Saftić Martinović Lara, Mladenić Tea, Lovrić Dora, Ostojić Saša, Dević Pavlić Sanja
Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
Epigenomes. 2024 Sep 5;8(3):34. doi: 10.3390/epigenomes8030034.
Infertility is a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recent advances in epigenetics have highlighted the importance of epigenetic changes in fertility regulation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in infertility, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. We investigate the specific epigenetic events that occur during gametogenesis, with a focus on spermatogenesis and oogenesis as distinct processes. Furthermore, we investigate how environmental factors such as diet, stress, and toxin exposure can influence these epigenetic changes, potentially leading to infertility. The second part of the review explores epigenetic changes as therapeutic targets for infertility. Emerging therapies that modulate epigenetic marks present promising opportunities for fertility restoration, particularly in spermatogenesis. By summarizing current research findings, this review emphasizes the importance of understanding epigenetic contributions to infertility. Our discussion aims to lay the groundwork for future research directions and clinical applications in reproductive health.
不孕症是一种由遗传、环境和生活方式等多种因素共同导致的复杂病症。表观遗传学的最新进展凸显了表观遗传变化在生育调节中的重要性。本综述旨在全面概述不孕症中涉及的表观遗传机制，重点关注DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰和非编码RNA。我们研究配子发生过程中发生的特定表观遗传事件，重点关注精子发生和卵子发生这两个不同的过程。此外，我们还研究饮食、压力和接触毒素等环境因素如何影响这些表观遗传变化，进而可能导致不孕症。综述的第二部分探讨了表观遗传变化作为不孕症治疗靶点的情况。调节表观遗传标记的新兴疗法为恢复生育能力带来了有前景的机会，尤其是在精子发生方面。通过总结当前的研究结果，本综述强调了理解表观遗传对不孕症影响的重要性。我们的讨论旨在为生殖健康领域未来的研究方向和临床应用奠定基础。
