ABSTRACT
After the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and clinicians around the world have significantly expanded understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease as well as the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on various organs and tissues. To date, it is accepted to consider the new coronavirus infection as a multisystem disease, but the data on the effect on fertility remains unclear. Previous works by other authors have presented controversial results, and there is no evidence of a direct effect of the new coronavirus on the male gonads. Thus, further studies are needed to verify the hypothesis that the testicles are the target organ for SARS-CoV-2. Groups were formed: Group I (n = 109; age from 25 to 75 years, Median (IQR) - 60 (23) years), cause of death - new coronavirus infection; Group II (n = 21, age from 25 to 75 years, Median (IQR) - 55 (29.5) years) - autopsy testicular material obtained outside the pandemic. We used RT-PCR to detect the presence of viral RNA in testicular tissue. In addition, we investigated the levels of proteins that provide viral invasion, such as ACE-2 and Furin. In the present study, we detected genetic material of a new coronavirus and increased proteins required for viral invasion in testicular tissue of patients with COVID-19 by RT-PCR. Thus, based on our findings, we assume that testicular tissue is potentially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Testis , SARS-CoV-2 , PandemicsABSTRACT
Hemosorption and plasmapheresis were used in 26 patients with episodes of atrial fibrillation and extrasystoles. A response lasting 4 +/- 0.9 months was registered in 80% of cases. Negative effects were absent.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation/therapy , Cardiac Complexes, Premature/therapy , Hemoperfusion , Plasmapheresis , Adult , Aged , Anti-Arrhythmia Agents/therapeutic use , Atrial Fibrillation/blood , Cardiac Complexes, Premature/blood , Chronic Disease , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Hemoperfusion/adverse effects , Hemoperfusion/instrumentation , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Plasmapheresis/adverse effects , Plasmapheresis/instrumentationABSTRACT
The authors present pilot experience in extracorporeal blood purification (hemosorption, plasmapheresis) aimed at correction of cardiac arrhythmia. Seven responders of 8 patients treated had less frequent episodes of cardiac fibrillation the severity of which decreased, they suffered no more from high-grade extrasystoles, were put on reduced doses of antiarrhythmic drugs. The response is attributed to improvement of blood rheology and elimination of arrhythmogenic substances.
