#AI reads Urine #An expanded metabolic pathway for androgen production by commensal bacteria

This paper mainly focuses on the metabolic pathways by which commensal bacteria produce androgens and their relationship with host health. It was discovered that the desF gene in the gut microbe Clostridium scindens can convert androstenedione into epitestosterone, and the desG gene in the urinary tract bacterium Propionimicrobium lymphophilum is involved in androgen synthesis. Moreover, it was demonstrated that epitestosterone can promote the proliferation of prostate cancer cells.

During the research process, urine played an important role. On one hand, bacteria isolated from urine and prostatectomy tissues were able to produce androgens. The researchers identified bacterial strains with androgen - synthesizing ability, such as P. lymphophilum, through the screening and culturing of urine samples. On the other hand, urine is the main route of glucocorticoid excretion, and the glucocorticoids in it provided substrates for bacterial androgen synthesis. It was shown that androgen - producing bacteria in urine could utilize substances like cortisol and prednisone to promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. This discovery reveals the crucial role of urine in the process of bacterial androgen synthesis and provides a new perspective for a deeper understanding of the interaction between the host and microorganisms. 

Nat Microbiol. 2025 Apr 21. doi: 10.1038/s41564-025-01979-9.

Youhe Gao

Statement: During the preparation of this work the author(s) used Doubao / AI reading for summarizing the content. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.

For earlier AI Reads Urine articles：

https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/advances-in-biomarker-sciences-and-technology/ai-reads-urine/