Why is DNA repair particularly vital in germ cells?

Monitoring DNA damage in the germ line is crucial for several reasons. One reason is because it serves as a marker for male reproductive health, revealing the effects of factors like environment, age, and lifestyle on sperm production and quality. When replication errors introduce incorrect nucleotides, DNA polymerase halts the replication, posing a significant threat to the accuracy of germ cells. To lessen this risk, cells use DNA damage repair mechanisms. Among the known repair techniques are recombination and excision. Severe DNA damage in germ cells can lead to various consequences. Firstly, it might hinder the fertilization process or increase the likelihood of miscarriage if conception occurs. Secondly, even if the pregnancy progresses successfully, DNA damage in sperm cells could serve as a precursor for epigenetic or genetic mutations in the offspring. These mutations could significantly influence the health and development of the child throughout their life. Additionally, when significant DNA damage is detected in sperm cells, it should cause changes in how patients are clinically managed. This includes adjusting the methods used to isolate sperm from seminal fluid, considering cryopreservation of sperm for future assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles or deciding whether ejaculated or testicular sperm should be utilized for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).