Effect of Paternal Diet on Spermatogenesis and Offspring Health: Focus on Epigenetics and Interventions with Food Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Infertility is a growing public health problem. Consumption of antioxidant bioactive food compounds (BFCs) that include micronutrients and non-nutrients has been highlighted as a potential strategy to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the male reproductive system induced by obesity, alcohol, and toxicants and, thus, improve spermatogenesis and the fertility parameters. Paternal consumption of such dietary compounds could not only benefit the fathers but their offspring as well. Studies in the new field of paternal origins of health and disease show that paternal malnutrition can alter sperm epigenome, and this can alter fetal development and program an increased risk of metabolic diseases and breast cancer in adulthood. BFCs, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, carnitines, N-acetylcysteine, and coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve male gametogenesis, modulate epigenetics of germ cells, and the epigenetic signature of the offspring, restoring offspring metabolic health induced by stressors during early life. This indicates that, from a father’s perspective, preconception is a valuable window of opportunity to start potential nutritional interventions with these BFCs to maximize sperm epigenetic integrity and promote adequate fetal growth and development, thus preventing chronic disease in adulthood.

Paternal dietary macronutrient balance and energy intake drive metabolic and behavioral differences among offspring

“…Another nutritional factor that should be considered when interpreting results of paternal effects studies is macronutrient quality 40 . For example, the relative balance of amino acids within the protein component of diets can influence appetite and metabolic health 41 , and likewise the types of carbohydrates in the diet 42 .…”

Comprehensive review on the positive and negative effects of various important regulators on male spermatogenesis and fertility

“…Magnesium is an important trace element and activator of many enzymes in the phosphorus transfer reaction; it is involved in spermatogenesis and affects sperm motility ( 113 ). Lower concentrations of magnesium are associated with increased nitric oxide production and vasoconstriction, which may lead to premature ejaculation ( 114 ).…”

The protective role of adiponectin in restoring spermatogenesis in mice fed on methionine-choline deficient diet

“…Research conducted in recent years has shown diet, balanced nutrition to have a significant impact on male fertility (6,7,8). Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants have been shown to increase sperm cell physiology and function through a variety of pathways, including ROS reduction, antioxidant defence system restoration, and inflammation inhibition (6,7,9). Although several studies have implicated diet to play a key role in the improvement of sperm parameters, this is paucity of studies considering the vast field of nutrition.…”