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

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

Thi

SUBMITTER: Kigozi G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7310704 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature