TLDR COVID-19 may harm male fertility by affecting sperm production.
The study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on male fertility, focusing on the upregulation of miR-371a-3p and its effect on the androgen receptor (AR) and spermatogenesis. Testicular samples from 32 deceased COVID-19 patients and 34 serum samples from patients with varying COVID-19 severity were analyzed. Results showed a significant upregulation of miR-371a-3p in 70% of testicular samples, with 75% exhibiting reduced spermatogenesis. This upregulation led to AR downregulation, potentially causing infertility. The study suggested that further research was needed to determine if these effects were reversible post-infection.
139 citations
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