Paternal Alcohol Exposure and Intergenerational Neurobehavioral Outcomes: A Scoping Review of Epigenetic Mechanisms

This scoping review will systematically map the existing evidence on how paternal alcohol exposure prior to conception influences offspring neurobehavioral outcomes through epigenetic mechanisms. It will examine the timing and patterns of paternal alcohol exposure, associated epigenetic alterations in sperm, and links to offspring stress responsivity, cognition, emotional behaviour, and alcohol sensitivity. By identifying methodological trends and key gaps, the review will inform future mechanistic and translational research on intergenerational vulnerability to alcohol use disorder.