Epigenetic factors are defined as environmental factors that change the expression of genetics.
We know that as men age, changes in genetic structures have effects on their offspring.
Men who have children after age 40 have higher rates of offspring with:
- schizophrenia
- autism and autism spectrum disorder
- birth defects including heart defects, Down syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies
These effects are not completely understood but do appear to be related to age-dependent methylation of DNA.
Older age is not the only epigenetic influence in fathers. Cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol intake, paternal diet and paternal stress all have some evidence of adversely affecting paternal epigenetic effects.
The effect of advanced paternal age on increased risk in offspring is important as the age at first child is increasing for both men and women. Part of older father effect appears related to the association of older parenthood with increased level of education in the population. (see original chart produced above from U.S. Census Bureau data)
You can read more about this review at MedicalXpress HERE.
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