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Zhang G, Zhi W, Ye F, Xiong D, Zhang Y, Liu F, Zhao Y, Du X, Wu Y, Hou M, Liu J, Wei J, Silang Y, Xu W, Zeng J, Chen S, Liu W. Systematic analyses of the factors influencing sperm quality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8132. [PMID: 38584153 PMCID: PMC10999436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To figure out how does SARS-CoV-2 affect sperm parameters and what influencing factors affect the recovery of sperm quality after infection? We conducted a prospective cohort study and initially included 122 men with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The longest time to track semen quality after infection is 112 days and 58 eligible patients were included in our study eventually. We subsequently exploited a linear mixed-effects model to statistically analyze their semen parameters at different time points before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Semen parameters were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including total sperm count (211 [147; 347] to 167 [65.0; 258], P < 0.001), sperm concentration (69.0 [38.8; 97.0] to 51.0 [25.5; 71.5], P < 0.001), total sperm motility (57.5 [52.3; 65.0] to 51.0 [38.5; 56.8], P < 0.001), progressive motility (50.0 [46.2; 58.0] to 45.0 [31.5; 52.8], P < 0.001). The parameters displayed the greatest diminution within 30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection, gradually recovered thereafter, and exhibited no significant difference after 90 days compared with prior to COVID-19 infection. In addition, the patients in the group with a low-grade fever showed a declining tendency in semen parameters, but not to a significant degree, whereas those men with a moderate or high fever produced a significant drop in the same parameters. Semen parameters were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and fever severity during SARS-CoV-2 infection may constitute the main influencing factor in reducing semen parameters in patients after recovery, but the effect is reversible and the semen parameters gradually return to normal with the realization of a new spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Xinrong Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Mingxia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Jiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Yangzhong Silang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
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Li G, Zhang R, Song B, Wang C, Shen Q, He X, Cao Y. Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines on Sperm Quality: Systematic Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e48511. [PMID: 37976132 DOI: 10.2196/48511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has triggered a global public health crisis of unprecedented proportions. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is a highly effective strategy for preventing infections and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Although several studies have concluded that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to affect fertility, concerns have arisen regarding adverse events, including the potential impact on fertility; these concerns are plagued by limited and inconsistent evidence. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a recent assessment of the literature on the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on male sperm quality. The possible impact of COVID-19 vaccines on fertility potential was also examined to draw a clearer picture and to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive health. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from their inception to October 2023. Eligible studies included articles reporting SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and human semen quality and fertility, as well as the impact of vaccination on assisted reproductive technology treatment outcomes. The quality of cohort studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the quality of cross-sectional studies was assessed using the quality evaluation criteria recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. RESULTS The initial literature search yielded 4691 records by searching 5 peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane). Finally, 24 relevant studies were selected for our study. There were evident research inequalities at the regional level, with the United States and Western European countries contributing 38% (9/24) of the studies, Middle Eastern countries contributing 38% (9/24), China accounting for 21% (5/24), and Africa and South America accounting for none. Nonetheless, the overall quality of the included studies was generally good. Our results demonstrated that serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare, and men experience few problems with sperm parameters or reproductive potential after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the studies published so far, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for male reproductive health. Obviously, vaccination is a wise option rather than experience serious adverse symptoms of viral infections. These instances of evidence may help reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination coverage, particularly among reproductive-age couples. As new controlled trials and prospective cohort studies with larger sample sizes emerge, the possibility of a negative effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on sperm quality must be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Rongqiu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Jinyang Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
| | - Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Human Sperm Bank, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
