The Double-Edged Sword of Testosterone’s Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 2021 in “ Frontiers in Endocrinology ”

Johnny S. Younis, Karl Skorecki, Zaid Abassi

testosterone androgens male pattern hair loss androgen-deprivation therapies androgen receptor SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 gonadal function anti-inflammatory effect low testosterone levels male hormones hair loss prostate cancer treatments testosterone levels

TLDR Testosterone may influence COVID-19 severity and outcomes.

The document discusses the potential role of testosterone in the severity of COVID-19 infection, suggesting that the infection could be androgen mediated. It notes an observation of male pattern hair loss among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Spain, indicating a possible link between androgens and COVID-19 severity. The study also suggests that androgen-deprivation therapies for prostate cancer may lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, an androgen receptor genetic variant was found to predict COVID-19 disease severity. The document also explores the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male gonadal function and the potential anti-inflammatory effect of androgen receptor activation. It was found that low testosterone levels could predict clinical adverse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients.

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Research cited in this study

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research Androgen Signaling Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Levels and Is Associated with Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Men

139 citations, December 2020 in “Cell Stem Cell”

Male hormones affect COVID-19 severity and certain drugs targeting these hormones could help reduce the risk.

Androgen Receptor Genetic Variant Predicts COVID-19 Disease Severity: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Hospitalized COVID-19 Male Patients

research Androgen Receptor Genetic Variant Predicts COVID-19 Disease Severity: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Hospitalized COVID-19 Male Patients

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A certain genetic variant in the androgen receptor may predict the severity of COVID-19 in men.

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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, April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

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

A Preliminary Observation: Male Pattern Hair Loss Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Spain – A Potential Clue to the Role of Androgens in COVID-19 Severity

research A Preliminary Observation: Male Pattern Hair Loss Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Spain – A Potential Clue to the Role of Androgens in COVID-19 Severity

134 citations, April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations, September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

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research Testosterone in COVID-19: An Adversary Bane or Comrade Boon

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research Androgens in SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Infections

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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.

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The Double-Edged Sword of Testosterone’s Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research cited in this study

research Androgen Signaling Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Levels and Is Associated with Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Men

research Androgen Receptor Genetic Variant Predicts COVID-19 Disease Severity: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Hospitalized COVID-19 Male Patients

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 A Preliminary Observation: Male Pattern Hair Loss Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Spain – A Potential Clue to the Role of Androgens in COVID-19 Severity

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

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