Advanced parental age affects cardiometabolic risk in offspring

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Developmental biology
• Metabolic health

Background:

• Advanced parental age, defined as mothers $\geq$35 years and fathers $\geq$40 years, is increasingly common.
• Potential genetic and epigenetic alterations from advanced parental age may influence offspring health.
• Limited research exists on the effects of advanced parental age on offspring cardio-metabolic functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the effects of advanced parental age on offspring cardio-metabolic health.
• To focus on sex-specific risks and intergenerational inheritance.
• To identify both adverse and favourable outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Mini-review of epidemiological and experimental studies.
• Focus on human and rodent offspring.
• Analysis of cardio-metabolic functions.

Main Results:

• The review identified predominantly negative outcomes associated with advanced parental age.
• Sex-specific risks and intergenerational effects were considered.
• Some favourable outcomes were also noted.

Conclusions:

• Advanced parental age poses potential risks to offspring cardio-metabolic health.
• Further research is needed to fully understand sex-specific risks and intergenerational effects.
• Both adverse and favourable outcomes warrant consideration.