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Wang C, Wang M, Li G, Song B, Xing Q, Cao Y. Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on human fertility: a post-pandemic literature review. Ann Med 2023; 55:2261964. [PMID: 37756386 PMCID: PMC10538453 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2261964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although vaccination with the Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine is important and effective in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the public expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of vaccine on fertility. Some reviews have focused on it, they have been unable to collect sufficient research data because of the earlier publication period. As relevant evidence has gradually increased, we reviewed these studies from the perspectives of males, females with or without pregnancy, and different vaccine types. The results suggest that although males may experience fluctuations in semen parameters within their physiological ranges after receiving the vaccine, it has not yet reached a level of influence on the partner's pregnancy probability. As to female without pregnancy, it is believed that vaccination will not affect fertility; however, more research is needed to explore the short-term impact. Vaccination during any trimester is considered safe in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of General Office, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Zeginiadou T, Symeonidis EN, Symeonidis A, Vakalopoulos I. SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) and male fertility: Something we should be worried about? Urologia 2023; 90:726-734. [PMID: 37278004 PMCID: PMC10247691 DOI: 10.1177/03915603231175941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As of 2021, roughly 5 million deaths were linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection based on World Health Organization estimates. The pandemic takes its staggering death toll, severely affecting the healthcare systems and leading to detrimental implications globally. While the severe impact on the respiratory system is well-established, the exact effect on male reproduction is still largely uncharted territory. When it comes to gender, men appear more vulnerable compared to women. Increasing evidence suggests that COVID-19 adversely affects spermatogenesis and hormonal balance in diverse ways. Semen parameters seem to be compromised at least temporarily, while long-term worsening needs to be clarified in studies with extended follow-up. For the time being, no data support the adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccines on a male's reproductive health. In the present article, we examine the available literature and briefly discuss the impact of the virus on reproduction and fertility. We further provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of vaccination and its potential effect on male fertility. Ultimately, we address the need for future well-designed large-scale trials before drawing definite conclusions on the exact impact of the virus on a male's fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangelos N Symeonidis
- 1st Department of Urology, Aristotle University, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Asterios Symeonidis
- 1st Department of Urology, Aristotle University, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vakalopoulos
- 1st Department of Urology, Aristotle University, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Panner Selvam MK, Kapoor A, Baskaran S, Moharana AK, Sikka SC. A Scientometric Evaluation of COVID-19 and Male Reproductive Research. Clin Pract 2023; 13:1319-1330. [PMID: 37987419 PMCID: PMC10660474 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13060118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus showed acute and prolonged effects on human health. In addition, over the past four years, there has been a tremendous surge in COVID-19-related scientific publications, as shown by bibliometric and scientometric studies. However, such analysis of the scientific literature is lacking in the area of male reproduction. The current scientometric study analyzes publication characteristics of articles related to male reproduction and COVID-19 infection. We used the Scopus database to analyze scientometric data (the number of publications, journals, countries, type of documents, and subject area) related to COVID-19 and male reproductive research. Our literature search identified 345 articles related to COVID-19 and male reproductive research. Most of the articles were published in the USA (n = 72), Italy (n = 55), and China (n = 51). Such research was mainly focused around medicine (57.1%), followed by biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (25.7%). Also, in the area of male reproduction, only 37.1% (n = 128) of the articles contributed towards original research, whereas 52.8% (n = 182) were review articles and editorials focusing more on sexual dysfunction than infertility. Such a small number of studies published on COVID-19-related effects on male reproduction warrants a significant increase in research, which is required to decipher the mechanism(s) underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated impairment of male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
| | | | - Saradha Baskaran
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Ajaya Kumar Moharana
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack 753003, Odisha, India
| | - Suresh C. Sikka
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
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Paira DA, Beltramone F, Olmedo JJ, Tissera AD, Molina RI, Fux-Otta C, Olivera C, Motrich RD. Persistent oligonecrozoospermia after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. A case report and literature review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20340. [PMID: 37809541 PMCID: PMC10560057 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is known to have deleterious effects on different systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal. However, conflicting data about the possible implications for male reproductive health and fertility have been reported. In addition, the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unclear. Herein, we report a case of a 42-year-old man with no known co-morbidities and normal baseline semen quality, who subsequently suffered an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Shortly after, the patient developed sudden oligoasthenozoospermia, even reaching azoospermia, which gradually evolved into persistent severe oligonecrozoospermia, accompanied by semen inflammation and oxidative stress. Remarkably, the latter occurred in the absence of urogenital infections, hormonal imbalances, tissue/organ obstruction/damage, medication or drug treatment, smoking, or exposure to toxins/pollutants, radiation, or high temperature. This case constitutes valuable clinical evidence that adds to the current knowledge in the field and highlights the need for further and longer follow-up studies to better understand the putative long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Andrea Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando Beltramone
