Researchers from the University of Texas found that paternal drinking before conception was associated with an increased risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and brain and facial defects in the offspring. To work published In the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Fetal alcohol syndrome (also fetal alcohol syndrome) is a collection of congenital malformations caused by exposure to ethyl alcohol in a developing fetus. The syndrome is characterized by prenatal malnutrition, retardation in the physical and neuropsychological development of the child, mental retardation, signs of craniofacial dysmorphism, congenital heart defects, impaired skeletal development and other anomalies.
Previously, it was thought that only the mother’s alcohol consumption had a negative effect on the fetus. Therefore, the diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome is based on the presence of a maternal alcohol history. However, a recent study has revealed a previously hidden role of the father in the development of the syndrome.
The scientists used a mouse model to find out what happens to the fetus when one or both parents are exposed to alcohol.
“We found that paternal exposure to alcohol had a greater effect on the craniofacial development of the offspring compared to maternal exposure. We observed a large change in facial growth and proportions,” the scientists said.
According to the scientists, the study opens up new possibilities for diagnosing the syndrome through a paternal questionnaire.
“Moreover, the study shows the importance of male health for the normal development of the fetus. Experts noted that this factor had been underestimated before.