Sperm, metabolic memory and echoes from Lamarck

Abstract

<ul><li>There is a widespread misconception that only maternal variables affect in utero development.<br></li><li>Epigenetic markers carried by the spermatozoon are transmitted to the zygote.<br></li><li>Sperm-born epigenetic factors influence in utero development, for various generations.<br></li><li>Acquired traits of metabolic disease can be inherited by the offspring via the male gamete.<br></li><li>Health assessment of future fathers is essential to predict the offspring's health.<br></li></ul>