Human Oocytes Express Both ACE2 and BSG Genes and Corresponding Proteins: Is SARS-CoV-2 Infection Possible?

Virant‐Klun, Irma; Strle, Franc

doi:10.1007/s12015-020-10101-x

Cited by 16 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…However recent evidences have indicated that there is a possibility of infection to other organs [4]. Considering this, the organs of reproductive system have got attention as infection to them may in turn negatively influence production and maturation of gametes, fertilization and pregnancy [20]. Moreover, individuals with pre-existing co-morbidities like T2DM, CVD are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and women with PCOS are at risk of development of diabetes, hypertension and CVD [26].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Oocytes of non-human primate have also showed ACE2 expression along with the expression of co-receptor BSG and alternative protease CTSL [10]. Studies showed expression of both ACE2 and BSG receptors in human oocytes and preimplantation embryos (blastocyst) [20, 23]. In the follicle, oocyte is surrounded by companion somatic cells i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The susceptibility of the human oocyte/follicle to SARS-CoV-2 infection however still remains elusive. If this is possible then it may in turn affect the oocyte quality, ovulation, fertilization, implantataion and may even pose the risk to the growing embryo outcome [20]. ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) in March 2020 advocated for avoidance of pregnancy and also not to commence infertility treatment to avoid further stress on strained healthcare system in pandemic [21].…”

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confidence: 99%

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Ovarian Granulosa Cells From Women With Pcos Express Low Levels of Sars-Cov-2 Receptors and Co-Factors

Naigaonkar

Patil

Joseph

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Purpose: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is global pandemic with more than 3 million deaths so far. Female reproductive tract organs express coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFs); suggesting they may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection however the susceptibility of ovary/follicle/oocyte to the same is still elusive. Co-morbidities like obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease etc. increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These features are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), warranting further scope to study SCARFs expression in ovary of these women. Materials and methods: SCARFs expression in ovary and ovarian tissues of women with PCOS and healthy women was explored by analyzing publically available microarray datasets. Transcript expression of SCARFs were investigated in mural and cumulus granulosa cells (MGCs and CGCs) from control and PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results: Microarray data revealed that ovary expresses all genes necessary for SARS-CoV-2 infection. PCOS women mostly showed down-regulated/unchanged levels of SCARFs. MGCs and CGCs from PCOS women showed lower expression of receptors ACE2, BSG and DPP4 and protease CTSB than in controls. MGCs showed lower expression of protease CTSL in PCOS than in controls. Expression of TMPRSS2 was not detected in both cell types. Conclusions: Human ovarian follicle may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lower expression of SCARFs in PCOS indicate that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the ovary may be lesser in these women than controls. This knowledge may help in safe practices at IVF settings in the current pandemic. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Ovarian granulosa cells, Oocyte, PCOS, IVF

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ovarian Granulosa Cells From Women With Pcos Express Low Levels of Sars-Cov-2 Receptors and Co-Factors

Naigaonkar

Patil

Joseph

et al. 2021

Preprint

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“…According to previous human oocyte transcriptome and proteome databases, ACE2 and TMPRSS2, the essential molecules for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, are expressed in human oocytes from the in vitro fertilisation process (Ref. 88 ). Immunohistochemistry analyses in human oocytes, as well as pre- and peri-implantation embryos, have also reinforced the strong expression of ACE2 in human oocytes and blastocysts (Ref.…”

Section: Impacts Of Covid-19 On the Female Reproductive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Female fertility under the impact of COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

Wang

Zhang

Jin

2021

Expert Rev. Mol. Med.

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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious respiratory disease mediated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has caused millions of confirmed cases and morbidity, and the crisis has greatly affected global economy and daily life and changed our attitudes towards life. The reproductive system, as a potential target, is at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and females are more vulnerable to viral infection compared with males. Therefore, female fertility and associated reproductive health care in the COVID-19 era need more attention. This review summarises the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the female reproductive system and discusses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on female fertility. Studies have proven that COVID-19 might affect female fertility and interfere with assisted reproductive technology procedures. The side effects of vaccines against the virus on ovarian reserve and pregnancy have not yet been well investigated. In the future, the female fertility after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination needs more attention because of the uncertainty of COVID-19.

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“…Considering that antral follicles either undergo ovulation or regression within several days of the follicular phase in each menstrual cycle, a sustained impact of the virus on oocytes seems unlikely. A transcriptomic and proteomic analysis by Virant-Klun and Strle [ 26 ] also revealed that human oocytes expressed both genes and proteins for ACE2 and BSG. Essahib et al [ 27 ] visualized the viral entry protein by immunohistochemistry using a donated human oocyte.…”

Section: Effects Of Sars-cov-2 On Ovaries and Female Gametesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of COVID-19 on human reproduction and directions for fertility treatment during the pandemic

Lee

2021

Clin Exp Reprod Med

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Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly, resulting in a pandemic. The virus enters host cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2). These enzymes are widely expressed in reproductive organs; hence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could also impact human reproduction. Current evidence suggests that sperm cells may provide an inadequate environment for the virus to penetrate and spread. Oocytes within antral follicles are surrounded by cumulus cells, which rarely express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Thus, the possibility of transmission of the virus through sexual intercourse and assisted reproductive techniques seems unlikely. Early human embryos express coronavirus entry receptors and proteases, implying that human embryos are potentially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of development. Data on the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the human endometrium are sparse. Moreover, it remains unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 directly affects the embryo and its implantation. A study of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy showed an increase in preterm delivery. Thus, vertical transmission of the virus from mother to fetus in the third trimester is possible, and further data on human reproduction are required to establish this possibility. Based on analyses of existing data, major organizations in this field have published guidelines on the treatment of infertility. Regarding these guidelines, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, reproductive treatment is crucial for the well-being of society and must be continued under suitable regulations and good standard laboratory practice protocols.

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Human Oocytes Express Both ACE2 and BSG Genes and Corresponding Proteins: Is SARS-CoV-2 Infection Possible?

Cited by 16 publications

References 53 publications

Ovarian Granulosa Cells From Women With Pcos Express Low Levels of Sars-Cov-2 Receptors and Co-Factors

Ovarian Granulosa Cells From Women With Pcos Express Low Levels of Sars-Cov-2 Receptors and Co-Factors

Female fertility under the impact of COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

The impact of COVID-19 on human reproduction and directions for fertility treatment during the pandemic

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