- OVUM- Centro de Medicina Reproductive, Fetal y Cirugía Ambulatoria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Carolina Fux-Otta
- Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Olivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruben Dario Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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7
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Martinez MS, Ferreyra FN, Paira DA, Rivero VE, Olmedo JJ, Tissera AD, Molina RI, Motrich RD. COVID-19 associates with semen inflammation and sperm quality impairment that reverses in the short term after disease recovery. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1220048. [PMID: 37497433 PMCID: PMC10366368 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1220048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 exerts deleterious effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, causing more severe disease in men than in women. However, cumulative reported data about the putative consequences on the male reproductive tract and fertility are controversial. Furthermore, the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still uncertain. Methods: In this study, we prospectively evaluated levels of inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes in semen and sperm quality parameters in a cohort of 231 reproductive-aged male patients, unvaccinated, who had recovered from mild or severe COVID-19 and in 62 healthy control individuals. Sperm quality was assessed early (less than 3 months) and long (more than 3 and up to 6 months) after having COVID-19. Interestingly, and unlike most reported studies, available extensive background and baseline data on patients' sperm quality allowed performing a more accurate analysis of COVID-19 effects on sperm quality. Results: Significantly higher levels of IL-1β, TNF and IFNγ were detected in semen from patients recently recovered from mild and/or severe COVID-19 with respect to control individuals indicating semen inflammation. Moreover, patients recovered from mild and/or severe COVID-19 showed significantly reduced semen volume, lower total sperm counts, and impaired sperm motility and viability. Interestingly, all observed alterations returned to baseline values after 3 or more months after disease recovery. Discussion: These results indicate that COVID-19 associates with semen inflammation and impaired semen quality early after disease. However, long COVID-19 seems not to include long-term detrimental consequences on male fertility potential since the observed alterations were reversible after 1-2 spermatogenesis cycles. These data constitute compelling evidence allowing a better understanding of COVID-19 associated sequelae, fundamental for semen collection in assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sol Martinez
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Daniela Andrea Paira
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Virginia Elena Rivero
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Daniela Tissera
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rosa Isabel Molina
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rubén Darío Motrich
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Aschauer J, Sima M, Imhof M. Recovery of sperm quality after COVID-19 disease in male adults under the influence of a micronutrient combination: A prospective study. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2023; 95:11157. [PMID: 36924370 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standard micronutrient preparation to improve semen parameters and seminal oxidative stress in adult male subjects after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. METHODS For this prospective pilot study, 30 males aged 20-50 years who had recently recovered from a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited from June to October 2021 through a public call for participation. Participants of the study group (n = 30) received two semen analyses according to WHO criteria at an interval of 12 weeks, during which they daily received a micronutrient preparation (L-carnitine, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, zinc, folic acid, glutathione and selenium). Changes in major semen variables and seminal oxidative stress levels before and after therapy were analyzed and compared to a control group (n = 10) adhering to the same inclusion criteria, including subjects who recently recovered from symptomatic COVID-19 disease without micronutrient supplementation within the 12 weeks between the two semen analyses. RESULTS After 3 months of micronutrient supplementation the rate of normal semen analysis results in the study group increased significantly (p = 0.009) by 66.7%: from 50.0% before to 83.3% after therapy. There was a significant increase in progressive (p = 0.014) and overall motility (p = 0.05) as well as in the vitality (p = 0.0004) of semen cells after 12 weeks of micronutrient intake. In the control group there were no significant changes in any semen parameter or in the rate of normal semen analysis results over the 3-month observation period. In both groups, sperm density, morphology and oxidative stress did not improve significantly. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that supplementation of certain micronutrients may be a safe way to support recovery of impaired semen parameters in male adults recovered from COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Aschauer
- Karl Landsteiner Society, Institute for Cell-focused Therapy, Korneuburg; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna.
| | - Michaela Sima
- Karl Landsteiner Society, Institute for Cell-focused Therapy, Korneuburg; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna.
| | - Martin Imhof
- Karl Landsteiner Society, Institute for Cell-focused Therapy, Korneuburg.
