Epigenetic implications of socioeconomic status and education on sperm DNA methylation patterns

To identify differentially methylated regions and assess epigenetic age and instability scores within each cohort of differing income levels and educational attainment.

Retrospective analysis of epigenetic data.

A total of 1,429 semen samples from participants in the Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation Trial study.

Socioeconomic status, approximated by self-reported income, and education level.

Differential sperm DNA methylation, epigenetic age, epigenetic stability.

There were four significant differentially methylated regions associated with the income cohorts and seven associated with the education cohorts, suggesting epigenetic patterns vary with socioeconomic status. Adjusted epigenetic age (germ-line age differential values) did not differ significantly in either cohort; however, a higher number of unstable promoters were observed in the lowest education cohort, indicating dysregulation in the epigenome.

These findings suggest a biologic link between income and education level in sperm epigenetic patterns, which may influence reproductive health. The increase in unstable promoters in the lower education cohorts may contribute to health disparities associated with educational attainment; however, it is important to consider lifestyle factors and environmental exposures as potential underlying causes. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the implications of these epigenetic changes and their relationship to health outcomes.

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT#01857310.