Sperm epigenetic clock associates with pregnancy outcomes in the general population.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Is sperm epigenetic aging (SEA) associated with probability of pregnancy among couples in the general population?

Summary answer

We observed a 17% lower cumulative probability at 12 months for couples with male partners in the older compared to the younger SEA categories.

What is known already

The strong relation between chronological age and DNA methylation profiles has enabled the estimation of biological age as epigenetic 'clock' metrics in most somatic tissue. Such clocks in male germ cells are less developed and lack clinical relevance in terms of their utility to predict reproductive outcomes.

Study design, size, duration

This was a population-based prospective cohort study of couples discontinuing contraception to become pregnant recruited

SUBMITTER: Pilsner JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9247414 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature