scholarly journals Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 on Male Reproduction

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Tian ◽  
Li-quan Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Human Testis ◽  
Inflammatory Damage ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
The Impact

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 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, 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. Development of suitable experimental models, including human reproductive organoids, will be valuable to further investigate viral impact on reproduction for current and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Investigation of the lncRNA THOR in Mice Highlights the Importance of Noncoding RNAs in Mammalian Male Reproduction

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 859
Author(s):  
Lin Zhou ◽  
Jianing Li ◽  
Jinsong Liu ◽  
Anbei Wang ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
System Development ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Erk Signaling ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Human Reproductive

THOR is a highly conserved testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). The interaction between THOR and the development of the male reproductive system remains unclear. Herein, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to establish a stable THOR-deficient mouse model, and the relationship between THOR and the fertility of adult male mice was investigated. The male mice in which THOR was deleted were smaller than the WT male mice. Moreover, their survival rate was reduced by 60%, their fertility was reduced by 50%, their testicular size and sperm motility were reduced by 50%, their testicular cell apoptosis was increased by 7-fold, and their ratio of female-to-male offspring was imbalanced (approximately 1:3). Furthermore, to elucidate the mechanisms of male reproductive system development, the mRNA levels of THOR targets were measured by qRT-PCR. Compared with WT mice, the THOR-deficient mice exhibited significantly decreased mRNA levels of IGF2BP1, c-MYC, IGF1, and IGF2. MEK-ERK signaling pathway expression was downregulated as determined by Western blot. We found that THOR targeted the MER-ERK signaling pathway downstream of IGF2 by binding to IGF2BP1 and affected testicular and sperm development in male mice. These results may also provide perspectives for exploring the roles of lncRNAs in human reproductive development and the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of infertility.

scholarly journals The Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Male (In)Fertility

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Rita Pinho ◽  
Sandra Rebelo ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Engineered Nanoparticles ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Exceptional Set ◽  
Zno Nps ◽  
The Impact

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are among nanoscale materials, attracting increasing attention owing to their exceptional set of characteristics, which makes these engineered nanoparticles a great option for improving the quality and effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment. The capacity of ZnO NPs to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, and apoptosis represents a promise for their use in both cancer therapy and microbial treatment. However, their intrinsic toxicity together with their easy entrance and accumulation in organism have raised some concerns regarding the biomedical use of these NPs. Several studies have reported that ZnO NPs might induce cytotoxic effects on the male reproductive system, compromising male fertility. Despite some advances in this area, the knowledge of the effects of ZnO NPs on male fertility is still scarce. Overall, a brief outline of the major ZnO NPs biomedical applications and promises in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic use will also be explored. Further, this review intends to discuss the effect of ZnO NPs exposure on the male reproductive system and speculate their effects on male (in)fertility.

scholarly journals The Concept of Male Reproductive Anatomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyovwi Mega Obukohwo ◽  
Nwangwa Eze Kingsley ◽  
Rotu Arientare Rume ◽  
Emojevwe Victor
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Seminal Vesicles ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Reproductive Anatomy

The human reproductive system is made up of the primary and secondary organs, which helps to enhances reproduction. The male reproductive system is designed to produce male gametes and convey them to the female reproductive tract through the use of supportive fluids and testosterone synthesis. The paired testis (site of testosterone and sperm generation), scrotum (compartment for testis localisation), epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, ejaculatory duct, urethra, and penis are the parts of the male reproductive system. The auxiliary organs aid in the maturation and transportation of sperm. Semen is made up of sperm and the secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands (the ejaculate). Ejaculate is delivered to the female reproduc¬tive tract by the penis and urethra. The anatomy, embryology and functions of the male reproductive system are discussed in this chapter.

scholarly journals O-037 The impact of COVID-19 on male fertility: what do we know?”

