Male Infertility and Epigenetics
- mark
- Jun 6, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 24
For decades, semen analysis has been based on motility, morphology, and concentration.
While useful, these measures are limited. A new study suggests that, at least for certain male patients, the answer to infertility might lie with epigenetics.
Now there's a word - so what does it mean?
Epigenetics
Epigenetics studies how behaviors and the environment can change how genes work, without altering the DNA sequence.
Understanding how epigenetics impacts semen adds much greater depth to our knowledge of male fertility.
This new testing method not only provides insights into sperm quality, it also helps in assessing the impact of lifestyle changes.
The Study
In this study; Epigenetics in male reproduction: effect of paternal diet on sperm quality and offspring health,
three of the key points are:
Dietary compounds, especially phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins, can affect changes in epigenetic signatures of somatic as well as germ cells by influencing enzymes and other proteins responsible for epigenetic modifications.
Modifications of the epigenetic landscape by dietary compounds can affect overall health but also the reproductive health of both sexes.
Dietary compounds include herbal supplements and this test may in fact help ascertain or clarify just how these are affecting the quality of, in this instance, sperm.
It has also been known for some time that lifestyle choices can and do affect sperm quality. This new way of testing shows how.
The new type of testing detects unstable gene promotors, which are the epigenetic markers for gene expression.
Overall, a far more usable insight into sperm quality to assist in making better informed decisions and even assessing progress of changes you have or do make.
In summary, your lifestyle choices impact your quality and number of sperm.
Resources: follow the links for the details.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with any of these businesses or publications.
