COVID-19, Oxidative Stress and Male Reproduction: Possible Role of Antioxidants

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involves a complex pathogenesis and with the evolving novel variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the long-term impacts of the unceasing COVID-19 pandemic are mostly uncertain. Evidence indicates deleterious impact of this disease upon male reproductive health. It is concerning that COVID-19 may contribute to the already global declining trend of male fertility. The adverse impacts of COVID-19 on male reproduction may primarily be attributed to the induction of systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress (OS), which operate as a vicious loop. Bringing the systemic inflammation to a halt is critical for ‘putting out’ the ‘cytokine storm’ induced by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The possibility of OS playing a prime role in COVID-19-mediated male reproductive dysfunctions has led to the advocacy of antioxidant therapy. An array of antioxidant defense medications has shown to be effective in experimental and clinical studies of COVID-19. The present review thus discusses the possibilities as to whether antioxidant drugs would contribute to combating the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced male reproductive disruptions, thereby aiming at kindling research ideas that are needed for identification and treatment of COVID-19-mediated male reproductive impairments.

Semen quality changes during infection and recovery phases of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in reproductive-aged patients: a prospective case series

“…Direct invasion and damage of the testis has recently been proven [ 2 , 12 ]. SARS-CoV-2 disturbs the immunological characteristics and provokes high systemic levels of the inflammatory mediators, which include the pro-inflammatory cytokines, defined as a ‘cytokine storm’ effect, and disturbed seminal antioxidant defense mechanisms [ 4 , 6 ]. The constitutional stressors of COVID-19 such as fever, hypoxia and medications, may also play a role in the effects on spermatogenesis in those patients [ 2 , 5 ].…”

“…Regarding the effects on fertility outcomes, the clinical aspect of testicular effects of COVID-19 is primarily directed towards its potential effects on semen quality. However, the long-term effect is not yet fully understood [ 2 – 4 ]. Hence, the current study may be useful in providing a step forward in studying the temporal effects of COVID-19 on spermatogenesis.…”

“…The research on the effects of COVID-19 on the reproductive system has been directed to the underlying mechanisms of action and pathological and clinical changes, including fertility capabilities and hormonal profiles [1][2][3]. Focused studying of the effects of COVID-19 on male reproduction is warranted for clarification of the unsettled potential risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the male reproductive system [2,4]. It has been noticed that males of reproductive age represent a significant proportion of the population studied for the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and the effects on their reproductive system may continue until recovery [5].…”

The Role of Antioxidant to Counteract Oxidative Stress in Covid-19 : A Literature Review

“…Furthermore, systemic cytokine storms exacerbated inflammatory responses and caused severe tissue damage. The increase in oxidative stress level can result in cell damage, organ failure, and ultimately, mortality due to a rapid release of free radicals and cytokines [13].…”

“…Along with the antioxidant properties, an oral intake of high dose vitamin C can play a major role in protecting the host against viral infection in certain circumstances. Thus, vitamin C should be added in the treatment of COVID-19 as it is proven effective in the management of oxidative stress [13]. Following the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the recommended regimen of vitamin C for adults aged more than 19 years old for male is 90 mg/day and 75 mg/day for females [22].…”