were noted in the iRPL group (p = 0.028). Incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in the iRPL study group but with no significance difference. No significant differences in sperm 5-mC values were noted. Upon correlation analysis within both groups, strong significant negative correlation of sperm DFI % and 5-mC % was observed in the control group (p < 0.001) but not the iRPL group (p = 0.249). Hence, we infer that with lower 5-mC levels in sperm genome, there is a higher incidence of sperm DFI in fertile men. However, this trend is not noted in men of iRPL group which could possibly be due to other underlying epigenetic alterations in genomic regions probably unsusceptible to fragmentation. On the other hand, no significant correlations of semen parameters, testosterone, estradiol and paternal age with sperm DFI and 5-mC were noted in both groups.

Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience

Anisman, H., Doubad, D., Asokumar, A. & Matheson, K. Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV, XXXX. Immigration occurs between countries either to obtain employment, for family reunification or to escape violence and other life-threatening conditions. Refugees and asylum seekers are often obligated to overcome a uniquely challenging set of circumstances prior to and during migration. Settlement following immigration may pose yet another set of stressors related to acculturation to the host country, as well as financial insecurity, discrimination, language barriers, and social isolation. Here we discuss the multiple consequences of immigration experiences, focusing on the health disturbances that frequently develop in adults and children. Aside from the psychosocial influences, immigration-related challenges may cause hormonal, inflammatory immune, and microbiota changes that favor psychological and physical illnesses. Some biological alterations are subject to modification by epigenetic changes, which have implications for intergenerational trauma transmission, as might disruptions in parenting behaviors and family dysfunction. Despite the hardships experienced, many immigrants and their families exhibit positive psychological adjustment after resettlement. We provide information to diminish the impacts associated with immigration and offer strength-based approaches that may foster resilience.

Brain Evolution in the Times of the Pandemic and Multimedia

BACKGROUND

In this paper, we argue that recent unprecedented social changes arising from social media and the internet represent powerful behavioral and environmental forces that are driving human evolutionary adaptive responses in a way that might reshape our brain and the way it perceives reality and interacts with it. These forces include decreases in physical activity, decreases in exposure to light, and face-to-face social interactions, as well as diminished predictability in biological rhythms (i.e., the sleep cycle is no longer dictated by natural light exposure and season).

SUMMARY

We discuss the roles of stress and of creativity and adaptability in Homo sapiens evolution and propose mechanisms for human adaptation to the new forces including epigenetic mechanisms, gene-culture coevolution, and novel mechanisms of evolution of the nervous system.

KEY MESSAGES

We present the provocative idea that evolution under the strong selective pressures of today's society could ultimately enable H. sapiens to thrive despite social, physical, circadian, and cultural deprivation and possible neurological disease, and thus withstand the loss of factors that contribute to H. sapiens survival of today. The new H. sapiens would flourish under a lifestyle in which the current form would feel undervalued and replaceable.

Multifaceted paternal exposures before conception and their epigenetic impact on offspring

As scientific research progresses, there is an increasing understanding of the importance of paternal epigenetics in influencing the health and developmental path of offspring. Prior to conception, the environmental exposures and lifestyle choices of fathers can significantly influence the epigenetic state of sperm, including DNA methylation and histone changes, among other factors. These alterations in epigenetic patterns have the potential for transgenerational transmission potential and may exert profound effects on the biological characteristics of descendants. Paternal epigenetic changes not only affect the regulation of gene expression patterns in offspring but also increase the risk to certain diseases. It is crucial to comprehend the conditions that fathers are exposed to before conception and the potential outcomes of these conditions. This understanding is essential for assessing personal reproductive decisions and anticipating health risks for future generations. This review article systematically summarizes and analyzes current research findings regarding how paternal pre-pregnancy exposures influence offspring as well as elucidates underlying mechanisms, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective for an enhanced understanding of the impact that paternal factors have on offspring health.

Transgenerational impacts of early life adversity: from health determinants, implications to epigenetic consequences

Exposure to different environmental factors, social and socioeconomic factors promotes development of the early-life adversity (ELA) phenotype. The persistence of this phenotype across generations is an interesting phenomenon that remains unexplored. Of late many studies have focused on disease-associated outcomes of ELA following exposure during childhood but the persistence of epigenetic imprints transmitted by ELA exposed parents to their offspring remains poorly described. It is possible that both parents are able to transmit ELA-associated genetic imprints to their offspring via transgenerational inheritance mechanisms. Here, we highlight the role of the mother and father in the biological process of conception, from epigenetic reprogramming cycles to later environmental exposures. We explain some of the known determinants of ELA (pollution, socioeconomic challenges, infections, etc.) and their disease-associated outcomes. Finally, we highlight the role of epigenetics, mitochondria and ncRNAs as mechanisms mediating transgenerational inheritance. Whether these transgenerational inheritance mechanisms occur in the human context remains unclear but there is a large body of suggestive evidence in non-human models that points out to its existence.

Longitudinal trends and correlation between autism spectrum disorder prevalence and sperm quality parameters (2000-2024): a comprehensive statistical analysis

Introduction

Over the past few decades, there has been growing concern about the concurrent trends of increasing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence and declining sperm quality. These trends represent significant public health challenges that warrant thorough investigation of their underlying causes and implications.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this study are to analyze trends in ASD prevalence and sperm quality parameters from 2000 to 2024, assess the statistical significance and effect size of these trends, explore potential correlations between ASD prevalence and sperm quality parameters, and identify significant predictors among sperm quality parameters that influence ASD prevalence.

Methods

This study employed a longitudinal approach using multiple regression, time series analysis, ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, logistic regression, and cross-correlation analysis. Data on ASD prevalence were sourced from the CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, while sperm quality data were collected from various published studies.

Results

The findings reveal significant negative associations between ASD prevalence and sperm quality parameters such as sperm concentration and motility, suggesting that better sperm quality is linked to lower ASD rates. Conversely, parameters like sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), volume of ejaculate, pH level, and semen viscosity show positive associations with ASD prevalence, indicating higher values in these parameters correlate with higher ASD rates.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of maintaining reproductive health to potentially mitigate ASD risk and calls for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these trends. These findings support the hypothesis that reproductive health factors play a crucial role in ASD etiology and suggest potential biological markers for assessing ASD risk.

Epigenetics and environmental health

Epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and RNA modifications complicate gene regulation and heredity and profoundly impact various physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetics is vulnerable to environmental changes and regulates the growth, development, and diseases of individuals by affecting chromatin activity and regulating gene expression. Environmental exposure or induced epigenetic changes can regulate the state of development and lead to developmental disorders, aging, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancers, and so on. However, epigenetic modifications are reversible. The use of specific epigenetic inhibitors targeting epigenetic changes in response to environmental exposure is useful in disease therapy. Here, we provide an overview of the role of epigenetics in various diseases. Furthermore, we summarize the mechanism of epigenetic alterations induced by different environmental exposures, the influence of different environmental exposures, and the crosstalk between environmental variation epigenetics, and genes that are implicated in the body's health. However, the interaction of multiple factors and epigenetics in regulating the initiation and progression of various diseases complicates clinical treatments. We discuss some commonly used epigenetic drugs targeting epigenetic modifications and methods to prevent or relieve various diseases regulated by environmental exposure and epigenetics through diet.

