Mp66-19 Can Seminal Microbiota Influence Testicular Steroidogenesis? A Prospective Study in Humans

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (MP66)1 May 2024MP66-19 CAN SEMINAL MICROBIOTA INFLUENCE TESTICULAR STEROIDOGENESIS? A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN HUMANS Rossella Cannarella, Rosita A. Condorelli, Scott D. Lundy, Aldo E. Calogero, and Sandro La Vignera Rossella CannarellaRossella Cannarella , Rosita A. CondorelliRosita A. Condorelli , Scott D. LundyScott D. Lundy , Aldo E. CalogeroAldo E. Calogero , and Sandro La VigneraSandro La Vignera View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001009468.01097.19.19AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies are underway to evaluate the effects of the seminal microbiota on sperm quality. Bacteria present in seminal plasma also produce enzymes capable of influencing steroidogenesis. To date, however, there are no studies that have analyzed the influence of the seminal microbiota on testicular steroidogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of seminal lactobacilli and facultative anaerobic bacteria on serum levels of total testosterone (TT) and gonadotropins. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 100 male patients without evidence of varicocele, positive urine culture, sperm culture or urethral swab, endocrine diseases, lower urinary tract symptoms, obstruction or sub-obstruction of the seminal tract, and intake of drugs interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Each patient underwent to evaluation of seminal concentration of lactobacilli and facultative anaerobic bacteria by TaqMan qPCR assay, and measurement of TT and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in blood serum. A multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between seminal lactobacilli or anaerobic bacteria and TT or gonadotropins, correcting for age and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The seminal concentration of lactobacilli is positively correlated with serum TT, and negatively with FSH and LH (Table 1). In contrast, the concentration of facultative anaerobic bacteria was negatively correlated with TT and positively with FSH and LH (Table 2). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting the influence of seminal microbiota on testicular steroidogenesis. The results of this study may help explain some apparently idiopathic cases of gray zone testosteronemia and, if a causal link is established, may pave the way for rebalancing the seminal flora as a target therapy to restore slightly low TT levels. Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e1093 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Rossella Cannarella More articles by this author Rosita A. Condorelli More articles by this author Scott D. Lundy More articles by this author Aldo E. Calogero More articles by this author Sandro La Vignera More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...