Read on Twitter
1/7
Our work on germ cell #ageing in healthy men is out on @AgingCell. A collaborative effort of clinical and basic researchers, 5 institutes, technicians, and many volunteers. #CRU326 @UK_Muenster @WWU_Muenster
Read here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13242">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.11...
Our work on germ cell #ageing in healthy men is out on @AgingCell. A collaborative effort of clinical and basic researchers, 5 institutes, technicians, and many volunteers. #CRU326 @UK_Muenster @WWU_Muenster
Read here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13242">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.11...
2/7
We wanted to evaluate the effects of #ageing on the #germline/ #sperm while excluding the confounding factors of age-related morbidities. Basically, our only inclusion criterion was good health. We assembled a cohort of 197 health men, aged 18-84 years!
We wanted to evaluate the effects of #ageing on the #germline/ #sperm while excluding the confounding factors of age-related morbidities. Basically, our only inclusion criterion was good health. We assembled a cohort of 197 health men, aged 18-84 years!
3/7
We found no sig changes in sperm parameters such as sperm count, concentration, motility, etc. Moreover, hormonal parameters remained within the normal ranges! Likewise for quality of life and sexual wellbeing.
->General health is associated with good reproductive health!
We found no sig changes in sperm parameters such as sperm count, concentration, motility, etc. Moreover, hormonal parameters remained within the normal ranges! Likewise for quality of life and sexual wellbeing.
->General health is associated with good reproductive health!
4/7
However, sperm DNA underwent clear changes with age. We found a strong increase in sperm DNA fragmentation, more pronounced after the 6th decade. Remember, these were healthy men and showed no decline in sperm or hormonal parameters!
->Sperm quantity ≠ sperm quality.
However, sperm DNA underwent clear changes with age. We found a strong increase in sperm DNA fragmentation, more pronounced after the 6th decade. Remember, these were healthy men and showed no decline in sperm or hormonal parameters!
->Sperm quantity ≠ sperm quality.
5/7
Also, using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we identified >200 differentially methylated regions (>30% #DNAmethylation difference) between young and old sperm. Changes appear to be germline-specific; we could not find them in blood DNA from same men.
Also, using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we identified >200 differentially methylated regions (>30% #DNAmethylation difference) between young and old sperm. Changes appear to be germline-specific; we could not find them in blood DNA from same men.
6/7
Sperm DNA methylation changes were mostly nearby genes encoding for transcription factors. We found an enrichment in neurodevelopmental pathways, which fits well with results from other groups using different techniques.
Sperm DNA methylation changes were mostly nearby genes encoding for transcription factors. We found an enrichment in neurodevelopmental pathways, which fits well with results from other groups using different techniques.
7/7
Difficult to argue for a direct link between these changes and advanced paternal age effects at large. Further studies will need to focus on this but we argue for counselling of older prospective fathers.
->Remember: reproductive ageing is not just a female problem!
Difficult to argue for a direct link between these changes and advanced paternal age effects at large. Further studies will need to focus on this but we argue for counselling of older prospective fathers.
->Remember: reproductive ageing is not just a female problem!
Finally, a shout-out to my co-authors including @FTuttelmann @ClaudiaKrallma1 and others who are not on Twitter. This has been a wild ride, but it was worth it.