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Pacey
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract text Since the very early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, concern has been raised about the possibility of damage to the male reproductive system in those men who are infected with SARS-CoV-2. This was first raised by the early observation (January 2020) that the route of infection was via the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor present on host cells. ACE-2 was first described in the year 2000 and subsequently shown in 2004 to be selectively expressed in the Leydig cells of the adult testis. This opens up the possibility that although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory infection, it may also infect the male reproductive system. The authors of several review articles have proposed that male fertility may be theoretically impacted by SARS-CoV-2 in a number of ways. This includes alteration of: (i) testicular architecture; (ii) reproductive hormone profiles (LH/FSH); (iii) spermatogenesis as evidenced by changes to ejaculate quality; (iv) sperm function (e.g., DNA damage); (v) sexual/erectile function; or a combination of all five. Clearly each of these individually may impact on the chance of pregnancy or live birth either in natural or medically assisted reproduction. There is also the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually if sufficient numbers of SARS-CoV-2 are found in semen. Reassuringly, of 14 studies published to date, there is little evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is present in semen and so the possibility of sexual transmission in patient or donor samples can probably be discounted. However, there is currently an incomplete picture of whether semen quality is affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection as studies are often limited by the fact that no pre-infection control samples are available for direct comparison or they are too short to identify any long-term effects. Nevertheless, the few case-controlled studies published which compare semen quality infected with non-infected (control) individuals suggest that there may be a statistically significant alteration in sperm concentration and motility, although it is not clear whether this is linked to infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or simply a consequence of febrile illness and fever (or medication given to combat the infection). There is currently a lack of long-term data on any impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive hormones (although much speculation about the role that testosterone might play in the severity of disease). There are also emerging reports of increased risk of erectile dysfunction in men following SARS-CoV-2. In terms of birth rates, it is simply too early to tell whether these have been affected by the pandemic, given the possibility of lockdown affecting sexual behaviour in fertile couples and IVF clinic closures in infertile couples. In conclusion, although the COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 130 million people worldwide we still know too little about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system. Given the incidence of long-COVID, and the asymptomatic nature of the infection for some, it is important to commission and conduct long-term studies which can monitor the reproductive outcomes of young men who have survived a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Effects of monosodium glutamate on testicular structural and functional alterations induced by quinine therapy in rat: An experimental study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davoud Kianifard ◽  
Seyyed Maysam Mousavi Shoar ◽  
Morteza Fallah Karkan ◽  
Ahmed Aly
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Monosodium Glutamate ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
High Doses ◽  
The Impact

Background: Quinine (QU) as an anti-malarial drug induces alterations in testicular tissue. Toxic effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the male reproductive system have been recognized. Objective: To investigate the impact of MSG administration on the intensity of gonadotoxicity of QU. Materials and Methods: Sixty eight-wk old Wistar rats weighing 180-200 gr were divided into six groups (n = 10/each): the first group as a control; the second and third groups received low and high doses of MSG (2 & 4 gr/kg i.p.), respectively, for 28 days; the fourth group received QU for seven days (25 mg/kg); and in the fifth and sixth groups, QU was gavaged following the MSG administration (MSG + QU) from day 22 to day 28. Serum testosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Testes samples were prepared for tissue MDA levels, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry of p53. Sperm analysis was performed on cauda epididymis. Results: Serum and tissue MDA levels were increased in treated groups compared to the control group. This increment was higher in the MSG + QU groups. The testosterone levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) in all treated groups. In addition, histomorphometric indices and tubular epithelium population were reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) in QU, MSG + QU, and consequently in high-dose MSG, QU, MSG + QU groups. All spermatogenic indices were reduced in the treated groups, particularly in the MSG + QU groups. Sperm motility and viability indices were reduced significantly (p = 0.003) in the MSG + QU groups. Finally, the overexpression of p53 was observed in the MSG + QU groups. Conclusion: The administration of MSG before and during QU therapy may intensify testicular tissue alterations. Key words: Male reproductive system, Monosodium glutamate, Quinine hydrochloride, Rat.

scholarly journals Developmental programming of the female reproductive system—a review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sijia Yao ◽  
Jorge Lopez-Tello ◽  
Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Premature Aging ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Polycystic Ovaries ◽  
Maternal Undernutrition ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Exposures to adverse conditions in utero can lead to permanent changes in the structure and function of key physiological systems in the developing fetus, increasing the risk of disease and premature aging in later postnatal life. When considering the systems that could be affected by an adverse gestational environment, the reproductive system of developing female offspring may be particularly important, as changes have the potential to alter both reproductive capacity of the first generation, as well as health of the second generation through changes in the oocyte. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of different adverse intrauterine conditions on the reproductive system of the female offspring. It focuses on the effects of exposure to maternal undernutrition, overnutrition/obesity, hypoxia, smoking, steroid excess, endocrine disrupting chemicals and pollutants during gestation and draws on data from human and animal studies to illuminate underlying mechanisms. The available data indeed indicate that adverse gestational environments alter the reproductive physiology of female offspring with consequences for future reproductive capacity. These alterations are mediated via programmed changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary gonadal axis and the structure and function of reproductive tissues, particularly the ovaries. Reproductive programming may be observed as a change in the timing of puberty onset and menopause/reproductive decline, altered menstrual/estrous cycles, polycystic ovaries and elevated risk of reproductive tissue cancers. These reproductive outcomes can affect the fertility and fecundity of the female offspring, however, further work is needed to better define the possible impact of these programmed changes on subsequent generations.

