O-011 You are what your father ate- epigenetic implications

Abstract

Abstract An unhealthy life style, obesity and excess of dietary fats or chronic consumption of processed foods create a harmful environment for sperm health. In the current presentation our most recent findings will be presented on male exposures related to an unhealthy life style and the effects measured on clinical sperm and/or embryo parameters in humans. Next, epigenetic implications will be shown from male obesity, “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods and other related determinants (such as advanced age) before conception. Our results lend support for the existence of epigenetic windows of susceptibility in life. If the acquired epigenetic signatures are passed down to the next generation(s) this may affect future health. Our data are based on human studies, including the Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST) cohort, The Influence of the Environment on Gametic Epigenetic Reprogramming (TIEGER) study and the Epigenetic Legacy of Paternal Obesity (ELPO) cohort. In brief, we found that consumption of healthy food items, such as vegetables, fruits and nuts, is positively related to total motile sperm count (TMC), while consumption of fast foods (such as fries) is associated with lower TMC. Frequent consumption of fast foods (incl. pizza and fries) is associated with opposing effects on DNA methylation patterns at the DMRs of imprinted genes (such as IGF2 and MEG3-IG), compared to dietary patterns rich in whole grains and vegetables. These results correspond to our findings in sperm from obese versus non-obese men, and are in line with our earlier findings in children from obese fathers. While this talk will be a compilation and comparison of our research findings, it will also serve as a base for guidance and counselling in infertility. Our results fit our new concept of the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD), where the role of the father has been suggested in disease development of his future offspring. If better understood, tailored dietary changes may positively shape the human sperm epigenetic profile and future programming of offspring health. Trial registration number Study funding Funding source