A recent study by Texas A&M researchers evaluated the results to male offspring of parental alcohol exposure.
The exposure to the chemical diethylnitrosamine was found to be disruptive to mitochondrial, which is called the cell’s powerhouse, as it generates energy via cellular respiration. The drinking habits of either parent, prior to conception, can have a negative impact on fetal development for up to one month after alcohol consumption has ended. Results of the study also highlighted the impact of mitochondrial complex in a child’s liver causing oxidative stress, inflammation and a resulting precancerous state.
Professor Michael Golding led the current study conducted by the Texas A&M research team and several prior studies where they determined that the use of alcohol by either mother or father may contribute to premature aging in children even when the parents are drinking within legal limits.
In his interview with Healio, the professor explained that alcohol consumption seems to be largely centered around mothers while fathers show disinterest and detachment.
Researchers urge parents to be aware of the way in which parental drinking affects childhood cancer risks. Prof. Golding emphasized the association between an increase in childhood leukemia and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) which is a pediatric diagnosis that has not been consistently tracked when it leaves the system.
Several studies have reported the effects of parental alcohol in later years and found there have been more than an average number of hospital stays as well as an increase in earlier deaths.
About the Study
To conduct the study, the team had to apply for funding from the National Institute of Health. The researchers suggested to the Institute that based on previous studies paternal use of alcohol seems to affect the fetus. The study was approved based on its goal of exploring the effects of alcohol consumption on the fetus individually by its mother, its father, and then if both parents drink.
In fact, when both parents drink inflammation moves to a higher level and indicates the possibility of cancer. The team noted that a number of tumors were found that were related to maternal and paternal drinking but in cases where both parents drank those numbers increased.
About Future Studies
Professor Golding further explained that the researchers are planning to investigate how or why the fetus can be affected by paternal alcohol exposure. Another challenge the researchers face is to correct the perception that males will not acknowledge their part in fatherhood and its impact on child development.
Males can do their part by increasing their efforts towards good health.
