TLDR Men with more CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene and lower testosterone levels may experience more severe COVID-19.
The study examined the link between androgen receptor polymorphism and COVID-19 severity in 142 male patients. It found that men with more than 23 CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene experienced more severe COVID-19, due to reduced androgen receptor activity and lower testosterone levels, leading to excessive inflammation and organ damage. Conversely, fewer than 22 repeats were associated with less severe outcomes, as more active androgen receptors provided immunosuppressive effects. The study suggested that genetic factors like CAG repeat length could predict disease severity and guide interventions. It also noted that men had higher COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality rates, potentially due to hormonal and immune response differences.
4 citations
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March 2022 in “Journal of Infection” Anti-androgen therapy might help protect against COVID-19 infection and reduce death risk.
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December 2021 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Sex hormones may affect COVID-19 severity, with estrogen possibly reducing risk and testosterone potentially increasing it.
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May 2021 in “International Journal of Infectious Diseases” Low testosterone may indicate severe COVID-19 in men.
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January 2010 in “Neoplasma” Certain gene patterns in breast cancer are linked to how active hormone receptors are and could affect patient survival.
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September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Testosterone significantly affects sexual desire in both men and women, but its impact on women is more complex and influenced by psychological factors.
