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

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.