Back to Search Start Over

Foreskin surface area is not associated with sub-preputial microbiome composition or penile cytokines.

Authors :
Kigozi, Godfrey
Liu, Cindy M.
Park, Daniel
Packman, Zoe R.
Gray, Ronald H.
Kaul, Rupert
Tobian, Aaron A. R.
Abraham, Alison G.
Ssekasanvu, Joseph
Kagaayi, Joseph
Prodger, Jessica L.
Source :
PLoS ONE. 6/23/2020, Vol. 15 Issue 6, p1-7. 7p.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Objective: Male circumcision (MC) reduces acquisition of HIV-1 in heterosexual men by at least 60%, but the biological mechanism for this protection is incompletely understood. Previous studies have shown that a larger foreskin size, increased abundance of anaerobic bacteria in the sub-preputial space, and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the penis are all prospectively associated with risk of HIV-1 acquisition. Since coverage of the glans on the non-erect penis is dependent on foreskin size, a larger foreskin could result in a less aerobic environment that might preferentially support anaerobic bacterial growth and induce inflammation. We therefore assessed the relationship between foreskin size, penile microbiome composition and local inflammation. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 82 HIV-uninfected men who participated in a randomized trial of MC for HIV-1 prevention in Rakai, Uganda between 2003–2006. Sub-preputial swabs were collected prior to MC and assessed for cytokines (multiplexed immunosorbent assay) and bacterial load (qPCR) and taxon abundance (sequencing). Foreskin size was measured immediately after MC. Results: Foreskin surface area did not correlate with total bacterial load (rho = 0.05) nor the abundance of key taxa of bacteria previously associated with HIV-1 risk (rho = 0.04–0.25). Foreskin surface area also did not correlate with sub-preputial cytokine concentrations previously associated with HIV-1 risk (IL-8 rho = 0.05). Conclusions: Larger foreskin size is not associated with either increased penile anaerobes or pro-inflammatory cytokines. These data suggest that foreskin size does not increase HIV-1 risk through changes in penile microbiome composition or penile inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19326203
Volume :
15
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
PLoS ONE
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
144200006
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234256