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9
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Andreoli L, Chighizola CB, Iaccarino L, Botta A, Gerosa M, Ramoni V, Tani C, Bermas B, Brucato A, Buyon J, Cetin I, Chambers CD, Clowse MEB, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Cutolo M, De Carolis S, Dolhain R, Fazzi EM, Förger F, Giles I, Haase I, Khamashta M, Levy RA, Meroni PL, Mosca M, Nelson-Piercy C, Raio L, Salmon J, Villiger P, Wahren-Herlenius M, Wallenius M, Zanardini C, Shoenfeld Y, Tincani A. Immunology of pregnancy and reproductive health in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Update from the 11 th International Conference on Reproduction, Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103259. [PMID: 36549355 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) can affect women and men during fertile age, therefore reproductive health is a priority issue in rheumatology. Many topics need to be considered during preconception counselling: fertility, the impact of disease-related factors on pregnancy outcomes, the influence of pregnancy on disease activity, the compatibility of medications with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Risk stratification and individualized treatment approach elaborated by a multidisciplinary team minimize the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Research has been focused on identifying biomarkers that can be predictive of APO. Specifically, preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy tend to develop more frequently in women with ARD. Placental insufficiency can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and small-for-gestational age newborns. Such APO have been shown to be associated with maternal disease activity in different ARD. Therefore, a key message to be addressed to the woman wishing for a pregnancy and to her family is that treatment with compatible drugs is the best way to ensure maternal and fetal wellbeing. An increasing number of medications have entered the management of ARD, but data about their use in pregnancy and lactation are scarce. More information is needed for most biologic drugs and their biosimilars, and for the so-called small molecules, while there is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of TNF inhibitors if needed for keeping maternal disease under control. Other issues related to the reproductive journey have emerged as "unmet needs", such as sexual dysfunction, contraception, medically assisted reproduction techniques, long-term outcome of children, and they will be addressed in this review paper. Collaborative research has been instrumental to reach current knowledge and the future will bring novel insights thanks to pregnancy registries and prospective studies that have been established in several Countries and to their joint efforts in merging data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cecilia B Chighizola
- Paediatric Rheumatology Unit, ASST G. Pini & CTO, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Botta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Véronique Ramoni
- Medicina Generale Lodi, ASST Lodi-Ospedale Maggiore, Lodi, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Brucato
- Internal Medicine, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jill Buyon
- Division of Rheumatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Woman, Mother and Child, Luigi Sacco and Vittore Buzzi Children Hospitals, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Christina D Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan E B Clowse
- Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau
- Internal Medicine Department, Cochin Hospital, Referral center for rare autoimmune and systemic diseases, Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal M edicine, University of Genoa, IRCSS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara De Carolis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Radboud Dolhain
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa M Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Frauke Förger
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital (Inselspitaland University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ian Giles
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, Department of rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Isabell Haase
- Department for Rheumatology and Hiller Research Institute, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Munther Khamashta
- Women & Children's Health, King's College, London, UK; GlaxoSmithKline Global Medical Expert, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roger A Levy
- Universidade do Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; GlaxoSmithKline Global Medical Expert, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Raio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital (Inselspitaland University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jane Salmon
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Villiger
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center Monbijou, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie Wahren-Herlenius
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne Wallenius
- National Advisory Unit on Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, University Hospital and Institute of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Cristina Zanardini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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10
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Meng F, Zhao A, Lu H, Zou D, Dong B, Wang X, Liu L, Zhou S. KISS1 Gene Variations and Susceptibility to Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Reprod Sci 2023:10.1007/s43032-023-01203-1. [PMID: 36854822 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that kisspeptin plays an integral role in the regulation of reproduction. Genetic variations in the KISS1 gene have been frequently reported to be linked to reproductive diseases, but there is still a lack of data on the association between KISS1 variations and female reproductive disorders. The present study aimed to examine the association of three missense SNPs in the KISS1 gene including rs12998, rs35431622, and rs4889 in association with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL). A total of 720 individuals were recruited in this study. The DNA from the blood sample was extracted and genotyped using the PCR method. Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium (LD) have also been analyzed. The results of this study suggested that rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G had a significant association with iRPL (p < 0.05); while rs35431622 A > G didn't indicate any association with iRPL. A significant association was also found for three haplotypes including C-A-A, G-G-G, and G-G-A in this population. The analysis also showed a significant LD between rs12998 and rs35431622 (P < 0.0005). The rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G variants of KISS1 are linked to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and may be risk factors for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanting Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Aiqin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiying Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bei Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Sufang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China.
