Paternal health plays a significant role in reproductive outcomes, but it is often overlooked in preconception research. As maternal health is frequently prioritized, emerging evidence shows that paternal nutrition, stress, substance use, and age have a long-lasting impact on spermatogenesis. These factors can influence epigenetic regulation through mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, which together help control gene expression in developing sperm. Current research demonstrates that paternal exposures can disrupt molecular pathways through oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine signaling, thereby contributing to epigenetic changes during spermatogenesis. Expanding focus on paternal preconception health is essential for improving reproductive outcomes, strengthening prevention efforts, and supporting the health of future generations.
Madison Rosenblatt is a senior at Salem College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with minors in Nutrition and Public Health. She will graduate in May 2026 and plans to attend graduate school to earn her Master’s in Nursing, with the long-term goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). During her time at Salem, Madison has remained deeply involved on campus and in the community, currently serving as the Student Government Association President while also working on initiatives that support child health, access to nutrition, and public health across North Carolina. She is passionate about disease prevention, education, and making healthcare more equitable, and hopes to continue combining research, leadership, and service as she moves into advanced nursing practice.