scholarly journals The renin-angiotensin system and male reproduction: new functions for old hormones

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Leung ◽  
C Sernia
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Fluid Secretion ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Acrosomal Exocytosis

The blood-borne renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is known best for its role in the maintenance of blood pressure and electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. However, numerous tIssues show intrinsic angiotensin-generating systems that cater for specific local needs through actions that add to, or differ from, the circulating RAS. The male reproductive system has several sites of intrinsic RAS activity. Recent focus on the epididymis, by our laboratories and by others, has contributed important details about the local RAS in this tIssue. The RAS components have been localized morphologically and topographically; they have been shown to be responsive to androgens and to hypoxia; and angiotensin has been shown to influence tubular, and consequently, fluid secretion. Components of the RAS have also been found in the testis, vas deferens, prostate and semen. Angiotensin II receptors, type 1 and, to a lesser extent, type 2 are widespread, and angiotensin IV receptors have been localized in the prostate. The roles of the RAS in local processes at these sites are still uncertain and have yet to be fully elucidated, although there is evidence for involvement in tubular contractility, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis and fertilization. Notwithstanding this evidence for the involvement of the RAS in various important aspects of male reproduction, there has so far been a lack of clinical evidence, demonstrable by changes in fertility, for a crucial role of the RAS in male reproduction. However, it is clear that there are several potential targets for manipulating the activity of the male reproductive system by interfering with the locally generated angiotensin systems.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of COVID 19 on male fertility: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Neeta Singh ◽  
Ankita Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Tubular Damage ◽  
Renal Tubules ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
S Protein ◽  
The Impact

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is presently a global pandemic; it is mainly an acute respiratory infection. It can affect various organs of the body, primarily the lung, GI tract, and CVS and can even affect the urinary system and male reproductive system. A systematic search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus was performed using the keywords and Boolean operators. There were 55 studies, which were found to be relevant to the search conducted in the above-mentioned databases. Out of the 55 studies, 32 were identified to be fitting the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the review. Recent studies have conflicting results on the presence of COVID-19 in the semen of patients who were reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive for COVID-19. Majority studies negate COVID-19 infection in semen as per RT-PCR, but semen parameters are adversely affected especially in moderate cases. One study states that RT-PCR is positive in few semen samples of severe cases. Testes have high angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression and transmembrane serine protease 2 is essential for priming of the spike (S) protein in COVID-19 virus and it is concentrated in spermatogonia and spermatids, which means if spermatogonia is infected with COVID-19 and it hampers the spermatogenesis, it can lead to dysfunction of the male reproductive system. There is evidence of high ACE2 expression in renal tubules, which means there can be renal tubular damage because of COVID-19 infection and there is a possibility of shedding of virus in urine. The COVID-19 detected in the semen could also be because of shedding of virus from the urinary tract in men. The authors thus conclude that there is a need larger study to answer the questions like whether the COVID-19 infection just present in the semen or it is attached to the spermatozoa or its present inside the cells because of interaction of COVID-19 S protein and ACE2 receptor on the spermatogonia. If COVID-19 infection is detected in the semen, then whether it can be removed from the semen by the sperm washing techniques and is it safe to use in ART procedures or any other fertility treatment.

scholarly journals A Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on Male Reproduction, and its Implications on Assisted Reproductive Technology Services

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Aucky Hinting ◽  
Agustinus ◽  
Cennikon Pakpahan
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technology ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Cathepsin L ◽  
Reproductive Organ ◽  
Reproductive Technology ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Transmembrane Serine Protease ◽  
The Impact

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) became an established pandemic in 2020. The presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in male reproductive organ are considered as a potential for susceptibility of these organs to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Review: Spermatogonia are the only cells that express ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the testis, but the cells which co-express both genes are rare (0.05% of cells). Based on this co-expression, sperm are unlikely to be susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. However, the co-expression of receptor basigin (BSG/CD147) and cathepsin L (CTSL) in primary spermatocytes, Leydig cells, myoid cells, endothelial cells, and spermatogonia might increase the testicular susceptibility to this viral infection. Testicular pain and discomfort have been reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Postmortem examination also reported seminiferous tubular injury, reduced Leydig cells, and mild lymphocytic inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Compensated hypogonadism has been documented while the impact of COVID-19 on the semen quality is inconclusive. There is only one study that reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen but, is not supported by other studies with better methods. The association between SARS-CoV-2 and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome is surrounded by some uncertainties. Recommendations have been made to reduce the risk of viral transmission to patients, staff, gametes, and embryos. Summary: There is no definite correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and male reproductive system. However, a high level of vigilance is still required in services which involve the reproductive system.

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