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11
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Huang J, Fang Z, Huang L, Fan L, Liu Y, Xia L, Xu D, Liu P, Chen J, Chen M, Tian L, Tan J, Wu Q. Effect of COVID-19 vaccination on semen parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28263. [PMID: 36310390 PMCID: PMC9874649 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination on semen parameters through systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched by June 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they compared semen parameters before and after COVID-19 vaccination or between vaccinated and unvaccinated men, with no restrictions on vaccine types or doses. The effect size was calculated as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the sources of heterogeneity measured by the I2 statistic, with publication bias evaluated by Egger's test. Twelve cohort studies involving 914 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In a comparison of vaccinated versus unvaccinated group, the pooled data revealed no significant differences in semen volume (MD = 0.18 ml, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.38), sperm concentration (MD = 1.16 million/ml, 95% CI -1.34 to 3.66), total sperm motility (MD = -0.14%, 95% CI -2.84 to 2.56), progressive sperm motility (MD = -1.06%, 95% CI -2.88 to 0.77), total sperm count (MD = 5.92 million, 95% CI -10.22 to 22.05), total motile sperm count (MD = 2.18 million, 95% CI -1.28 to 5.63), total progressively motile sperm count (MD = -3.87 million, 95% CI -13.16 to 5.43), and sperm morphology (MD = 0.07%, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.97). The results also remained similar across messenger ribonucleic acid, viral-vector, and inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Sensitivity analysis identified two individual studies that contributed to heterogeneity, while the effect size was not materially altered. No obvious publication bias was detected among included studies. Our finding suggested that COVID-19 vaccination had no detrimental impact on semen quality, which could be potentially helpful to reduce male vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Zheng Fang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tangdu HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lingling Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Lu Fan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Yiqi Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Queen MaryNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Leizhen Xia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Dingfei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Peipei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Jia Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Mengyi Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Jun Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Qiongfang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health HospitalNanchang University School of MedicineNanchangChina
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12
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Al-Alami ZM, Albeitawi S, ALNatsheh MS, Albakri K, Qublan H, Muhaidat N, Abuhalaweh MA, AlRawashdeh MM, Alqam H. COVID-19 and Semen Fluid Parameters, a Retrospective Study from Infertility Clinics. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12122076. [PMID: 36556441 PMCID: PMC9781580 DOI: 10.3390/life12122076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination on semen fluid analysis (SFA) parameters is still incomplete. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on sperm parameters for a sample of individuals visiting multi-infertility clinics in Jordan. SFA records were collected retrospectively between September and November 2021 and analyzed using Jamovi software (version 2.2.5 for Windows); p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, and semen liquefaction time, volume, and viscosity were compared among two data categories. In the first category of data, SFA records from 354 participants were separated into four groups: only vaccinated, infected and vaccinated, neither infected nor vaccinated, and only infected. In the other category, SFA from 49 subjects before their infection and/or vaccination and after were classified into the same mentioned groups and analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences between the studied parameters in the SFA records in the first data category and the second. Nevertheless, the sperm concentration was higher among vaccinated subjects compared to unvaccinated ones (p = 0.04). It is concluded that SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines have no negative effects on SFA parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zina M. Al-Alami
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Soha Albeitawi
- Clinical Science Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Maha S. ALNatsheh
- IVF Department, Al-Kindi Hospital, P.O. Box 851575, Amman 11185, Jordan
| | - Khaled Albakri
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Hussein Qublan
- Irbid Specialty Hospital IVF Center, Irbid Specialty Hospital, Irbid 21110, Jordan
| | - Nadia Muhaidat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mariam Ahmad Abuhalaweh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Al-Kindi Hospital, P.O. Box 851575, Amman 11185, Jordan
