Intestinal microbiota, intestinal permeability and the urogenital tract: is there a pathophysiological link?

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Urology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The human gut microbiome is increasingly linked to various clinical conditions.
• Emerging hypotheses suggest a connection between gut microbiota and genitourinary diseases, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Despite growing evidence, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship remain largely undefined.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current research on the interplay between intestinal microbiota and genitourinary health.
• It focuses on the role of gut bacteria in the pathogenesis of UTIs and BPH.
• The review critically examines the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Key Points:

• Gut microbiota composition may influence susceptibility to and progression of genitourinary diseases.
• Specific microbial metabolites or immune responses originating from the gut could impact the urinary tract and prostate.
• Understanding these gut-genitourinary axis mechanisms is crucial for novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome represents a significant, yet under-explored, factor in genitourinary disease development.
• Further research into the gut-genitourinary axis is warranted to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.
• This review highlights the need for an integrated approach considering both gut and genitourinary health.