Sex and sex steroids as determinants of cardiovascular risk

There are considerable sex differences regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, as well as chronic renal disease. Women are largely protected from these conditions prior to menopause, and the risk increases following cessation of endogenous estrogen production or after surgical menopause. Cardiovascular diseases in women generally begin to occur at a later age than in men (on average with a delay of 10 years). Cessation of estrogen production also impacts metabolism, increasing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. In middle-aged individuals, hypertension develops earlier and faster in women than in men, and smoking increases cardiovascular risk to a greater degree in women than it does in men. It is not only estrogen that affects female cardiovascular health and plays a protective role until menopause: other sex hormones such as progesterone and androgen hormones generate a complex balance that differentiates heart and blood vessel function in women compared to men. Estrogens improve vasodilation of epicardial coronary arteries and the coronary microvasculature by augmenting the release of vasodilating factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, which are mechanisms of coronary vasodilatation that are more pronounced in women compared to men. Estrogens are also powerful inhibitors of inflammation, which in part explains their protective effects on CVD and chronic renal disease. Emerging evidence suggests that sex chromosomes also play a significant role in shaping cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular protection conferred by endogenous estrogens may be extended by hormone therapy, especially using bioidentical hormones and starting treatment early after menopause.

Epigenetics, Microbiota, and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. According to recent studies, alterations in the microbiota and epigenetic modulations are risk factors for this disease. This systematic review aims to determine the possible associations between the intestinal and mammary microbial populations, epigenetic modifications, and breast cancer. To achieve this objective, we conducted a literature search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Although no results are yet available in humans, studies in mice suggest a protective effect of maternal dietary interventions with bioactive compounds on the development of breast tumors in offspring. These dietary interventions also modified the gut microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa and preventing mammary carcinogenesis. In addition, short-chain fatty acids produced by the microbiota act as epigenetic modulators. Furthermore, some authors indicate that stress alters the gut microbiota, promoting breast tumor growth through epigenetic and gene expression changes in the breast tumor microenvironment. Taken together, these findings show the ability of epigenetic modifications and alterations of the microbiota associated with environmental factors to modulate the development, aggressiveness, and progression of breast cancer.

Determinants of Chromatin Organization in Aging and Cancer-Emerging Opportunities for Epigenetic Therapies and AI Technology

This review article critically examines the pivotal role of chromatin organization in gene regulation, cellular differentiation, disease progression and aging. It explores the dynamic between the euchromatin and heterochromatin, coded by a complex array of histone modifications that orchestrate essential cellular processes. We discuss the pathological impacts of chromatin state misregulation, particularly in cancer and accelerated aging conditions such as progeroid syndromes, and highlight the innovative role of epigenetic therapies and artificial intelligence (AI) in comprehending and harnessing the histone code toward personalized medicine. In the context of aging, this review explores the use of AI and advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms to parse vast biological datasets, leading to the development of predictive models for epigenetic modifications and providing a framework for understanding complex regulatory mechanisms, such as those governing cell identity genes. It supports innovative platforms like CEFCIG for high-accuracy predictions and tools like GridGO for tailored ChIP-Seq analysis, which are vital for deciphering the epigenetic landscape. The review also casts a vision on the prospects of AI and ML in oncology, particularly in the personalization of cancer therapy, including early diagnostics and treatment optimization for diseases like head and neck and colorectal cancers by harnessing computational methods, AI advancements and integrated clinical data for a transformative impact on healthcare outcomes.

What is driving the global decline of human fertility? Need for a multidisciplinary approach to the underlying mechanisms

An intense period of human population expansion over the past 250 years is about to cease. Total fertility rates are falling dramatically all over the world such that highly industrialized nations, including China and the tiger economies of SE Asia, will see their populations decline significantly in the coming decades. The socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental ramifications of this change are considerable and invite a multidisciplinary consideration of the underlying mechanisms. In the short-term, socioeconomic factors, particularly urbanization and delayed childbearing are powerful drivers of reduced fertility. In parallel, lifestyle factors such as obesity and the presence of numerous reproductive toxicants in the environment, including air-borne pollutants, nanoplastics and electromagnetic radiation, are seriously compromising reproductive health. In the longer term, it is hypothesized that the reduction in family size that accompanies the demographic transition will decrease selection pressure on high fertility genes leading to a progressive loss of human fecundity. Paradoxically, the uptake of assisted reproductive technologies at scale, may also contribute to such fecundity loss by encouraging the retention of poor fertility genotypes within the population. Since the decline in fertility rate that accompanies the demographic transition appears to be ubiquitous, the public health implications for our species are potentially devastating.

The influence of maternal diet on offspring's gut microbiota in early life

BACKGROUND

The influence of maternal diet on offspring's health is an area of study that is linked to epigenetics. Maternal diet contributes to determining the health status of offspring and maternally linked mechanisms and is a global health challenge that requires attention. The impact of gut microbiota on host metabolism and offspring health is still not established.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we intend to discuss the evidence on the impact of maternal diet and the health of offspring gut microbiota. The paper focuses on the gut microbiome of animal models. It captures the maternal diet and its influence on the offspring's gut microbiota, behavior that is supported by cell experimental results. Both inflammation and immune status of offspring induced by maternal diet are discussed. Finally, this review used predicted biological pathways involved in maternal diet and offspring health, and the influence of maternal diet on gut microbiota and offspring behavior. Obesity, diabetes, asthma and allergies, and neurodegenerative disorders and prospects for maternal diet, and microbiota and offspring health were discussed.

CONCLUSION

The review was able to gather that a high-fat diet during pregnancy created a long-lasting metabolic signature on the infant's innate immune system, altering inflammation in the offspring microbiota, which predisposed offspring to obesity and metabolic diseases in adulthood.

Could the sperm epigenome become a diagnostic tool for evaluation of the infertile man?

Although male infertility is currently diagnosed when abnormal sperm parameters are found, the poor predictive ability of sperm parameters on natural fecundity and medically assisted reproduction outcome poses the need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. The accumulating evidence about the role played by the sperm epigenome in modulation of the early phases of embryonic development has led researchers to focus on the epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome to find new molecular markers of male infertility. Indeed, sperm epigenome abnormalities could explain some cases of unexplained male infertility in men showing normal sperm parameters and were found to be associated with poor embryo development in IVF cycles. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge about this interesting topic, starting from a description of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' activity). We also discuss possible mechanisms by which environmental factors might cause epigenetic changes in the human germline and affect embryonic development, as well as subsequent generations' phenotypes. Studies demonstrating sperm epigenome abnormalities in men with male infertility are reviewed, with particular emphasis on those with the more severe form of spermatogenic dysfunction. Observations demonstrate that the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of sperm epigenome evaluation will help facilitate the management of men with male factor infertility.

Alterations in sperm DNA methylation may as a mediator of paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes: Insight from a birth cohort study

Paternal exposure to environmental risk factors influences the offspring health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between paternal air pollution exposure mediated by sperm DNA methylation and adverse birth outcomes in offspring. We recruited 1607 fertile men and their partners from 2014 to 2016 and collected semen samples to detect sperm DNA methylation. Multivariate linear regression and weighted quantile sum regression models were used to assess the associations between paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes. A critical exposure window was identified. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to detect sperm DNA methylation. The results demonstrated that high paternal exposure to PM2.5 (β = -211.31, 95% CI: (-386.37, -36.24)), PM10 (β = -178.20, 95% CI: (-277.13, -79.27)), and NO2 (β = -84.22, 95% CI: (-165.86, -2.57)) was negatively associated with offspring's birthweight, especially in boys. Additionally, an early exposure window of 15-69 days before fertilization was recognized to be the key exposure window, which increased the risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age. Furthermore, paternal co-exposure to six air pollutants contributed to lower birthweight (β = -51.91, 95% CI: (-92.72, -11.10)) and shorter gestational age (β = -1.72, 95% CI: (-3.26, -0.17)) and PM2.5 was the most weighted pollutant. Paternal air pollution exposure resulted in 10,328 differentially methylated regions and the IGF2R gene was the key gene involved in the epigenetic process. These differentially methylated genes were predominantly associated with protein binding, transcriptional regulation, and DNA templating. These findings indicate that spermatogenesis is a susceptible window during which paternal exposure to air pollution affects sperm DNA methylation and the birth outcomes of offspring.