| | | | - Hiba Alqam
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Islamic Hospital, Al-Abdali, King Hussein street, Amman 11942, Jordan
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13
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Kabalkin Y, Bentov Y, Gil M, Beharier O, Jaber S, Moav-Zafrir A, Khwies D, Ben-Meir A, Esh Broder E, Walfisch A, Holzer HEG, Hershko Klement A. Mild COVID-19 Was Not Associated with Impaired IVF Outcomes or Early Pregnancy Loss in IVF Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185265. [PMID: 36142911 PMCID: PMC9505769 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Data collection regarding the effects of COVID-19 on reproduction is ongoing. This study examined the effect of COVID-19 on IVF cycle parameters and early pregnancy outcomes. It included two arms: the first compared non-exposed cycles to post-SARS-CoV-2 IVF cycles. Sperm parameters were also compared. The second, prospective arm compared pregnancy outcomes among IVF patients who contracted COVID-19 during early pregnancy to those who did not. None of the patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The first arm included 60 treatment cycles of women with confirmed COVID-19, compared to 60 non-exposed cycles (either the same patient before exposure or matched non-exposed patients). The outcomes of the treatment cycles did not differ significantly between exposed and non-exposed groups, including number of oocytes, endometrial thickness, fertilization rate and number of top-quality embryos. In 11 cycles, the male partner had also recently recovered: sperm concentration was lower post-exposure: 6.27 million/mL vs. 16.5 pre-exposure (p = 0.008). In 189 patients with IVF-achieved pregnancies, pregnancy loss and hospital admissions did not differ between exposed and non-exposed groups. IVF treatment outcomes and the rate of early pregnancy loss appears to be unaffected by SARS-CoV-2 disease, despite a minor decline in sperm concentration among recent recoverees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossef Kabalkin
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yaakov Bentov
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Moran Gil
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Ein Kerem-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Sireen Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Arbel Moav-Zafrir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Dua’ Khwies
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Ein Kerem-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Efrat Esh Broder
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Asnat Walfisch
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Hananel E. G. Holzer
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Anat Hershko Klement
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
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14
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Cardona Maya WD, du Plessis SS, Velilla PA. Semen and viruses: significance during the transmission of infections. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2431-2432. [PMID: 36056984 PMCID: PMC9440326 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Walter D Cardona Maya
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia - UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.
| | - Stefan S du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Paula A Velilla
- Immunovirology Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia - UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
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15
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Oxidative Stress Markers and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men Recovered from COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710060. [PMID: 36077455 PMCID: PMC9456229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 negatively affects semen characteristics, impairs various biochemical processes in seminal fluid and within spermatogenic cells ultimately leading to male fertility decline. However, the distinct mechanisms, in particular, the role of oxidative stress on the consequences of coronavirus infection, have not been well investigated, which is the purpose of the present study. The standard semen parameters, its pro- and antioxidant system state, as well as the level of sperm DNA fragmentation, were assessed in 17 semen samples of men five months after the coronavirus infection and in 22 age-matched control patients. We determined that the DNA fragmentation rate negatively correlated with the period after coronavirus recovery, as well as seminal fluid superoxide dismutase activity and uric acid level. It was demonstrated that COVID-19 is not always associated with increased DNA fragmentation, allowing them to be considered as two independent factors. Thus, the most significant changes were noted in the samples of men after COVID-19 and abnormal TUNEL results: increased round cell number, decreased seminal fluid's nitrotyrosine level, and total antioxidant capacity and Zn, as well as an increased 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level within spermatozoa. The data obtained indicate that increased DNA fragmentation and diminished semen quality in men can be the result of an imbalance in semen pro- and antioxidant components after COVID-19.
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