Abstract
Research has repeatedly pointed towards a multifactorial aetiology underlying female sexual dysfunction (FSD), in which genetic and environmental factors also play a role. As sexual functioning is a highly variable trait, epigenetics could provide a promising approach to tackle the origins of FSD and consequently offer a step-change in our understanding of these problems. The objective of this study was to identify differentially methylated CpG positions for sexual functioning in a sample of monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for sexual functioning. The sample consisted of 33 trait-discordant monozygotic twin pairs (age M 54.1 years, SD 9.05) from the TwinsUK registry. Phenotypic data on sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index-Lifelong (FSFI-LL). The Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 DNA BeadChip was used for epigenome-wide analyses of DNA methylation in whole blood samples. DNA methylation patterns associated with the FSFI-LL total score and its six subdomains were compared.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
