Historically, sperm have been seen as simply a mechanism of transferring a haploid set of chromosomes to the oocyte. However, data from assisted reproduction therapies (ART) have demonstrated that in many couples the sperm appears to be responsible for abnormal embryogenesis. Recent advances in genetic and epigenetic techniques have identified key mechanisms by which the sperm, and the DNA carried by the sperm, can affect early embryonic development. Paternal Influences on Human Reproductive Success examines the genetic and epigenetic influences on embryogenesis, as well as practical clinical factors related to the male contribution to reproductive success. It also provides ‘cutting edge’ data and analysis of recent evaluations of the role of advanced paternal age, environmental influences and lifestyle factors on male reproductive fitness, making this an invaluable text for physicians treating patients for infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and developmental anomalies, as well as basic scientists studying embryogenesis and spermatogenesis.

Book Description

About the Author

Contents

۱. The reproductive fitness of the human male gamete
۲. The sperm genome: effect of aneuploidies, structural variations, single nucleotide changes, and DNA damage on embryogenesis and development
۳. The sperm epigenome: a role in embryogenesis and fetal health?
۴. Imprinted gene anomalies in sperm
۵. Has the renewed interest in sperm RNA led to fresh insights? A critical review and hypothesis
۶. The role of the sperm centrosome in reproductive fitness
۷. The male biological clock
۸. The role of aging on fecundity in the male
۹. Aging, DNA damage, and reproductive outcome
۱۰. Paternal aging and increased risk of congenital disease, psychiatric disorders, and cancer
۱۱. Sexual function in the aging male
۱۲. Supplements and replacement therapies for the aging male and their effects on reproductive fitness
۱۳. Environment and lifestyle effects on fertility
۱۴. Obesity and male infertility: is there an effect on embryogenesis?
۱۵. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: does the sperm matter?
۱۶. Sperm selection and ART outcome: a means to overcome the effects of aging and abnormal spermatogenesis?
۱۷. Variability of human semen quality: caution in interpreting semen analysis data
۱۸. Semen characteristics and aging: technical considerations regarding variability