Dangerous mutations can occur in the sperm, which future fathers can accidentally pass to the offspring during fertilization. Because of these mutations, a miscarriage may occur or the child may develop congenital diseases.
The new study involved three couples undergoing an IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedure. After analyzing the sperm, experts identified 55 different mutations in it. Of these, 15 mutations were transferred into the embryo, and sometimes these mutations were found in two or more embryos of a couple. In total, experts found 19 cases of mutation transmission.
According to Xiaoxu Yang, co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of California, San Diego (USA), these results support the assumption that new mutations that occur in spermatozoa can be transferred to embryos.
News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
