Potential mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 action on male gonadal function and fertility: Current status and future prospects

Haghpanah, Abdolreza; Masjedi, Fatemeh; Alborzi, Saeed; Hosseinpour, Alireza; Dehghani, Akram; Malekmakan, Leila; Roozbeh, Jamshid

doi:10.1111/and.13883

Cited by 57 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the reproductive system are largely unknown. Ovarian function could be affected by autoimmune disorders, whereas testes express ACE2 and can serve as a deposit for SARS-CoV-2 [148]. A testicular ultrasound, sperm analysis and FSH/LH/ testosterone measurements should be performed upon clinical indication (Table 2).…”

Section: Endocrine and Reproductive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiology and organ specific sequelae of post-acute COVID19: A narrative review

Korompoki

Gavriatopoulou

Hicklen

et al. 2021

Journal of Infection

113

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Section: Endocrine and Reproductive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiology and organ specific sequelae of post-acute COVID19: A narrative review

Korompoki

Gavriatopoulou

Hicklen

et al. 2021

Journal of Infection

113

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…DNA damage is the result of apoptosis and excessive production of ROS and inflammation and can lead to an increase in the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with consequent infertility. Since DFI is useful for assessing changes in fertility, it could be introduced as an additional method of diagnosing infertility in COVID patients (27)(28). Very interesting data comes from genetic studies; Wang et al (29) showed that spermatogonia with an ACE2 + expression similar to lung AT2 cells are only 1.28% of all spermatogonia, while in the study by Pan et al (22) only 4 on 6490 testicular cells studied contained both the ACE2 gene and TMPRR2; these data could indicate that in most cases the virus does not directly affect the testicle.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and male fertility: Taking stock of one year after the outbreak began

Fave

Polisini

Giglioni

et al. 2021

Arch Ital Urol Androl

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Objectives: The aim of this review is to summarize, following a timeline, the current knowledge regarding the effects of the Sars-cov2 virus on male fertility, researching the pathological and clinical results of the studies published in the last year. Methods: A systematic research was performed on the major international online databases; Thirty-five articles were selected. Results: A statistically significant reduction in testosterone levels and sperm quality in subjects with COVID-19 has been highlighted in several papers; however, in many cases the tests have been conducted in patients with active disease and long-term consequences are still not known. Some studies have confirmed the presence of the virus in the testis in a low percentage of patients; viral presence in sperm has only been found in one study. Testicular discomfort, which could indicate viral orchitis, was highlighted in several works, with an incidence of up to 19% percent of patients. The presence of inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrates, IgG and inflammatory cytokines have been documented in several works; pathological signs of inflammation were found in 60.9% of testicular biopsies performed in one study. The entry of the virus into the testis cells, both stromal and seminal cells appeared to be Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) mediated, as it also occurs in other tissues. DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, autoantibody production and ACE2 mediated effect have all been hypothesized as cause of cellular damage. Conclusions: The results on effects of COVID-19 infection on the male reproductive system are currently insufficient as they are based on a small number of patients and therefore are often contradictory.Certain mechanisms of testicular damage are still to be assessed, as any risk categories like age, ethnicity, or others. As for the transmission of the virus through sperm, there is insufficient evidence to ensure that this cannot happen.

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“…Also, the orchitis induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to oxidative stress in the testis tissue [30]. This oxidative stress is known to cause intracellular oxidative damage to spermatozoa via lipid peroxidation of sperm membrane which leads to deterred semen quality and sperm functions, which in turn imparts male infertility [32].…”

Section: Sars-cov-2 and Male Reproductive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 and the reproductive system: known and the unknown..!!

Sharma

Kumari

Sharma

et al. 2021

Middle East Fertil Soc J

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Background COVID-19 is the most recent zoonotic outbreak of coronaviruses. Mostly, it invades the cells of the respiratory system by binding to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is also present in other organs like the kidney, testis, ovaries, breast, heart, and intestine, rendering them prone to be infected. The reproductive potential is a must for the sustenance of any species and it is our prime duty to safeguard the reproductive system of the present generation from such a deadly virus. The previously reported coronaviruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) had a detrimental impact on reproductive organs. There is a dearth of sufficient research to provide substantial evidence for the harmful effects of this novel virus on the reproductive system. Hence, our review compiles the knowledge available until now to boost research in this regard and to take the necessary steps in time. Main body of abstract Here we tried to compile all the data available on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the reproductive system as well as vertical transmission of the virus. All related articles published from February to August 2020 were reviewed and thoroughly analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to affect the sperm concentration and motility, thus degrading the fertility of males. In females, it is suspected that this virus affects the oocyte quality and ovarian function, resulting in infertility or miscarriage. Traces of SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been found in the breast milk of the infected mothers and the semen of infected males. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported in some cases. Conclusion Based on the literature review, SARS-CoV-2 seems to have the potential of affecting both male and female reproductive tracts. This review brings together the findings and observations made in the area of reproductive health during the current pandemic. The reproductive system of the young population is preordained for subsequent disorders, infertility, reduced sperm count, and motility. Therefore, the research and medical practices should focus on possible vulnerability being posed by SARS-CoV-2 to the gametes and future generations. We, hereby, recommend close monitoring of young and pregnant COVID-19 patients concerning reproductive health with utmost priority.

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Potential mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 action on male gonadal function and fertility: Current status and future prospects

Cited by 57 publications

References 64 publications

Epidemiology and organ specific sequelae of post-acute COVID19: A narrative review

Epidemiology and organ specific sequelae of post-acute COVID19: A narrative review

COVID-19 and male fertility: Taking stock of one year after the outbreak began

SARS-CoV-2 and the reproductive system: known and the unknown..!!

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