[Research progress on the correlation between abnormal sperm DNA methylation and semen quality].

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Reproductive Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism crucial for spermatogenesis and embryonic development.
• Emerging evidence links aberrant DNA methylation patterns to male infertility, particularly to abnormal semen quality.
• Understanding these epigenetic alterations is vital for advancing reproductive medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the association between abnormal DNA methylation and male infertility.
• To examine the role of methylation in imprinted genes, repetitive DNA, and non-imprinted genes concerning semen parameters.
• To provide insights into the pathogenesis of male infertility and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating DNA methylation and male infertility.
• Analysis of correlations between methylation patterns and semen quality parameters (sperm count, morphology, vitality).
• Synthesis of data on imprinted genes, repetitive elements, and non-imprinted genes in the context of male reproductive health.

Main Results:

• Abnormal DNA methylation in specific genes and repetitive elements is frequently observed in infertile males.
• Methylation changes correlate with reduced sperm count, impaired sperm morphology, and decreased sperm vitality.
• Imprinted genes and repetitive DNA elements appear particularly sensitive to methylation dysregulation affecting fertility.

Conclusions:

• Aberrant DNA methylation is a significant contributing factor to male infertility and poor semen quality.
• Targeting DNA methylation pathways may offer novel therapeutic approaches for male infertility.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex epigenetic mechanisms underlying male reproductive dysfunction.