Mechanism of Environmental Factor-Induced Epigenetic Alterations in Reproduction

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental factors, such as air pollutants, pesticide residues, and heavy metals, have adverse influences on health and are important causes of chronic diseases. Epigenetic modifications have made great contributions to regulating the biological process, but they are sensitive to environmental factors. There are two main reprogramming windows during development: gametogenesis and early embryo development. If exposure to environmental factors occurs in these windows, the offspring have a high risk of developing noncommunicable diseases during adulthood, which can be transmitted to the subsequent generations. These health problems can be mediated by altered epigenetic modifications. Environmental factors are a cause of infertility and subfertility. Thus, elucidating how environmental factors mediate the epigenetic alterations during reproduction is essential to prevent adverse influences on health.

Lifestyle is a better way to prevent and administrate chronic diseases. The health function of the bioactive component of food and beverages has been confirmed. Thus, it is crucial to explore natural compounds to prevent environmental factors having an adverse influence on reproduction.

This Special Issue focuses on exploring the mechanisms of environmental-factor-induced epigenetic alterations during reproduction, including germ cells, embryo development, gestation, offspring health, the inheritance of altered epigenetic modifications, and the function of natural compounds to prevent environmental factors having an adverse effect on epigenetics in reproduction. Research articles and reviews are welcome to be submitted to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Zhaojia Ge
Dr. Qiuxia Liang
Guest Editors

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• environmental factors
• germ cells
• epigenetics
• embryo
• offspring health
• reproduction