Insights Into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity

February 2023 in “ Vaccines ”

Anirban Goutam Mukherjee, Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari, Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan, Sandra Kannampuzha, Reshma Murali, Arunraj Namachivayam, Raja Ganesan, Kaviyarasi Renu, Abhijit Dey, Balachandar Vellingiri, D. S. Prabakaran

SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 receptor testicular cells autophagy autoimmune responses blood-testis barrier erectile dysfunction penile tissue endothelial cell dysfunction testosterone levels primary testicular damage COVID-19 testosterone

TLDR COVID-19 may harm male reproductive health and lower testosterone levels, potentially affecting fertility and causing erectile dysfunction. More research is needed.

The review "Insights into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity" discusses the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive health. The virus may enter cells via the ACE2 receptor, which is highly present in testicular cells, potentially causing damage. The virus may also affect male fertility by restricting autophagy, inducing autoimmune responses, and compromising the blood-testis barrier. The review also mentions a link between COVID-19 and erectile dysfunction, as the virus can persist in penile tissue and cause endothelial cell dysfunction. A study of 81 male COVID-19 patients showed lower testosterone levels, indicating potential primary testicular damage. The review concludes that more research is needed to understand the full impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility.

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research Androgens in SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Infections

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Insights Into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity

Research cited in this study

research Androgens in SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Infections

research The Antiandrogen Enzalutamide Downregulates TMPRSS2 and Reduces Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 in Human Lung Cells

research The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on Male Reproduction and Men's Health

research Racial Variations in COVID-19 Deaths May Be Due to Androgen Receptor Genetic Variants Associated with Prostate Cancer and Androgenetic Alopecia. Are Anti-Androgens a Potential Treatment for COVID-19?

research Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Role of CYP Gene Variants: A Review

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