Does Sperm SNRPN Methylation Change with Fertility Status and Age? A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Background: The Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N (SNRPN) gene is a paternally expressed imprinted gene, whose abnormal methylation appears to be associated with syndromes associated with the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), such as Angelman and Prader-Willi. Data present in the literature suggest the association between aberrant sperm SNRPN gene methylation and abnormal sperm parameters. The latest meta-analysis on the methylation pattern of this gene in spermatozoa of infertile patients published in 2017 reported a higher degree of methylation in the spermatozoa of infertile patients compared to fertile controls. Objectives: Here we provide an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the sperm methylation pattern of the SNRPN gene in patients with abnormal sperm parameters/infertility compared to men with normal sperm parameters/fertile. For the first time in the literature, we performed a meta-regression analysis to evaluate whether age or sperm concentration could influence the methylation status of this gene at the sperm level. Methods: This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (n. CRD42023397056). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the MOOSE guidelines for meta-analyses and systematic reviews of observational studies were strictly followed in our meta-analysis. According to our Population Exposure Comparison Outcome (PECO) question, we included data from original articles assessing the levels of SNRPN gene methylation at the sperm level in infertile patients or patients with abnormalities in one or more sperm parameters compared to fertile or normozoospermic men. Results: Only six of 354 screened studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Our analysis showed significantly higher levels of SNRPN gene methylation in patients compared to controls. However, significant heterogeneity was found between studies. In sensitivity analysis, no studies were sensitive enough to skew the results. The Egger test showed no publication bias. In the meta-regression analysis, the results were independent of age and sperm concentration in the overall population. The same results were found in the control group. However, when analyzing the patient group, a direct correlation was found between SNRPN methylation and age, indicating that the degree of methylation of the SNRPN gene increases with advancing age. Conclusions: Fertility status or abnormality of sperm parameters is associated with a change in the methylation pattern of the SNRPN gene, with higher levels found in infertile patients or those with abnormal sperm parameters compared to fertile men or men with normal sperm parameters. In the group of infertile patients/patients with abnormal sperm parameters, age was directly correlated to the degree of SNRPN methylation, highlighting the presence of a mechanism that explains the age-related altered sperm quality and the risk of ART. Despite some limitations present in the analyzed studies, our results support the inclusion of SNRPN methylation in the genetic panel of prospective studies aimed at identifying the most representative and cost-effective genes to analyze in couples who want to undergo ART.

Epigenetic biomarkers for disease susceptibility and preventative medicine

The development of molecular biomarkers for disease makes it possible for preventative medicine approaches to be considered. Therefore, therapeutics, treatments, or clinical management can be used to delay or prevent disease development. The problem with genetic mutations as biomarkers is the low frequency with genome-wide association studies (GWASs), generally at best a 1% association of the patients with the disease. In contrast, epigenetic alterations have a high-frequency association of greater than 90%-95% of individuals with pathology in epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs). A wide variety of human diseases have been shown to have epigenetic biomarkers that are disease specific and that detect pathology susceptibility. This review is focused on the epigenetic biomarkers for disease susceptibility, and it distinct from the large literature on epigenetics of disease etiology or progression. The development of efficient epigenetic biomarkers for disease susceptibility will facilitate a paradigm shift from reactionary medicine to preventative medicine.

Intergenerational effects of ionizing radiation: review of recent studies from human data (2018-2021)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a review of the studies published between 2018 and 2022 to investigate radiation-related effects in the offspring of human individuals exposed to ionizing radiation.

METHODS

The search identified 807 publications, from which 9 studies were selected for detailed analysis to examine for effects in children whose parents were exposed to various types and doses of radiation.

RESULTS

The review does not yield substantial evidence supporting intergenerational effects of radiation exposure in humans. However, caution is required when interpreting the results due to limitations in the majority of the published articles.

CONCLUSION

This review, covering the period 2018-2022, serves as an extension of the previous systematic review conducted by Stephens et al. (2024), which encompassed the years 1988-2018. Together, these two papers offer a comprehensive overview of the available evidence regarding the intergenerational effects of parental pre-conceptional exposure to ionizing radiation. Overall, the findings do not provide strong evidence supporting a significant association between adverse (or other) outcomes in unexposed children and parental preconception radiation exposure.

Relationship between degree of methylation of sperm long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) gene and alteration of sperm parameters and age: a meta-regression analysis

INTRODUCTION

The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE1) gene is a retrotransposon whose methylation status appears to play a role in spermatogenesis, the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and even in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Advanced paternal age appears associated with altered sperm parameters, RPL, poor ART outcomes, and compromised offspring health. The methylation status of LINE1 has been reported to be affected by age. The latest meta-analysis on the LINE1 methylation pattern in spermatozoa found no significant differences in methylation levels between infertile patients and fertile controls. However, to the best of our knowledge, no updated meta-analysis on this topic has been published recently. Furthermore, no comprehensive meta-regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between sperm LINE1 methylation pattern and age.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on sperm LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with abnormal sperm parameters compared to men with normal sperm parameters and to probe the association between sperm LINE1 methylation status and age and/or sperm concentration.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration n. CRD42023397056). It was performed according to the MOOSE guidelines for Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Only original articles evaluating LINE1 gene methylation in spermatozoa from patients with infertility or abnormalities in one or more sperm parameters compared to fertile or normozoospermic men were included.

RESULTS

Of 192 abstracts evaluated for eligibility, only 5 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, involving a total of 340 patients and 150 controls. Our analysis showed no significant difference in LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with infertility and/or abnormal sperm parameters compared to fertile controls and/or men with normal sperm parameters, although there was significant heterogeneity across studies. No significant evidence of publication bias was found, and no study was sensitive enough to alter the results. In meta-regression analysis, we found that the results were independent of both ages and sperm concentration. A sub-analysis examining patients and controls separately was also conducted and we found a trend for a positive correlation between LINE1 methylation and sperm concentration in the control group only.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis do not suggest a determining role of sperm LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with infertility and/or abnormal sperm parameters. Therefore, we do not suggest including LINE1 in the genetic panel of prospective studies aimed at identifying the most representative and cost-effective genes to be analyzed in couples undergoing ART cycles.

Environmental and Genetic Traffic in the Journey from Sperm to Offspring

Recent advancements in the understanding of how sperm develop into offspring have shown complex interactions between environmental influences and genetic factors. The past decade, marked by a research surge, has not only highlighted the profound impact of paternal contributions on fertility and reproductive outcomes but also revolutionized our comprehension by unveiling how parental factors sculpt traits in successive generations through mechanisms that extend beyond traditional inheritance patterns. Studies have shown that offspring are more susceptible to environmental factors, especially during critical phases of growth. While these factors are broadly detrimental to health, their effects are especially acute during these periods. Moving beyond the immutable nature of the genome, the epigenetic profile of cells emerges as a dynamic architecture. This flexibility renders it susceptible to environmental disruptions. The primary objective of this review is to shed light on the diverse processes through which environmental agents affect male reproductive capacity. Additionally, it explores the consequences of paternal environmental interactions, demonstrating how interactions can reverberate in the offspring. It encompasses direct genetic changes as well as a broad spectrum of epigenetic adaptations. By consolidating current empirically supported research, it offers an exhaustive perspective on the interwoven trajectories of the environment, genetics, and epigenetics in the elaborate transition from sperm to offspring.

