Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on male reproduction.
Reproduction
; 161(2): R37-R44, 2021 02.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1024433
ABSTRACT
Invasion or damage of the male reproductive system is one of the reported outcomes of viral infection. Current studies have documented that SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, can damage the male reproductive system in large part by inflammatory damage caused by a cytokine storm. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect the human testis directly and enter semen is controversial. Other adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproduction are also of concern and require comprehensive evaluation. Here, we analyze the invasiveness of SARS-CoV-2 in the testis and examine reported mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 interferes with male reproduction. Long-term implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male reproduction are also discussed. It should be emphasized that although COVID-19 may induce testicular damage, a substantial decrease in male reproductive capacity awaits clinical evidence. We propose that there is an urgent need to track male COVID-19 patients during their recovery. The development of suitable experimental models, including human reproductive organoids, will be valuable to further investigate the viral impact on reproduction for current and future pandemics.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Reproduction
/
Testis
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Reproduction
Journal subject:
Reproductive Medicine
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Rep-20-0523
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