The effect of COVID-19 disease on sperm parameters and male fertility

Abstract

Backgrounds and aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have men at a risk of infertility. The direct influence of this virus on the male urogenital organs should be evaluated. As well as SARS-CoV, SARS CoV-2 uses the ‘Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2’ (ACE2) as a receptor to enter human cells. It was found that ACE2, Angiotensin (1-7) and its MAS receptors are present, over in the lung, also in the testicles, in particular in Leydig and Sertoli cells. Also, the presence of proteases such as: TMPRSS2, TMPRSS11B, TMPRSS12 and furin are capable to promote viral fusion. Since the exact mechanism of the COVID-19 has not been fully elucidated and no specific drug or vaccine has been developed for it, control is mainly based on the interruption of the transmission cycle. There are symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever) with the known andrological impacts that should be highlighted. Conclusion: the SARS-COV-2 may have the potential to infect the testis via and adversely reproductive it is essential to commence with targeted finding and studies to learn from this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 disease on sperm parameters and male fertility.