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Chapter 4 - The Effect of Endocrine Disruptors and Environmental and Lifestyle Factors on the Sperm Epigenome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 May 2020

R. John Aitken
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle, New South Wales
David Mortimer
Affiliation:
Oozoa Biomedical Inc, Vancouver
Gabor Kovacs
Affiliation:
Epworth Healthcare Melbourne
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Summary

The sperm epigenome is unique and of profound clinical importance based on its role in influencing embryogenesis. Potentially, the sperm epigenome can also be of importance to the clinician and toxicologist in assessing the effects of environmental exposures and lifestyle factors on spermatogenesis and sperm function, since the sperm epigenome contains historical markers of spermatogenesis, as well as programmatic factors of early embryonic development. Various industrial and agricultural chemicals are implicated in affecting male fertility, and recent studies have begun to evaluate the effects of these chemicals on the sperm epigenome. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as obesity and advanced paternal age at the time of conception, are also being shown to affect the sperm epigenome. This chapter evaluates such factors and their effects on the sperm epigenome, highlighting the possible effects on both the father and potential progeny.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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