Biodiversity and Constrained Information Dynamics in Ecosystems: A Framework for Living Systems

The increase in ecosystem biodiversity can be perceived as one of the universal processes converting energy into information across a wide range of living systems. This study delves into the dynamics of living systems, highlighting the distinction between ex post adaptation, typically associated with natural selection, and its proactive counterpart, ex ante adaptability. Through coalescence experiments using synthetic ecosystems, we (i) quantified ecosystem stability, (ii) identified correlations between some biodiversity indexes and the stability, (iii) proposed a mechanism for increasing biodiversity through moderate inter-ecosystem interactions, and (iv) inferred that the information carrier of ecosystems is species composition, or merged genomic information. Additionally, it was suggested that (v) changes in ecosystems are constrained to a low-dimensional state space, with three distinct alteration trajectories-fluctuations, rapid environmental responses, and long-term changes-converging into this state space in common. These findings suggest that daily fluctuations may predict broader ecosystem changes. Our experimental insights, coupled with an exploration of living systems' information dynamics from an ecosystem perspective, enhance our predictive capabilities for natural ecosystem behavior, providing a universal framework for understanding a broad spectrum of living systems.

Arabidopsis thaliana: a powerful model organism to explore histone modifications and their upstream regulations

Histones are subjected to extensive covalent modifications that affect inter-nucleosomal interactions as well as alter chromatin structure and DNA accessibility. Through switching the corresponding histone modifications, the level of transcription and diverse downstream biological processes can be regulated. Although animal systems are widely used in studying histone modifications, the signalling processes that occur outside the nucleus prior to histone modifications have not been well understood due to the limitations including non viable mutants, partial lethality, and infertility of survivors. Here, we review the benefits of using Arabidopsis thaliana as the model organism to study histone modifications and their upstream regulations. Similarities among histones and key histone modifiers such as the Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) in Drosophila, Human, and Arabidopsis are examined. Furthermore, prolonged cold-induced vernalization system has been well-studied and revealed the relationship between the controllable environment input (duration of vernalization), its chromatin modifications of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), following gene expression, and the corresponding phenotypes. Such evidence suggests that research on Arabidopsis can bring insights into incomplete signalling pathways outside of the histone box, which can be achieved through viable reverse genetic screenings based on the phenotypes instead of direct monitoring of histone modifications among individual mutants. The potential upstream regulators in Arabidopsis can provide cues or directions for animal research based on the similarities between them.

A review of plant epigenetics through the lens of almond

While genomes were originally seen as static entities that stably held and organized genetic information, recent advances in sequencing have uncovered the dynamic nature of the genome. New conceptualizations of the genome include complex relationships between the environment and gene expression that must be maintained, regulated, and sometimes even transmitted over generations. The discovery of epigenetic mechanisms has allowed researchers to understand how traits like phenology, plasticity, and fitness can be altered without changing the underlying deoxyribonucleic acid sequence. While many discoveries were first made in animal systems, plants provide a particularly complex set of epigenetic mechanisms due to unique aspects of their biology and interactions with human selective breeding and cultivation. In the plant kingdom, annual plants have received the most attention; however, perennial plants endure and respond to their environment and human management in distinct ways. Perennials include crops such as almond, for which epigenetic effects have long been linked to phenomena and even considered relevant for breeding. Recent discoveries have elucidated epigenetic phenomena that influence traits such as dormancy and self-compatibility, as well as disorders like noninfectious bud failure, which are known to be triggered by the environment and influenced by inherent aspects of the plant. Thus, epigenetics represents fertile ground to further understand almond biology and production and optimize its breeding. Here, we provide our current understanding of epigenetic regulation in plants and use almond as an example of how advances in epigenetics research can be used to understand biological fitness and agricultural performance in crop plants.

Unraveling the Impact of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Reproductive Outcomes

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying subcellular causes of male infertility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) research has been at the forefront of this focus. DNA damage can occur during spermatogenesis due to faulty chromatin compaction or excessive abortive apoptosis. It can also happen as sperm transit through the genital tract, often induced by oxidative stress. There are several methods for SDF testing, with the sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTI nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, comet assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test being the most commonly used. Numerous studies strongly support the negative impact of SDF on male fertility potential. DNA damage has been linked to various morphological and functional sperm abnormalities, ultimately affecting natural conception and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. This evidence-based review aims to explore how SDF influences male reproduction and provide insights into available therapeutic options to minimize its detrimental impact.

Dietary flavonoids prevent diabetes through epigenetic regulation: advance and challenge

The pathophysiology of diabetes has been studied extensively in various countries, but effective prevention and treatment methods are still insufficient. In recent years, epigenetics has received increasing attention from researchers in exploring the etiology and treatment of diabetes. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs play critical roles in the occurrence, maintenance, and progression of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, preventing or reversing the epigenetic alterations that occur during the development of diabetes may reduce the individual and societal burden of the disease. Dietary flavonoids serve as natural epigenetic modulators for the discovery of biomarkers for diabetes prevention and the development of alternative therapies. However, there is limited knowledge about the potential beneficial effects of flavonoids on the epigenetics of diabetes. In this review, the multidimensional epigenetic effects of different flavonoid subtypes in diabetes were summarized. Furthermore, it was discussed that parental flavonoid diets might reduce diabetes incidence in offspring, which represent a promising opportunity to prevent diabetes in the future. Future work will depend on exploring anti-diabetic effects of different flavonoids with different epigenetic regulation mechanisms and clinical trials.Highlights• "Epigenetic therapy" could reduce the burden of diabetic patients• "Epigenetic diet" ameliorates diabetes• Targeting epigenetic regulations by dietary flavonoids in the diabetes prevention• Dietary flavonoids prevent diabetes via transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.

Chronic Degradation of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests Increases the Incidence of Genotoxicity in Birds

Multiple studies have shown that exposure to pollutants can increase genotoxic damage in different taxa. However, to our knowledge, the effects of environmental stress have been explored little. In certain stressful ecosystems, such as seasonally dry tropical forests, the combined effects of anthropogenic activities and ongoing global changes can cause an increase in environmental stresses, in turn, may trigger physiological and genetic effects on biodiversity. The present aims to assess changes in the prevalence of genotoxic damage in birds within three states of forest degradation in the Tumbesian Region of Western Ecuador. We used blood samples from 50 bird species to determine the frequency of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes. Our results revealed a significant impact of forest degradation on the occurrence probability of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities at the community level. Localities with higher levels of degradation exhibited higher levels of abnormalities. However, when analyzing the dominant species, we found contrasting responses. While Lepidocolaptes souleyetii showed a reduction in the proportion of nuclear abnormalities from the natural to shrub-dominated localities Troglodytes aedon and Polioptila plumbea showed an increase for semi-natural and shrub-dominated respectively. We concluded that the degradation process of these tropical forests increases the stress of bird community generating genotoxic damage. Bird responses seem to be species-specific, which could explain the differences in changes in bird composition reported in other studies.

Role of Epigenetics and Metabolomics in Predicting Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide health problem and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in T2D patients, making the prevention of CVD onset a major priority. It is therefore crucial to optimize diagnosis and treatment to reduce this burden. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the most important prognostic factors for CVD progression, thus novel approaches to identify the early phase of endothelial dysfunction may lead to specific preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of CVD. Nowadays, multiomics approaches have provided unprecedented opportunities to stratify T2D patients into endotypes, improve therapeutic treatment and outcome and amend the survival prediction. Among omics strategies, epigenetics and metabolomics are gaining increasing interest. Recently, a dynamic correlation between metabolic pathways and gene expression through chromatin remodeling, such as DNA methylation, has emerged, indicating new perspectives on the regulatory networks impacting cellular processes. Thus, a better understanding of epigenetic-metabolite relationships can provide insight into the physiological processes altered early in the endothelium that ultimately head to disease development. Here, recent studies on epigenetics and metabolomics related to CVD prevention potentially useful to identify disease biomarkers, as well as new therapies hopefully targeting the early phase of endothelial dysfunction are highlighted.

