Roles of Steroid Receptors in the Lung and COVID-19

The document discusses the role of steroid hormone receptors, including androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, mineralocorticoid, and oestrogen receptors, in lung function and their impact on COVID-19. It suggests a gender bias in COVID-19 severity, with males being more affected, potentially due to the role of sex hormones in regulating genes/proteins essential for viral infection. The document also highlights that ACE2 expression, involved in viral infection, is generally higher in males and that male-pattern baldness, linked to increased androgen activity, is associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 infections. Women aged 18-45 taking oral contraceptives had significantly lower infection and hospitalization rates. The document also discusses the potential therapeutic role of steroid hormones due to their immunomodulatory properties. Several clinical trials are investigating the use of steroid receptor ligands, anti-androgen therapy, and other inhalable glucocorticoids for treating COVID-19.