Stress causes genetic changes

Stress can cause long-term harm to men's 'sperms' and even slow their brain development, according to research by American scientists.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (USA) have found that anxiety and stress in adult men, teenagers or young children can permanently alter genes in sperm of they. This conclusion is based on a study on mice.

The male sperm gene may be altered due to stress.

Previous studies have also shown that maternal diets, drug abuse, and frequent stress during pregnancy can affect the child's neurodevelopment and increase the risk of developing a child. certain diseases.

In the study performed on mice, Professor Tracy Bale and colleagues stressed male rats during the week, at different periods, such as before mating, near adulthood and adulthood. .

Stress measures include the sudden transfer of male rats to another cage, exposing them to the smell and sound of enemies or placing a strange object in their cage.

After analysis and control with male mice raised in normal environments, scientists found that stress caused genetic changes in male sperm sperm. The genetically altered gene plays a role in establishing the part of the brain of the pups generation.

The team found that the offspring of stressed male mice significantly reduced the amount of corticosterone stress hormone (similar to human cortisol hormone). The decline of this hormone is related to some mental disorders.

'Our research has shown for the first time that stress can cause long-term harm to sperm genes, which have the effect of establishing the next generation brain. Stress at any time from puberty, adulthood, before intercourse is equally harmful , 'said Professor Tracy Bale, head of the study.