Development of a model for studying the developmental consequences of oxidative sperm DNA damage by targeting redox-cycling naphthoquinones to the Sertoli cell population

Oxidative stress can be induced in the testes by a wide range of factors, including scrotal hyperthermia, varicocele, environmental toxicants, obesity and infection. The clinical consequences of such stress include the induction of genetic damage in the male germ line which may, in turn, have serious implications for the health and wellbeing of the progeny. In order to confirm the transgenerational impact of oxidative stress in the testes, we sought to develop an animal model in which this process could be analysed. Our primary approach to this problem was to induce Sertoli cells (robust, terminally differentiated, tissue-specific testicular cells whose radioresistance indicates significant resistance to oxidative stress) to generate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the testes. To achieve this aim, six follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) peptides were developed and compared for selective targeting to Sertoli cells both in vitro and in vivo. Menadione, a redox-cycling agent, was then conjugated to the most promising FSH candidate using a linker that had been optimised to enable maximum production of ROS in the targeted cells. A TM4 Sertoli cell line co-incubated with the FSH-menadione conjugate in vitro exhibited significantly higher levels of mitochondrial ROS generation (10-fold), lipid peroxidation (2-fold) and oxidative DNA damage (2-fold) than the vehicle control. Additionally, in a proof-of-concept study, ten weeks after a single injection of the FSH-menadione conjugate in vivo, injected male mice were found to exhibit a 1.6 fold increase in DNA double strand breaks and 13-fold increase in oxidative DNA damage to their spermatozoa while still retaining their ability to initiate a pregnancy. We suggest this model could now be used to study the influence of chronic oxidative stress on testicular function with emphasis on the impact of DNA damage in the male germ line on the mutational profile and health of future generations.

Chronic and intergenerational toxic effects of 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate on the water flea, Moina macrocopa

With the increasing use and production of "green solvents" ionic liquids (ILs) and their known stability in the environment, the potential adverse effects of ILs have become a focus of research. In the present study, acute, chronic, and intergenerational toxic effects of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid, 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Demim]PF6), on Moina macrocopa were investigated following the parental exposure. The results showed that [Demim]PF6 exhibited high toxicity to M. macrocopa, and the long-term exposure significantly inhibited the survivorship, development, and reproduction of the water flea. Furthermore, it is also observed that [Demim]PF6 induced toxic effects in the following generation of M. macrocopa, resulting in the complete cessation of reproduction in the first offspring generation, and the growth of the organisms was also significantly affected. These findings provided a novel insight into the intergenerational toxicity induced by ILs to crustaceans and suggested that these compounds pose potential risks to the aquatic ecosystem.

Developmental origins of health and disease: Impact of paternal nutrition and lifestyle

Most epidemiological and experimental studies have focused on maternal influences on offspring's health. The impact of maternal undernutrition, overnutrition, hypoxia, and stress is linked to adverse offspring outcomes across a range of systems including cardiometabolic, respiratory, endocrine, and reproduction among others. During the past decade, it has become evident that paternal environmental factors are also linked to the development of diseases in offspring. In this article, we aim to outline the current understanding of the impact of male health and environmental exposure on offspring development, health, and disease and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health. The available evidence suggests that poor paternal pre-conceptional nutrition and lifestyle, and advanced age can increase the risk of negative outcomes in offspring, via both direct (genetic/epigenetic) and indirect (maternal uterine environment) effects. Beginning at preconception, and during utero and the early life after birth, cells acquire an epigenetic memory of the early exposure which can be influential across the entire lifespan and program a child's health. Potentially not only mothers but also fathers should be advised that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important to improve offspring health as well as the parental health status. However, the evidence is mostly based on animal studies, and well-designed human studies are urgently needed to verify findings from animal data.

Semen Analysis in "Urology-Naïve" Patients: A Chance of Uroandrological Screening in Young Males

(1) Background: While females start their gynecological examinations during puberty, only few men decide to be visited by urologists in their youth. Given the participation in the EcoFoodFertility research project, our department had the opportunity to screen young males that were supposedly healthy. (2) Results: from January 2019 to July 2020, we evaluated 157 patients with sperm, blood analysis, and uroandrological examinations. The inclusion criteria were age 18-40 and absence of previous urological disease (urology-naïve). The primary endpoint of the study was to record uroandrological diseases that are occasionally discovered during examination in asymptomatic young men. The average age was 26.9 years (range 18-40); average testicular volume was 15.7 mL (range 12-22 mL); and 45.2% reported abnormal semen analysis: 62 cases of teratozoospermia, 27 asthenozoospermia, 18 oligozoospermia, and 2 azoospermia were discovered respectively; 4/157 patients were diagnosed with hypogonadism; 2 cases with suspicious testicular mass resulted in testicular cancer; and 31 suspected varicoceles and 8 patients with mild sexual dysfunctions were managed. (3) Conclusions: an uroandrological evaluation of young asymptomatic males allowed for the prompt diagnosis of different urological conditions, including cancerous ones, in our series. Despite being debatable, combining urological counselling with physical examination, semen analysis, and a laboratory profile could be useful and cost-effective in order to ameliorate male health.

Sperm epigenetics landscape: correlation with embryo quality, reproductive outcomes and offspring's health

Epigenetics refers to how gene expression and function are modulated without modifying the DNA sequence but through subtle molecular changes or interactions with it. As spermatogenesis progresses, male germ cells suffer plenty of epigenetic modifications, resulting in the definitive epigenome of spermatozoa conditioning its functionality, and this process can be altered by several internal and external factors. The paternal epigenome is crucial for sperm function, fertilization, embryo development, and offspring's health, and altered epigenetic states are associated with male infertility with or without altered semen parameters, embryo quality impairment, and worse ART outcomes together with the future offspring's health risks mainly through intergenerational transmission of epigenetic marks. Identifying epigenetic biomarkers may improve male factor diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies, not only to improve fertility but also to allow an early detection of risk and disease prevention in the progeny. While still there is much research to be done, hopefully in the near future, improvements in high-throughput technologies applied to epigenomes will permit our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and the development of diagnostics and therapies leading to improved reproductive outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetics in sperm and how epigenetics behave during spermatogenesis. Additionally, we elaborate on the relationship of sperm epigenetics with sperm parameters and male infertility, and highlight the impact of sperm epigenetic alterations on sperm parameters, embryo quality, ART outcomes, miscarriage rates and offspring's health. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future research of epigenetic alterations in male infertility.

Prenatal exposure to benzo[a]pyrene depletes ovarian reserve and masculinizes embryonic ovarian germ cell transcriptome transgenerationally

People are widely exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Prior studies showed that prenatal exposure to BaP depletes germ cells in ovaries, causing earlier onset of ovarian senescence post-natally; developing testes were affected at higher doses than ovaries. Our primary objective was to determine if prenatal BaP exposure results in transgenerational effects on ovaries and testes. We orally dosed pregnant germ cell-specific EGFP-expressing mice (F0) with 0.033, 0.2, or 2 mg/kg-day BaP or vehicle from embryonic day (E) 6.5-11.5 (F1 offspring) or E6.5-15.5 (F2 and F3). Ovarian germ cells at E13.5 and follicle numbers at postnatal day 21 were significantly decreased in F3 females at all doses of BaP; testicular germ cell numbers were not affected. E13.5 germ cell RNA-sequencing revealed significantly increased expression of male-specific genes in female germ cells across generations and BaP doses. Next, we compared the ovarian effects of 2 mg/kg-day BaP dosing to wild type C57BL/6J F0 dams from E6.5-11.5 or E12.5-17.5. We observed no effects on F3 ovarian follicle numbers with either of the shorter dosing windows. Our results demonstrate that F0 BaP exposure from E6.5-15.5 decreased the number of and partially disrupted transcriptomic sexual identity of female germ cells transgenerationally.

