The influence of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproduction and men's health.
Eur J Clin Invest
; 54(1): e14097, 2024 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37726940
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, primarily affects the respiratory system by targeting the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2. However, these receptors are also present in other organs, including the testes, where a higher concentration of ACE2 receptors has been observed. This raises concerns about the potential impact of the virus on male fertility.AIMS:
In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on semen parameters by comparing samples during and after infection in the same patients. MATERIALS &METHOD:
The study enrolled 51 individuals who had contracted COVID-19 and analysed various parameters related to sperm quality and quantity, including C-reactive protein, testosterone levels, total sperm concentration, motility and morphology. A comparison was made between these parameters during the initial infection with SARS-CoV-2 and after a 2- and 5-month recovery period.RESULTS:
The results indicated that all of the mentioned parameters were significantly affected during COVID-19 infection (PCR-ct, CRP, WBCs LH, FSH and testosterone levels, p-value = .0001). Furthermore, the study assessed TC, TM and sperm morphology in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and found that these parameters were also significantly influenced during the infection, (p-value = .0001; Morphology, p-value = .0004). We observed significant alterations in sperm count and morphology during infection, suggesting a potential negative impact on sperm quality. Additionally, lower hormone levels were observed during COVID-19 infection, possibly due to increased inflammatory cytokines. However, both hormones and inflammation markers returned to normal following recovery. Our findings indicate a statistically significant change in total sperm count, motility and morphology post-infection, which aligns with previous studies. Discussion, COVID-19 have a transient impact on sperm parameters and fertility, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into the long-term implications.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Límite:
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Clin Invest
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Irak