Early-Life Exposure to Environmental Contaminants Perturbs the Sperm Epigenome and Induces Negative Pregnancy Outcomes for Three Generations via the Paternal Lineage

• DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020010
• Publication Date: 2021-05-02T01:35:39Z
• Authors: Clotilde Maurice; Mathieu Dalvai; Romain Lambrot; Astrid Deschênes; Marie-Pier Scott-...; Serge McGraw; Donovan Chan; Nancy Côté; Ayelet Ziv-Gal; Jodi A. Flaws; Arnaud Droit; Jacquetta Trasler; Sarah Kimmins; Janice L. Bailey
• Keywords: Toxicant; Epigenome

Due to the grasshopper effect, Arctic food chain in Canada is contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of industrial origin, including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides. Exposure POPs may be a contributor greater incidence poor fetal growth, placental abnormalities, stillbirths, congenital defects shortened lifespan Inuit population compared non-Aboriginal Canadians. Although maternal exposure well established harm pregnancy outcomes, paternal transmission effects possibility that has not been investigated. We used rat model test hypothesis during gestation suckling leads developmental are transmitted subsequent generations via male lineage. Indeed, an environmentally relevant mixture impaired sperm quality outcomes across two subsequent, unexposed altered DNA methylation, some which also observed for additional generations. Genes corresponding methylome correspond health problems encountered population. These findings demonstrate sensitive environment perturbations persist at least In conclusion, although many factors influence health, contaminants plays heretofore-underappreciated role methylation contributing molecular underpinnings involved.