Sperm may carry effects of childhood maltreatment to future generations

Sperm may carry effects of childhood maltreatment to future generations

Men who experienced abuse or neglect in childhood show distinct changes in the molecular makeup of their sperm, according to new research published in Molecular Psychiatry. The study found that men with high levels of childhood maltreatment had altered patterns in small RNA molecules and DNA methylation within their sperm. These biological markers are thought to play an important role in gene regulation and development. The findings offer new cl…