1
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Muyayalo KP, Gong GS, Kiyonga Aimeé K, Liao AH. Impaired immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection is the major factor indirectly altering reproductive function in COVID-19 patients: a narrative review. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:778-796. [PMID: 37811836 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2262757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease affecting multiple systems and organs, including the reproductive system. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can damage reproductive organs through direct (angiotensin converting enzyme-2, ACE-2) and indirect mechanisms. The immune system plays an essential role in the homeostasis and function of the male and female reproductive systems. Therefore, an altered immune response related to infectious and inflammatory diseases can affect reproductive function and fertility in both males and females. This narrative review discussed the dysregulation of innate and adaptive systems induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We reviewed the evidence showing that this altered immune response in COVID-19 patients is the major indirect mechanism leading to adverse reproduction outcomes in these patients. We summarized studies reporting the long-term effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on women's reproductive function and proposed the chronic inflammation and chronic autoimmunity characterizing long COVID as potential underlying mechanisms. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of autoimmunity and chronic inflammation (long COVID) in altered female reproduction function in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, D. R. Congo
| | - Guang-Shun Gong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Kahindo Kiyonga Aimeé
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Tropical Medicine Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, D. R. Congo
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
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2
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Kannampuzha S, Murali R, Namachivayam A, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Prabakaran DS. Insights into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030510. [PMID: 36992094 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has become a significant public health concern that has catastrophic consequences for society. Some preliminary evidence suggests that the male reproductive system may be an infection target for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually, according to preliminary research. Testicular cells exhibit a high level of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which enhances the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Some instances of COVID-19 have been documented to exhibit hypogonadism during the acute stage. Furthermore, systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown to have profoundly deleterious consequences on testicular functioning. This work gives a clear picture of how COVID-19 may affect male reproductive systems and calls attention to the many unanswered questions about the mechanisms by which this virus can be linked to men’s health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24253, Republic of Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda 151401, India
| | - D S Prabakaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1 Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Srivilliputhur Main Road, Sivakasi 626124, India
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3
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Yin J, Wang Y, Tao L, Chen L, Liu P, Li R. Impact of vaccination against COVID-19 on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:207-212. [PMID: 36801859 PMCID: PMC10106135 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002444] [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: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the primary approach in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Studies have shown that vaccination against COVID-19 has adverse effects, particularly on human reproductive health, despite the fact that vaccination rates are still on the rise. However, few studies have reported whether vaccination affects the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or not. In this study, we compared the outcome of IVF-ET and the development of follicles and embryos between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. METHODS A single-center retrospective cohort study of 10,541 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles was conducted from June 2020 to August 2021. 835 IVF cycles with a history of vaccination against COVID-19 and 1670 IVF cycles that served as negative controls were selected and analyzed utilizing the Matchlt package of R software ( http://www.R-project.org/ ) and the nearest neighbor matching algorithm for propensity-matched analysis at a 1:2 ratio. RESULTS The number of oocytes collected in the vaccinated group and the unvaccinated group were 8.00 (0, 40.00) and 9.00 (0, 77.00) ( P = 0.073) and the good-quality embryo rates of the two groups were 0.56±0.32 and 0.56±0.31 averagely ( P = 0.964). Clinical pregnancy rates for the vaccinated group and unvaccinated group were 42.4% (155/366) and 40.2% (328/816) ( P = 0.486) and biochemical pregnancy rates were 7.1% (26/366) and 8.7% (71/816) ( P = 0.355). Two other factors were analyzed in this study; vaccination among different genders and different types (inactivated vaccine or recombinant adenovirus vaccine) showed no statistically significant effect on the above outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In our findings, vaccination against COVID-19 showed no statistically significant effect on the outcomes of IVF-ET and the development of follicles and embryos, nor did the gender of the vaccinated person or the formulation of vaccines show significant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yang Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liyuan Tao
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
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4
