Guest Editors Introductory Words

ABSTRACT

[...]the study of molecular events behind the entry of the COVID-19 into the host cells revealed a number of co-operating proteins among which a key role plays the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which is needed to cleave the spike protein and assist in membrane fusion, the expression of which is increased by androgens via androgen receptor activation (Stárka and Dušková, this issue, Knížatová et al., this issue). All these actions are genomic, but recent research of the role of androgens revealed that the latter possess also rapid, non-genomic response, as demonstrated that they are not inhibited by both transcription and translation inhibitors (actinomycin, cycloxeximide) as well as androgen receptors blockers (flutamide). Besides classical androgens testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, a particular function has the betaepimer of dihydrotestosterone (5ß-DHT), completely inactive to intracellular androgen receptors (Perusquía, this issue). [...]low androgen levels as well as hyperandrogenemia are risk factors for development and severity of COVID-19 disease.