Summary
This Nature Reviews Urology narrative review integrates molecular and epidemiological evidence on how paternal substance exposures—alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and illicit drugs—may impair male reproductive health and influence offspring development. The authors propose epigenetic dysregulation and spermatogenesis impairment as candidate biological pathways linking paternal exposures to transgenerational health effects. Whilst the review highlights the need for interdisciplinary integration of reproductive biology and epigenetics, specific effect magnitudes and clinical translation remain incompletely characterised.
Regional applicability
The review's focus on paternal substance use and reproductive health is relevant to United Kingdom clinical and public health practice, particularly given rising concerns about paternal health and intergenerational outcomes. However, as a narrative synthesis without geographic specificity, transferability depends on whether substance exposure patterns and population genetics align with UK demographics.
Key measures
Paternal substance exposures (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drugs); semen quality markers; epigenetic changes; offspring developmental and health outcomes
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how paternal exposures to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and illicit drugs influence male reproductive function and offspring health outcomes. It explores epigenetic and spermatogenesis-related mechanisms underlying potential transgenerational effects.
Topic tags
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