Sperm, metabolic memory and echoes from Lamarck.

There is a widespread misconception that only maternal variables affect in utero development. Epigenetic markers carried by the spermatozoon are transmitted to the zygote. Sperm-born epigenetic factors influence in utero development, for various generations. Acquired traits of metabolic disease can be inherited by the offspring via the male gamete. Health assessment of future fathers is essential to predict the offspring's health.