Epigenetic links between paternal age, reproduction, and offspring health: a focus on sncRNAs

Unlike women, men do not have a clear biological clock. However, research shows that a man's age can affect his fertility and the health of his children. As men get older, the way genes are turned on and off in sperm changes and these changes can be passed on to their children. Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can affect how genes are controlled. Much research has focused on the effects of maternal age, but there is growing evidence that advanced paternal age (APA) can influence fertility and embryo development. A key area of interest is small sperm molecules that influence early development. Once thought to be mere by-products of sperm development, these molecules are now known to play crucial roles in sperm function and embryo development. This review examines how a father's age affects these small sperm molecules and their role in fertility and offspring health.