Circulating Androgen Regulation by Androgen-Catabolizing Gut Bacteria in Male Mouse Gut

The study explored the role of the gut bacterium Thauera sp. strain GDN1 in regulating androgen levels in male mice. By administering strain GDN1 to C57BL/6 mice, researchers observed a significant reduction in serum androgen levels, attributed to the bacterium's ability to catabolize androgens. This was evidenced by androgenic metabolites in fecal samples and the expression of androgen catabolism genes. The study suggested that such bacteria could serve as probiotics for treating hyperandrogenism, with potential implications for managing conditions like androgenetic alopecia and prostate cancer. The findings indicated that strain GDN1 could modulate androgen levels in a gender-dependent manner, highlighting the potential of gut microbiota manipulation as a therapeutic strategy for androgen-related conditions.