Causes of preterm birth: Genetic factors in preterm birth and preterm infant phenotypes

AIM

The aim is to provide an overview of recent research on genetic factors that influence preterm birth in the context of neonatal phenotypic assessment.

METHODS

This is a nonsystematic review of the recent scientific literature.

RESULTS

Maternal and fetal genetic diversity and rare genome variants are linked with crucial immune response sites. In addition, more frequent in preterm neonates, de novo variants may lead to attention deficits, hyperactivity, autism spectrum disorders, and infertility of both sexes later in life. Environmental factors may also greatly burden fetal, and consequently, neonatal development and neurodevelopment through a failure in the fetal epigenome reprogramming process and even influence the initiation of spontaneous preterm pregnancy termination. Minimally invasive analysis of the transcription factors associated with preterm birth helps elucidate labor mechanisms and predict its timing. We also provide valuable summaries of genomic and transcriptomic factors that contribute to preterm birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigation of the human genome, epigenome, and transcriptome helps to identify molecular mechanisms linked with preterm delivery and premature newborn clinical appearance in early and late neonatal life and even predict developmental outcomes. Further studies are needed to fully understand the implications of genetic changes in preterm births. These data could be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at selecting the most effective individual treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Epigenetic markers in the embryonal germ cell development and spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process of generation of male reproductive cells from spermatogonial stem cells in the seminiferous epithelium of the testis. During spermatogenesis, key spermatogenic events such as stem cell self-renewal and commitment to meiosis, meiotic recombination, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, followed by cellular and chromatin remodeling of elongating spermatids occur, leading to sperm cell production. All the mentioned events are at least partially controlled by the epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones. Additionally, during embryonal development in primordial germ cells, global epigenetic reprogramming of DNA occurs. In this review, we summarized the most important epigenetic modifications in the particular stages of germ cell development, in DNA and histone proteins, starting from primordial germ cells, during embryonal development, and ending with histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis.

Present and future challenges for the investigation of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

Epigenetic pathways are essential in different biological processes and in phenotype-environment interactions in response to different stressors and they can induce phenotypic plasticity. They encompass several processes that are mitotically and, in some cases, meiotically heritable, so they can be transferred to subsequent generations via the germline. Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance (TEI) describes the phenomenon that phenotypic traits, such as changes in fertility, metabolic function, or behavior, induced by environmental factors (e.g., parental care, pathogens, pollutants, climate change), can be transferred to offspring generations via epigenetic mechanisms. Investigations on TEI contribute to deciphering the role of epigenetic mechanisms in adaptation, adversity, and evolution. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission of epigenetic changes between generations, and the downstream chain of events leading to persistent phenotypic changes, remain unclear. Therefore, inter-, (transmission of information between parental and offspring generation via direct exposure) and transgenerational (transmission of information through several generations with disappearance of the triggering factor) consequences of epigenetic modifications remain major issues in the field of modern biology. In this article, we review and describe the major gaps and issues still encountered in the TEI field: the general challenges faced in epigenetic research; deciphering the key epigenetic mechanisms in inheritance processes; identifying the relevant drivers for TEI and implement a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to study TEI. Finally, we provide suggestions on how to overcome these challenges and ultimately be able to identify the specific contribution of epigenetics in transgenerational inheritance and use the correct tools for environmental science investigation and biomarkers identification.

Using zebrafish embryo bioassays to identify chemicals modulating the regulation of the epigenome: a case study with simvastatin

Contaminants of emerging concern have been increasingly associated with the modulation of the epigenome, leading to potentially inherited and persistent impacts on apical endpoints. Here, we address the performance of the OECD Test No. 236 FET (fish embryo acute toxicity) in the identification of chemicals able to modulate the epigenome. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, acute and chronic exposures were performed with the pharmaceutical, simvastatin (SIM), a widely prescribed hypocholesterolemic drug reported to induce inter and transgenerational effects. In the present study, the epigenetic effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of SIM (from 8 ng/L to 2000 ng/L) were addressed following (1) an acute embryo assay based on OECD Test No. 236 FET, (2) a chronic partial life-cycle exposure using adult zebrafish (90 days), and (3) F1 embryos obtained from parental exposed animals. Simvastatin induced significant effects in gene expression of key epigenetic biomarkers (DNA methylation and histone acetylation/deacetylation) in the gonads of exposed adult zebrafish and in 80 hpf zebrafish embryos (acute and chronic parental intergenerational exposure), albeit with distinct effect profiles between biological samples. In the chronic exposure, SIM impacted particularly DNA methyltransferase genes in males and female gonads, whereas in F1 embryos SIM affected mostly genes associated with histone acetylation/deacetylation. In the embryo acute direct exposure, SIM modulated the expression of both genes involved in DNA methylation and histone deacetylase. These findings further support the use of epigenetic biomarkers in zebrafish embryos in a high throughput approach to identify and prioritize epigenome-modulating chemicals.

Microcystin-leucine-arginine affects brain gene expression programs and behaviors of offspring through paternal epigenetic information

Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) adversely affects male reproduction and interferes with the development of the offspring. Here, we establish a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model to understand the cross-generational effects of MC-LR in a male-lineage transmission pattern. F0 embryos were reared in water containing MC-LR (0, 5, and 25 μg/L) for 90 days and the developmental indices of F1 and F2 embryos were then measured with no MC-LR treatment. The results show that paternal MC-LR exposure reduced the hatching rate, heart rate and body weight in F1 and F2 generations. Global DNA methylation significantly increased in sperm and testes with the elevation expressions of DNA methyltransferases. Meanwhile, DNA methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) promoter was increased in sperm after paternal MC-LR exposure. Subsequently, increased DNA methylation of bdnf promoter and decreased gene expression of bdnf in the brain of F1 male zebrafish were detected. F1 offspring born to F0 males exhibit the depression of BDNF/AKT/CREB pathway and recapitulate these paternal neurodevelopment phenotypes in F2 offspring. In addition, the DNA methylations of dio3b and gad1b promoters were decreased and gene expressions of gad1b and dio3b were increased, accompanied with neurotransmitter disturbances in the brain of F1 male zebrafish after paternal MC-LR exposure. These data revealed that MC-LR displays a potential epigenetic impact on the germ line, reprogramming the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of brain development, and contributing to aberrant expression of neurodevelopment-related genes and behavior disorders.

