Journal of Clinical Epigenetics Open Access

Epigenetic Mechanisms are Involved in the Reproductive System

Junichiro Tanizaki^* Department of Clinical Epigenetics, University of Doho, Japan
^*Correspondence: Junichiro Tanizaki, Department of Clinical Epigenetics, University of Doho, Japan, Email:

Received: 01-Aug-2022, Manuscript No. IPJCE-22-14436; Editor assigned: 03-Aug-2022, Pre QC No. IPJCE-22-14436 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Aug-2022, QC No. IPJCE-22-14436; Revised: 22-Aug-2022, Manuscript No. IPJCE-22-14436 (R); Published: 29-Aug-2022, DOI: 10.21767/2472-1158.8.8.39

Introduction

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most commonly used pesticides worldwide, mostly in combination with GBH-tolerant crop varieties. Indiscriminate and careless use of GBH has encouraged the emergence of glyphosate-tolerant weeds, resulting in increased use of these herbicides. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in all GBHs, is combined with other chemicals known as co-formulations that enhance herbicidal action. Today, the safety of glyphosate and its formulations remains controversial because it has not been clearly established whether side effects are due to GBH or glyphosate, and little is known about the contribution of co-formulations to herbicide toxicity. Surprisingly high levels of glyphosate have now been found in a variety of environmental matrices and foods, making it a social problem. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that glyphosate and its formulations exhibit estrogenic properties, providing evidence that they can disrupt normal endocrine function and adversely affect reproductive health. In addition, intergenerational effects have been reported, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in herbicide-induced alterations.

Description

Although there is growing concern about male reproductive dysfunction caused by exposure to environmental contaminants, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Epigenetic modifications affect biological responses to external stressors. It play an important role in Therefore, this review discusses the role of epigenetic modifications in male reproductive toxicity by environmental contaminants, with a particular focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNAs. The available literature suggests that environmental contaminants can or can directly cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, inducing various epigenetic changes that lead to gene dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent male reproductive toxicity. However, future studies focused on additional types of epigenetic modifications and their interactions, as well as epidemiological data, are still needed to fill gaps in current research. Moreover, the intrinsic link between contaminant-mediated epigenetic regulation and male reproductive-related physiological responses needs further investigation.

Populations are subject to rigorous selection to adapt their breeding timing to favorable environmental conditions. This becomes especially important and difficult as year-on-year environmental variability increases. Adaptation in reproductive timing requires the ability to recognize and interpret relevant environmental cues while responding flexibly to inter-annual variations. For example, in seasonal species, the timing of breeding is often dependent on photoperiod and temperature. Although many genes that influence reproductive timing have been identified, less attention has been paid to the gene regulatory cascades that orchestrate these complex gene-environment interactions. In an article from the cover of this issue of Molecular Ecology, Lindner, addressed this knowledge gap by examining the role of DNA methylation in mediating reproductive timing in seasonally breeding titmouses (Petidae). Using a clever blood-sampling design, they examined changes in her DNA methylation genome-wide after an individual female bird went through multiple reproductive stages. This approach yielded 10 candidate genes with strong correlations between promoter methylation and reproductive status.

Conclusion

The global impact of male infertility has increased in recent decades. A correct understanding of the complex interrelationships of genetics, anatomy, physiology, and the male reproductive system is urgently needed to explain the etiology of male infertility. Detailed studies of epigenetics will indeed reveal the molecular mechanisms behind its pathogenesis. Sirtuins, molecular sensors, are NAD⁺ dependent histone deacetylases and ADP-ribosyltransferases involved in key epigenetic events. In mammals, the sirtuin family consists of seven members of her (SIRT1-SIRT7), all of which have a conserved her NAD⁺ binding catalytic domain, called the sirtuin core domain. Sirtuins play important roles in cellular homeostasis, energy metabolism, apoptosis, age-related disorders, and the male reproductive system. However, their exact role in male reproduction is still unknown. This article specifically addresses the role of mammalian sirtuins in male reproductive function, thereby encouraging further research to discover restorative methods and their implementation in reproductive medicine.