From Genetics to Epigenetics: New Insights into Male Reproduction

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in human reproduction. In this section, we will focus on the most recent discoveries in the field of epigenetics of male fertility. We will describe the effects of epigenetic modifications, responsive to environmental agents and lifestyle factors, on spermatogenesis failure, embryonic development, outcome of assisted reproduction technique (ART) protocols, and the offspring phenotype during lifetime. Since epigenetic modifications are reversible, recent findings suggest the sperm epigenome as a potential diagnostic tool and therapeutic target in the management of male reproduction health. In particular, specific attention to the personal lifestyle care, including personalized nutrition, could prevent or reverse detrimental epigenetic modifications induced by environmental and lifestyle stressors.