Parental Characteristics Associated With Children Born With Neural Tube Defects in Puebla, Mexico

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and developmental toxicology.
• Maternal and child health research.

Background:

• Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common congenital anomalies with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Paternal health contributes half of the genetic material, influencing transgenerational health and offspring development.
• Modifiable parental risk factors underscore the importance of preconception paternal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize demographic, biochemical, and seminal parameters in fathers of children with NTDs.
• To identify potential paternal risk factors associated with NTD occurrence in offspring.

Main Methods:

• Study conducted in Puebla, Mexico, involving fathers of newborns/children diagnosed with NTDs.
• Data collection included clinical, toxicological, and environmental histories to identify risk factors.
• Semen samples were analyzed for spermiogram and sperm DNA fragmentation.

Main Results:

• Six fathers of children with NTDs (meningocele/myelomeningocele) were evaluated.
• Mean paternal age at conception was 29 years; none reported folic acid supplementation.
• High prevalence of alcohol consumption (83.3%), tobacco use (50%), and overweight (66.7%) observed.
• Semen analysis revealed abnormalities in 50% of cases, with 100% exhibiting sperm DNA fragmentation.

Conclusions:

• Paternal preconception health is crucial for healthy offspring development.
• Factors like poor diet, obesity, alcohol/tobacco use, and oxidative stress compromise sperm quality.
• Lack of folic acid, obesity, alcohol consumption, and sperm DNA fragmentation are significant NTD risk factors.