Application of estrogen on the Penis could block spread of HIV

The world of medicine would be more than happy and relieved if the research published that the Estrogen applied to the human penis could block the spread of HIV in the male.It can definitely bring some hope to alleviate the burden of AIDS. The news quoted by Science Daily, suggests that University of Melbourne in its breakthrough study has established that topical oestrogen could help prevent HIV infection by blocking entry of the virus into the human penis.

The result of the study to be published in PLoS ONE journal June 4 reveals that application of oestrogen to the human penis increases the thickness of the natural keratin layer on the skin, which could prevent HIV from infecting the male. The epithelium of the human penis is richly supplied with oestrogen receptors suggesting it could respond to topical oestrogen.

Dr Andrew Pask from the Department of Zoology at the University of Melbourne analysed the tissue samples from 12 foreskins and made the discovery. “This suggested that oestrogen could induce a thickening of the keratin layer of the foreskin epidermis in the same way as it acts in the vagina,” said Dr Pask.

“Keratin on our skin acts a barrier to viral infection. We hope to be able to enhance this protection with the use of a naturally occurring, weak oestrogen,” said Professor Roger Short of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences who lead the research.To confirm its effect, topical oestrogen was applied to the human foreskin for a two weeks trial. This resulted in a rapid and substantial increase in keratin thickness. If it happens than this probably could be new path breaking discovery and a new avenue to prevent HIV infection of the penis.

HIV is one of the greatest health crises the world has ever witnessed and affects over 40 million people worldwide. Professor Short says that HIV is on the rise particularly in countries where males are not circumcised.

In countries where male circumcision is not religiously or culturally accepted, oestrogen treatments to the penis could be very effective in reducing the spread of the disease.

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