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Pourmasumi S, Nazari A, Ahmadi Z, Kouni SN, de Gregorio C, Koniari I, Dousdampanis P, Mplani V, Plotas P, Assimakopoulos S, Gogos C, Aidonisdis G, Roditis P, Matsas N, Velissaris D, Calogiuri G, Hung MY, Altay S, Kounis NG. The Effect of Long COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on Male Fertility; A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121982. [PMID: 36560392 PMCID: PMC9783106 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Earlier research has suggested that the male reproductive system could be particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, and infections involving this novel disease not only pose serious health threats but could also cause male infertility. Data from multi-organ research during the recent outbreak indicate that male infertility might not be diagnosed as a possible consequence of COVID-19 infection. Several review papers have summarized the etiology factors on male fertility, but to date no review paper has been published defining the effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the published scientific evidence regarding male fertility potential, the risk of infertility during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the male reproductive system. The effects of COVID-19 infection and the subsequent vaccination on seminal fluid, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, testes and sex hormones are particularly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | - Alireza Nazari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Pistachio Safety Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | | | - Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Medical School, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Periklis Dousdampanis
- Department of Nephrology, Saint Andrews State General Hospital, 26221 Patras, Greece
| | - Virginia Mplani
- Intensive Care Unit, Patras University Hospital, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Department of Speech Therapy, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Stelios Assimakopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Gogos
- COVID-19 Unit, Papageorgiou General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Pavlos Roditis
- Department of Cardiology, Mamatsio Kozanis General Hospital, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Nikos Matsas
- Cardiology Private Practice, 30131 Agrinion, Greece
| | | | - Gianfranco Calogiuri
- Pneumonology Department, Civil Hospital “Ninetto Melli”, Pietro Vernoti, 72027 Brindisi, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Medical School, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Ming-Yow Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Servet Altay
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine Trakya University, Edirne 22030, Turkey
| | - Nicholas G. Kounis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence:
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5
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Wang F, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen Y, Han D. Viral tropism for the testis and sexual transmission. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1040172. [PMID: 36439102 PMCID: PMC9682072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1040172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian testis adopts an immune privileged environment to protect male germ cells from adverse autoimmune reaction. The testicular immune privileged status can be also hijacked by various microbial pathogens as a sanctuary to escape systemic immune surveillance. In particular, several viruses have a tropism for the testis. To overcome the immune privileged status and mount an effective local defense against invading viruses, testicular cells are well equipped with innate antiviral machinery. However, several viruses may persist an elongated duration in the testis and disrupt the local immune homeostasis, thereby impairing testicular functions and male fertility. Moreover, the viruses in the testis, as well as other organs of the male reproductive system, can shed to the semen, thus allowing sexual transmission to partners. Viral infection in the testis, which can impair male fertility and lead to sexual transmission, is a serious concern in research on known and on new emerging viruses. To provide references for our scientific peers, this article reviews research achievements and suggests future research focuses in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongmei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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6
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Baj J, Forma A, Teresińska B, Tyczyńska M, Zembala J, Januszewski J, Flieger J, Buszewicz G, Teresiński G. How Does SARS-CoV-2 Affect Our Eyes-What Have We Learnt So Far about the Ophthalmic Manifestations of COVID-19? J Clin Med 2022; 11:3379. [PMID: 35743449 PMCID: PMC9225256 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become a worldwide threat resulting in a pandemic in 2020. SARS-CoV-2 infection manifests itself as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is evidenced in a vast number of either specific or nonspecific symptoms. Except for typical (but nonspecific) symptoms such as fever, dry cough, or muscle weakness, the infected patients might also present atypical symptoms including neurological, dermatological, or ophthalmic manifestations. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the onset, progression, and types of ophthalmic symptoms induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection recognized amongst the infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.T.); (J.J.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (B.T.); (G.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Barbara Teresińska
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (B.T.); (G.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Magdalena Tyczyńska
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.T.); (J.J.)
| | - Julita Zembala
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jacek Januszewski
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.T.); (J.J.)
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Buszewicz
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (B.T.); (G.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Grzegorz Teresiński
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (B.T.); (G.B.); (G.T.)
