Understanding Infertility
DNA Methylation
Epigenetics are chemical compounds that are added to genes to regulate the gene’s activity. One type of epigenetic modification or change is DNA methylation. This occurs when methyl groups (small molecules consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms) attach to genes and DNA, rendering the gene “turned off” and unable to produce a protein.
If these methyl groups attach to the wrong genes, it can lead to various syndromes or disorders, and in some cases, infertility.[1] This is demonstrated in low semen quality or deficiencies in the sperm-making process.[2]
DNA methylation has been shown to have a close association with male sperm DNA and infertility; however, this line of research is still in its infancy. The results of various studies are still in debate[3] and the effects on male infertility have still not been studied in depth.[4]
DNA Methylation and Treatment
Because of the infancy of this line of study, we can assume that more information will be available in the future. Unfortunately, this means treatment options are still unclear. In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be suggested as it bypasses natural fertilization. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may also be suggested as it can show any disorders that arise in embryos created from IVF. For more information on IVF or PGD, please visit the respective pages in the menu above.
[1] “What Is Epigenetics? -.” 2018. Genetics Home Reference. 2018. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/howgeneswork/epigenome.
[2] Urdinguio, Rocío G., Gustavo F. Bayón, Marija Dmitrijeva, Estela G. Toraño, Cristina Bravo, Mario F. Fraga, Lluís Bassas, Sara Larriba, and Agustín F. Fernández. 2015. “Aberrant DNA Methylation Patterns of Spermatozoa in Men with Unexplained Infertility.” Human Reproduction 30 (5). Oxford University Press: 1014–28. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dev053.
[3] Santi, D., S. De Vincentis, E. Magnani, and G. Spaggiari. 2017. “Impairment of Sperm DNA Methylation in Male Infertility: A Meta-Analytic Study.” Andrology 5 (4): 695–703. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12379.
[4] Cui, Xiangrong, Xuan Jing, Xueqing Wu, Meiqin Yan, Qiang Li, Yan Shen, and Zhenqiang Wang. 2016. “DNA Methylation in Spermatogenesis and Male Infertility.” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 12 (4). Spandidos Publications: 1973–79. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2016.3569.
