ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of the male reproductive system of COVID‑19 patients and to explore the presence of SARS‑CoV‑2 in semen. Methods: Case series of 112 male patients with confirmed COVID‑19 who were admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January to March, 2020. Demographic data, symptoms and signs related to the male reproductive system, throat swabs and semen samples were collected and analyzed. SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA levels were measured in throat swab and semen samples. The organ distribution of ACE2 mRNA and protein in human tissue on HPA database were investigated. Results: The HPA dataset revealed relatively high levels of ACE2 protein and RNA expression in testis. A total of 3 severe COVID‑19 patients (2.7%) presented with orchidoptosis, while no patient experienced other symptoms or signs related to the male reproductive system. The analysis of SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA in semen included 17 patients with fertility needs. In the semen SARS‑CoV‑2 analysis, all 17 patients were negative for the N gene and ORF1ab gene. Conclusion: The online datasets indicated the potential impairment of the testicular function by SARS‑CoV‑2. However, this study suggestes that male patients have few reproductive symptoms and signs, and SARS‑CoV‑2 was not present in the semen of patients with confirmed COVID‑19. In view of the potential impairment, the long‑term follow‑up for male COVID‑19 patients with fertility needs is of great significance. © 2022, Editorial Board of Medical Journal of Wuhan University. All right reserved.
ABSTRACT
Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) has been called the "miracle tree" due to its attributes for therapy in various diseases. However, M. oleifera studies on the male reproductive system have been limited. The aim of this study was a phytochemical screening and investigation of the effects of M. oleifera leaf tea on sexual behavior, reproductive function and antioxidant activities. Male rats were fed with M. oleifera leaf tea extract at doses of 0.55, 1.10 and 2.20 mg/kg or distilled water for 30 days. The result showed that M. oleifera leaf tea contained rich total phenols and flavonoids. The courtship behavior, seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelium height, epithelium area, type A spermatogonia, and spermatogonia efficiency were significantly increased in all treatment groups. The groups treated with 1.10 and 2.20 mg/kg increased the number of Sertoli cells. The total of spermatogenic cells increased in the group treated with 0.55 mg/kg. M. oleifera leaf tea scavenged DPPH radical, ABTS radical and H2O2, and inhibited LPO and AGEs formation. Due to M. oleifera leaf tea containing rich total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, it could enhance sexual function and the male reproductive system.