News | The Semen Microbiome: A New Factor in Male Fertility
A recent study by researchers in the UCLA Department of Urology suggests that the semen microbiome may play a key role in influencing sperm parameters and male fertility. The finding offers a new direction for exploring potential treatments for male infertility.
In recent years, the importance of the gut microbiome to overall human health has become widely recognized. This study suggests that the microbiome in semen may play a similar role. Researchers examined the semen microbiome to understand its potential effects on male infertility, particularly its impact on sperm parameters.
The study found that Lactobacillus iners may have a direct negative effect on male fertility. Men with higher levels of this microorganism in their semen were more likely to have sperm motility problems. Previous research has shown that Lactobacillus iners tends to produce L-lactic acid, which may create a local pro-inflammatory environment and adversely affect sperm motility. Although earlier studies focused mainly on the female reproductive tract microbiome, this is the first report of a negative association between Lactobacillus iners and male fertility.
The researchers also identified three bacteria from the Pseudomonas group in patients with both normal and abnormal sperm concentrations. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas stutzeri were more common in patients with abnormal sperm concentrations, while Pseudomonas putida was less common in abnormal samples. This suggests that different members of the same bacterial group may affect fertility differently and may have either positive or negative effects.
Although much remains to be learned about the relationship between the microbiome and male infertility, these findings provide valuable insights into this complex association.
Vadim Osadchiy, a resident in the UCLA Department of Urology and lead author of the study, said: “Our study is consistent with evidence from smaller studies and will pave the way for more comprehensive research to unravel the complex relationship between the semen microbiome and fertility.”
News | The Semen Microbiome: A New Factor in Male Fertility
News | The Semen Microbiome: A New Factor in Male Fertility
A recent study by researchers in the UCLA Department of Urology suggests that the semen microbiome may play a key role in influencing sperm parameters and male fertility. The finding offers a new direction for exploring potential treatments for male infertility.
In recent years, the importance of the gut microbiome to overall human health has become widely recognized. This study suggests that the microbiome in semen may play a similar role. Researchers examined the semen microbiome to understand its potential effects on male infertility, particularly its impact on sperm parameters.
The study found that Lactobacillus iners may have a direct negative effect on male fertility. Men with higher levels of this microorganism in their semen were more likely to have sperm motility problems. Previous research has shown that Lactobacillus iners tends to produce L-lactic acid, which may create a local pro-inflammatory environment and adversely affect sperm motility. Although earlier studies focused mainly on the female reproductive tract microbiome, this is the first report of a negative association between Lactobacillus iners and male fertility.
The researchers also identified three bacteria from the Pseudomonas group in patients with both normal and abnormal sperm concentrations. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas stutzeri were more common in patients with abnormal sperm concentrations, while Pseudomonas putida was less common in abnormal samples. This suggests that different members of the same bacterial group may affect fertility differently and may have either positive or negative effects.
Although much remains to be learned about the relationship between the microbiome and male infertility, these findings provide valuable insights into this complex association.
Vadim Osadchiy, a resident in the UCLA Department of Urology and lead author of the study, said: “Our study is consistent with evidence from smaller studies and will pave the way for more comprehensive research to unravel the complex relationship between the semen microbiome and fertility.”
Story source:
Collected online