DNA interaction studies of a cobalt(III) complex containing β-amino alcohol ligand by spectroscopic and molecular docking methods

In the present research, the feasibility of a Cobalt(III) complex containing β-amino alcohol ligands for affinity with the target calf thymus DNA is demonstrated. In the title complex, [Co(C11H15N2O2)2]Cl, the Co(III) atom is six-coordinated with four N atoms and two O atoms from (2-[(E)-({2-[(2-Hydroxyethyl) amino]ethyl}imino)methyl]phenol) ligand (L). To investigate the molecular interaction between the synthesized complex and DNA, some multi-spectroscopic approaches associated with molecular docking were employed in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4). The results indicated that the Co(III) complex proved to be a minor groove binder with a preference for the A-T region, which was substantiated by displacement studies with Hoechst33258 and Methylene blue (MB) as minor groove binder and intercalator. In addition, the results of the molecular docking study revealed that the Co(III) complex approached the gap between the DNA minor grooves near the spot where the Hoechst was. Furthermore, the results of the cytotoxicity and apoptosis tests for the MCF-7 cell line were also indicative of the positive effects of the complex on controlling the growth and viability of breast cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Detangling the interrelations between MAFLD, insulin resistance, and key hormones

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has increasingly become a significant and highly prevalent cause of chronic liver disease, displaying a wide array of risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms of which only a few have so far been clearly elucidated. A bidirectional interaction between hormonal discrepancies and metabolic-related disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been described. Since the change in nomenclature from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to MAFLD is based on the clear impact of metabolic elements on the disease, the reciprocal interactions of hormones such as insulin, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), and estrogens have strongly pointed to the intrinsic links that lead to the heterogeneous epidemiology, clinical presentations, and risk factors involved in MAFLD in different populations. The objective of this work is twofold. Firstly, there is a brief discussion regarding the change in nomenclature as well as epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiologic mechanisms other than hormonal effects, which include nutrition and the gut microbiome, as well as genetic and epigenetic influences. Secondly, we review the basis of the most important hormonal factors involved in the development and progression of MAFLD that act both independently and in an interrelated manner.

Epigenetics Beyond Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Overview

Fetal growth restriction is a pathological condition occurring when the fetus does not reach the genetically determined growth potential. The etiology of fetal growth restriction is expected to be multifactorial and include fetal, maternal, and placental factors, the latter being the most frequent cause of isolated fetal growth restriction. Severe fetal growth restriction has been related to both an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and also a greater susceptibility to developing diseases (especially cardio-metabolic and neurological disorders) later in life. In the last decade, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease, which states that individual developmental 'programming' takes place via a delicate fine tuning of fetal genetic and epigenetic marks in response to a large variety of 'stressor' exposures during pregnancy. As the placenta is the maternal-fetal interface, it has a crucial role in fetal programming, such that any perturbation altering placental function interferes with both in-utero fetal growth and also with the adult life phenotype. Several epigenetic mechanisms have been highlighted in modulating the dynamic placental epigenome, including alterations in DNA methylation status, post-translational modification of histones, and non-coding RNAs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available literature on the epigenetic background of fetal growth restriction. A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to January 2022. A detailed and fully referenced synthesis of available literature following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles guidelines is provided. A variety of epigenetic marks predominantly interfering with placental development, function, and metabolism were found to be potentially associated with fetal growth restriction. Available evidence on the role of environmental exposures in shaping the placental epigenome and the fetal phenotype were also critically discussed. Because of the highly dynamic crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and the extra level of complexity in interpreting the final placental transcriptome, a full comprehension of these phenomenon is still lacking and advances in multi-omics approaches are urgently needed. Elucidating the role of epigenetics in the developmental origins of health and disease represents a new challenge for the coming years, with the goal of providing early interventions and prevention strategies and, hopefully, new treatment opportunities.

The Influence of Parental Environmental Exposure and Nutrient Restriction on the Early Life of Offspring Growth in Gambia-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

The role of the germline in epigenetic transgenerational inheritance starts with environmental factors, acting on the first generation of a gestating mother. These factors influence the developing second-generation fetus by altering gonadal development, thereby reprogramming the primordial germ cell DNA methylation and leading to consequences that might be seen along generations.

OBJECTIVE

Despite these epigenetic factors now surfacing, the few available studies are on animal-based experiments, and conducting a follow-up on human intergenerational trials might take decades. To this response, this study aimed to determine the influence of parental energy, toxicant exposure, age, and nutrient restriction on the early life of offspring growth in Gambia.

METHOD

This pilot study was based on population observation and combined both maternal and paternal factors across the country between August and October 2021. It captures the lifestyle and health detailed account of 339 reproductive parents and their last born (child under 5 years) using a structured interview questionnaire performed by nurses and public health officers.

RESULTS

This study showed that parents who worked in industrial areas were more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. In addition, mothers who are exposed to oxidative stress and high temperatures are more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. Mothers who consume a high-protein diet were almost three times more likely to have infants with good psychosocial skills in their offspring. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between maternal stress during pregnancy and the psychosocial skills of offspring.

CONCLUSION

This study was able to ascertain if the maternal diet during gestation, toxicant exposure, maternal stress, and parental smoking habits have an influence on the early life of offspring. While the study recommends a large sample size study to eliminate selection bias, there should be an increased level of awareness of mothers of their offspring's health and their husbands' lifestyles that might influence the adulthood health of their offspring.

Evidence of maternal and paternal age effects on speed in thoroughbred racehorses

Effects of parental age on offspring viability have been reported in a wide range of species. However, to what extent parental age influences offspring traits beyond viability remains unclear. Moreover, previous research has primarily focused on maternal age effects. The purpose of this study was to test for paternal and maternal age effects on offspring speed in thoroughbred racehorses. We analysed over 900 000 race performances by over 100 000 horses on British racecourses between 1996 and 2019. With knowledge of the age of all 41 107 dams and 2 887 sires at offspring conception, we jointly modelled maternal and paternal age effects using a 'within-individual centring' approach. Within-parents, we identified a significant effect of maternal age on offspring speed of -0.017 yards s^-1 yr^-1 and a corresponding paternal age effect of -0.011 yards s^-1 yr^-1. Although maternal age effects were stronger (more negative), the existence and magnitude of paternal effects is particularly noteworthy, given thoroughbred sires have no involvement in parental care. Our results also suggest that the selective disappearance of both sires and dams is ongoing. These findings could potentially be used to optimize thoroughbred racehorse breeding decisions, and more generally, add to the increasing body of evidence that both maternal and paternal age affect a range of offspring characteristics.

Unveiling the nexus between parental exposure to toxicants and heritable spermiotoxicity - Is life history a shield or a shadow?

The knowledge on parental experiences is critical to predict how organisms react to environmental challenges. So, the DNA integrity of Procambarus clarkii spermatozoa exposed ex vivo to the herbicide penoxsulam (Px) or ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS; model genotoxicant) was assessed with and without the influence of in vivo parental exposure to the same agents. The parental exposure alone did not affect the DNA of unexposed spermatozoa. However, the history of Px exposure increased the vulnerability to oxidative lesions in Px-exposed offspring. Otherwise, parental exposure to EMS allowed the development of protection mechanisms expressed when F₁ was also exposed to EMS, unveiling life history as a shield. The parental exposure to a different agent adverse and decisively affected Px spermiotoxic potential, pointing out life history as a shadow to progeny. Given the complexity of the aquatic contamination scenarios, involving mixtures, the spermiotoxicity of Px to wild P. clarkii populations emerged as probable.

Evidence of maternal and paternal age effects on speed in thoroughbred racehorses

Effects of parental age on offspring viability have been reported in a wide range of species. However, to what extent parental age influences offspring traits beyond viability remains unclear. Moreover, previous research has primarily focused on maternal age effects. The purpose of this study was to test for paternal and maternal age effects on offspring speed in thoroughbred racehorses. We analysed over 900 000 race performances by over 100 000 horses on British racecourses between 1996 and 2019. With knowledge of the age of all 41 107 dams and 2 887 sires at offspring conception, we jointly modelled maternal and paternal age effects using a 'within-individual centring' approach. Within-parents, we identified a significant effect of maternal age on offspring speed of -0.017 yards s^-1 yr^-1 and a corresponding paternal age effect of -0.011 yards s^-1 yr^-1. Although maternal age effects were stronger (more negative), the existence and magnitude of paternal effects is particularly noteworthy, given thoroughbred sires have no involvement in parental care. Our results also suggest that the selective disappearance of both sires and dams is ongoing. These findings could potentially be used to optimize thoroughbred racehorse breeding decisions, and more generally, add to the increasing body of evidence that both maternal and paternal age affect a range of offspring characteristics.

