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SARS-CoV-2 vs. human gametes, embryos and cryopreservation.
Anifandis, George; Messini, Christina I; Simopoulou, Mara; Sveronis, George; Garas, Antonios; Daponte, Alexandros; Messinis, Ioannis E.
  • Anifandis G; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
  • Messini CI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
  • Simopoulou M; Department of Physiology, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
  • Sveronis G; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
  • Garas A; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
  • Daponte A; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
  • Messinis IE; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Syst Biol Reprod Med ; 67(4): 260-269, 2021 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1249263
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is an unprecedented global situation, and all countries have adopted their own measurements to mitigate the spread of the virus in the first as well as in the subsequent waves of infection. All measures, especially in the first wave of the pandemic, were in combination with recommendations provided by professional and scientific organizations. Similar measures were applied to specific procedures, such as the management of infertility, including in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatments. Although there is no clear scientific evidence yet that the SARS-CoV-2 may exert negative effects on IVF outcome, especially at the early stages, several clinical reports indicate that the virus may impact male fertility through specific receptors presented at the somatic cells of the testis and used by the virus in order to gain entry to the respective cells. Nevertheless, it is not unreasonable to suspect that the virus may affect sperm function as well as oocyte performance directly through specific receptors or indirectly through other signaling pathways. Despite the good practice of IVF laboratory techniques, culture media may also be contaminated during equilibration when airborne virus's particles can contaminate culture media from an already infected embryology area or staff. Furthermore, although there is no clinical evidence, liquid nitrogen could be a route of infection for gametes and embryos when it has been contaminated during production or transportation. Therefore, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos must be virus-free. This communication aims to provide some aspects of the possible impact of the virus on gametes and embryos and how it may affect the cryopreservation procedures.Abbreviations ACE2 angiotensin- converting enzyme 2; ART assisted reproductive technology; ASRM American Society for Reproductive Medicine; CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019; ESHRE European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology; ET embryo transfer; FSH follicle stimulating hormone; IFFS International Federation of Fertility Societies; IVF in vitro fertilization; LH luteinizing hormone; LN liquid nitrogen; SARS-CoV-2 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; T testosterone; WHO World Health Organization.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Oocytes / Spermatozoa / Blastocyst / Cryopreservation / Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 / Infertility Type of study: Diagnostic study / Prognostic study Limits: Female / Humans / Male / Pregnancy Language: English Journal: Syst Biol Reprod Med Journal subject: Reproductive Medicine / Urology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 19396368.2021.1922537

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Oocytes / Spermatozoa / Blastocyst / Cryopreservation / Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 / Infertility Type of study: Diagnostic study / Prognostic study Limits: Female / Humans / Male / Pregnancy Language: English Journal: Syst Biol Reprod Med Journal subject: Reproductive Medicine / Urology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 19396368.2021.1922537