Proteomic insight of seminal plasma in spinal cord injured men submitted to oral probenecid treatment for improved motility

Abstract

Objective To observe the seminal plasma proteomic composition in men with spinal cord injury orally treated with probenecid, in order to observe pathways associated with increased sperm motility. Study design Prospective study. Setting Miami Project to Cure Paralysis – University of Miami/Miller School of Medicine. Participants Nine men with spinal cord injury, who agreed to participate in the study. Intervention Oral treatment with probenecid – 500 mg per day for one week, then 500 mg twice daily [1000 mg total] per day for three weeks. Outcome measures Semen analysis as per WHO 2010 guidelines, and seminal plasma proteomics analysis by LC-MS/MS. Results In total, 783 proteins were identified, of which, 17 were decreased, while 6 were increased after treatment. The results suggest a new pathway that could be treated by the decrease of biglycan after probenecid treatment. Conclusion Oral treatment with probenecid is able to alter the seminal plasma proteome, in pathways that explain decreased innate immune response.