Evidence of maternal and paternal age effects on speed in thoroughbred racehorses

Effects of parental age on offspring viability have been reported in a wide range of species. However, to what extent parental age influences offspring traits beyond viability remains unclear. Moreover, previous research has primarily focused on maternal age effects. The purpose of this study was to test for paternal and maternal age effects on offspring speed in thoroughbred racehorses. We analysed over 900 000 race performances by over 100 000 horses on British racecourses between 1996 and 2019. With knowledge of the age of all 41 107 dams and 2 887 sires at offspring conception, we jointly modelled maternal and paternal age effects using a 'within-individual centring' approach. Within-parents, we identified a significant effect of maternal age on offspring speed of -0.017 yards s^-1 yr^-1 and a corresponding paternal age effect of -0.011 yards s^-1 yr^-1. Although maternal age effects were stronger (more negative), the existence and magnitude of paternal effects is particularly noteworthy, given thoroughbred sires have no involvement in parental care. Our results also suggest that the selective disappearance of both sires and dams is ongoing. These findings could potentially be used to optimize thoroughbred racehorse breeding decisions, and more generally, add to the increasing body of evidence that both maternal and paternal age affect a range of offspring characteristics.

Epigenetic Modifications in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is a chronic condition that is also a risk factor of several other chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes. The effects of maternal obesity and type 2 diabetes on fetal development and offspring health are mediated through the transmission of epigenetic modifications in addition to the possible permanent changes of the organs caused by the intrauterine environment hypothesized by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory. Epigenetic modifications can be altered by environmental factors including dietary and lifestyle factors. The current priorities include identification and confirmation of the specific epigenetic biomarkers associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes in human subjects and identification of the dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to each of the identified specific epigenetic biomarkers.

Exposure to environmental contaminants and folic acid supplementation intergenerationally impact fetal skeleton development through the paternal lineage in a rat model

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are ubiquitous in the environment, which is of concern since they are broadly toxic for wildlife and human health. It is generally accepted that maternal prenatal folic acid supplementation (FA) may beneficially impact offspring development, but it has been recently shown that the father's exposures also influence the health of his offspring. Bone is an endocrine organ essential for whole-body homeostasis and is susceptible to toxicants. Herein, we tested the hypotheses that prenatal paternal exposure to POPs induces developmental bone disorders in fetuses across multiple generations and that FA supplementation attenuates these disorders. We used a four-generation rat model, in which F0 founder females were divided into four treatment groups. F0 females were gavaged with corn oil or an environmentally-relevant POPs mixture and fed either a control diet (2 mg FA/kg), or FA supplemented diet (6 mg FA/kg) before mating and until parturition (four treatments in total). After the birth of the F1 litters, all F0 females and subsequent generations received the FA control diet. Staining with alcian blue and alizarin red S of male and female fetal skeletons was performed at Gestational Day 19.5. Paternal direct and ancestral exposure to POPs delayed bone ossification and decreased the length of long limb bones in fetuses. Maternal FA supplementation did not counteract the POPs-associated delayed fetal ossification and reduced long bone length. In conclusion, prenatal paternal POPs exposure causes developmental bone abnormalities over multiple generations, which were not corrected by maternal FA supplementation.

Moderate and Severe Dental Fluorosis in the Rural Population of Anantapur, India: Change in Their Biological Susceptibility?

Dental fluorosis affects the quality of life. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a community affected by endemic fluorosis for several generations with a conserved biological and social environment. The study included patients from the rural population of Anantapur, India. The Dean index (DI) and the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI) were used for fluorosis classification. Additionally, water samples were collected for fluoride analysis, taken from the patients' living areas. The statistical association between the variables was analyzed. In total, 785 patients between 10 and 60 years old were included in the study (58.7% women and 41.3% men). Fluorosis signs were found in 94.6% of patients examined using the DI and 94.4% using the TFI. Moderate-severe dental fluorosis was observed in 62.8% by DI and 73.1% by TFI consuming untreated water with up to 2.9 ppm of fluoride. Furthermore, moderate-severe dental fluorosis was observed in 33.2% by DI and 39.9% by TFI consuming water with ≤1.5 ppm of fluoride. The high prevalence of moderate-severe dental fluorosis in patients consuming water with a low fluoride concentration suggests that other factors are involved. Biological susceptibility change could play an essential role in the severity of dental fluorosis in populations exposed for several generations, affecting its actual and future quality of life.

Age-associated epigenetic changes in mammalian sperm: implications for offspring health and development

BACKGROUND

Modern reproductive behavior in most developed countries is characterized by delayed parenthood. Older gametes are generally less fertile, accumulating and compounding the effects of varied environmental exposures that are modified by lifestyle factors. Clinicians are primarily concerned with advanced maternal age, while the influence of paternal age on fertility, early development and offspring health remains underappreciated. There is a growing trend to use assisted reproductive technologies for couples of advanced reproductive age. Thus, the number of children born from older gametes is increasing.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

We review studies reporting age-associated epigenetic changes in mammals and humans in sperm, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. The interplay between environment, fertility, ART and age-related epigenetic signatures is explored. We focus on the association of sperm epigenetics on epigenetic and phenotype events in embryos and offspring.

SEARCH METHODS

Peer-reviewed original and review articles over the last two decades were selected using PubMed and the Web of Science for this narrative review. Searches were performed by adopting the two groups of main terms. The first group included 'advanced paternal age', 'paternal age', 'postponed fatherhood', 'late fatherhood', 'old fatherhood' and the second group included 'sperm epigenetics', 'sperm', 'semen', 'epigenetic', 'inheritance', 'DNA methylation', 'chromatin', 'non-coding RNA', 'assisted reproduction', 'epigenetic clock'.

OUTCOMES

Age is a powerful factor in humans and rodent models associated with increased de novo mutations and a modified sperm epigenome. Age affects all known epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and profiles of small non-coding (snc)RNA. While DNA methylation is the most investigated, there is a controversy about the direction of age-dependent changes in differentially hypo- or hypermethylated regions with advanced age. Successful development of the human sperm epigenetic clock based on cross-sectional data and four different methods for DNA methylation analysis indicates that at least some CpG exhibit a linear relationship between methylation levels and age. Rodent studies show a significant overlap between genes regulated through age-dependent differentially methylated regions and genes targeted by age-dependent sncRNA. Both age-dependent epigenetic mechanisms target gene networks enriched for embryo developmental, neurodevelopmental, growth and metabolic pathways. Thus, age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome cannot be described as a stochastic accumulation of random epimutations and may be linked with autism spectrum disorders. Chemical and lifestyle exposures and ART techniques may affect the epigenetic aging of sperm. Although most epigenetic modifications are erased in the early mammalian embryo, there is growing evidence that an altered offspring epigenome and phenotype is linked with advanced paternal age due to the father's sperm accumulating epigenetic changes with time. It has been hypothesized that age-induced changes in the sperm epigenome are profound, physiological and dynamic over years, yet stable over days and months, and likely irreversible.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

This review raises a concern about delayed fatherhood and age-associated changes in the sperm epigenome that may compromise reproductive health of fathers and transfer altered epigenetic information to subsequent generations. Prospective studies using healthy males that consider confounders are recommended. We suggest a broader discussion focused on regulation of the father's age in natural and ART conceptions is needed. The professional community should be informed and should raise awareness in the population and when counseling older men.