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7
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Goebel H, Koeditz B, Huerta M, Kameri E, Nestler T, Kamphausen T, Friemann J, Hamdorf M, Ohrmann T, Koehler P, Cornely OA, Montesinos-Rongen M, Nicol D, Schorle H, Boor P, Quaas A, Pallasch C, Heidenreich A, von Brandenstein M. COVID-19 Infection Induce miR-371a-3p Upregulation Resulting in Influence on Male Fertility. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040858. [PMID: 35453608 PMCID: PMC9033010 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, the first case of COVID-19 was reported and since then several groups have already published that the virus can be present in the testis. To study the influence of SARS-CoV-2 which cause a dysregulation of the androgen receptor (AR) level, thereby leading to fertility problems and inducing germ cell testicular changes in patients after the infection. Formalin-Fixed-Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) testicular samples from patients who died with or as a result of COVID-19 (n = 32) with controls (n = 6), inflammatory changes (n = 9), seminoma with/without metastasis (n = 11) compared with healthy biopsy samples (n = 3) were analyzed and compared via qRT-PCR for the expression of miR-371a-3p. An immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) and ELISA were performed in order to highlight the miR-371a-3p targeting the AR. Serum samples of patients with mild or severe COVID-19 symptoms (n = 34) were analyzed for miR-371a-3p expression. In 70% of the analyzed postmortem testicular tissue samples, a significant upregulation of the miR-371a-3p was detected, and 75% of the samples showed a reduced spermatogenesis. In serum samples, the upregulation of the miR-371a-3p was also detectable. The upregulation of the miR-371a-3p is responsible for the downregulation of the AR in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, resulting in decreased spermatogenesis. Since the dysregulation of the AR is associated with infertility, further studies have to confirm if the identified dysregulation is regressive after a declining infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Goebel
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.G.); (A.Q.)
| | - Barbara Koeditz
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Manuel Huerta
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Ersen Kameri
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Tim Nestler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Thomas Kamphausen
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Melatengürtel 60/62, 50823 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Johannes Friemann
- Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Paulmannshöher Straße 14, 58515 Lüdenscheid, Germany;
| | - Matthias Hamdorf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany;
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Timo Ohrmann
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Philipp Koehler
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (P.K.); (O.A.C.); (C.P.)
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Chair Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (P.K.); (O.A.C.); (C.P.)
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Chair Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50935 Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Manuel Montesinos-Rongen
- Department of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany;
| | - David Nicol
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK;
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Bonn Clinics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Peter Boor
- Department of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.G.); (A.Q.)
| | - Christian Pallasch
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (P.K.); (O.A.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Axel Heidenreich
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
- Department of Urology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie von Brandenstein
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.K.); (M.H.); (E.K.); (T.N.); (T.O.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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D’Ippolito S, Turchiano F, Vitagliano A, Scutiero G, Lanzone A, Scambia G, Greco P. Is There a Role for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 on the Female Reproductive System? Front Physiol 2022; 13:845156. [PMID: 35309055 PMCID: PMC8924447 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.845156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a very serious pandemic caused by the rapidly evolving transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Since its outbreak in 2020, the SARS CoV-2 has represented an important challenge for the physicians due to its well known respiratory sequelae. To date, the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection on organs and systems other than lungs and respiratory tract remains less clear. In particular, it remains to be investigated whether the reproductive system can be affected by the SARS-CoV-2 in the long term-period or, in alternative, drugs used to treat COVID-19 might impact the reproductive systems and, in turn, fertility. What is known is that SARS-Cov-2 binds to target cells of host through different receptors including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), neuropilin-1, AXL and antibody-FcɣR complexes. ACE2 physiologically regulates both the expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) as well as Ang-(1-7) to exerts its physiological functions. The reproductive system abundantly expresses ACE2 and produces Ang-(1-7), starting from precursors which are locally generated or derived from systemic circulation. Ang-(1-7) plays an important role of stimulus to the growth and maturation of ovarian follicle as well as to ovulation. Also human endometrium expresses Ang-(1-7), mainly during the post-ovulatory phase. Animal and human observational studies demonstrated that Ang-(1-7) is involved in the maternal immune response to pregnancy and its deficiency is associated with a defective placenta development. In our manuscript, we review the current knowledge about whether SARS-CoV-2 may impact the female reproductive system. We further explain the possible molecular mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 might affect ovarian, endometrial and female genital tract cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D’Ippolito
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Silvia D’Ippolito, , orcid.org/0000-0002-6160-0558
| | - Francesca Turchiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), Rome, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Scutiero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio Lanzone
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Antonio Lanzone, , orcid.org/0000-0003-4119-414X
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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