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

5 citations , December 2021 in “Physiological Research”

Men, particularly those with hair loss, are more likely to get the virus, and those with prostate cancer may have milder symptoms. Testosterone's role in the disease is unclear, and the virus doesn't seem to harm male fertility. Women with PCOS might be at higher risk. More research is needed.

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

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The drug enzalutamide may reduce the ability of the virus causing COVID-19 to enter lung cells.

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

47 citations , April 2021 in “Fertility and Sterility”

COVID-19 might affect male fertility, but more research is needed to understand the full impact.

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?

71 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.

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

49 citations , November 2019 in “Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics”

Certain gene variants may contribute to high androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

research Cause of Androgenic Alopecia

17 citations , October 2013 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open”

Male pattern baldness may be caused by scalp pressure on hair follicles, which increases with age and leads to a cycle of hair loss. This process is not directly determined by genes.