1
|
Robak O, Kastner MT, Voill-Glaninger A, Viveiros A, Steininger C. The Distinct Regulation of the Vitamin D and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors in COVID-19. Nutrients 2024; 16:598. [PMID: 38474725 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 affects several immune pathways, including the vitamin D (VDR) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathways (AhR). The aim of the study was the evaluation of the VDR and AhR pathways in the blood of COVID-19 patients with regard to the severity of disease. (2) Methods: Observational, single-center, case-control design. A total of 240 samples were selected for exploration. Patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 but suffered from other respiratory infections (ORIs) served as a control group. (3) Results: VDR-specific mRNA in the blood of patients with mild symptoms (131.2 ± 198.6) was significantly upregulated relative to the VDR expression of the ORI group (23.24 ± 42.60; p < 0.0001); however, VDR expression of critically ill patients showed an impaired upregulation (54.73 ± 68.34; p < 0.001). CYP27B1 expression was not significantly regulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was a downregulation of VDR and CYP27B1 compared to survivors. There was no significant difference in 25(OH)-vitamin D3 levels between critically ill patients with regard to survival (24.3 ± 9.4 vs. 27.1 ± 11.3; p = 0.433). (4) Conclusion: The VDR and AhR pathways are distinctively regulated in patients suffering from COVID-19 depending on the severity of disease. A combination treatment of antiviral drugs and vitamin D substitution should be evaluated for potentially improved prognosis in COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Robak
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie-Theres Kastner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - André Viveiros
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Klinik Landstraße, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Steininger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Karl-Landsteiner Institute for Microbiome Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caamano E, Velasco L, Garcia MV, Asencio JM, Piñeiro P, Hortal J, Garutti I. Prognostic factors for deterioration of quality of life one year after admission to ICU for severe SARS-COV2 infection. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:123-132. [PMID: 37615735 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with COVID-19 present long-term symptoms collectively known as "post-COVID syndrome". Long-term manifestations are more frequent in patients requiring admission to Intensive Care Units (ICU), but the risk factors for their development are still unknown. This study explores the quality of life of patients with severe COVID-19 one year after their discharge from ICU. METHODS Prospective observational study including 106 patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care hospital between March and August 2020. We analysed quality of life using the EuroQol-5D index (EQ-5D). We evaluated as possible risk factors associated with a worse value of the EQ-5D index the medical record, the clinical situation at hospital admission, the clinical situation at ICU admission and evolution in the ICU. As a secondary objective, we explored the presence of other frequent symptoms. RESULTS Most patients (55.4%) reported that their quality of life worsened one year after admission. The mean perceived health status, on the EQ-VAS scale (0-100), was 70.4, with a median of 70 (RI 60-90). The median EQ-5D index was 0.91 (RI 0.76-1). The factors independently related to lower quality of life were female sex and duration of mechanical ventilation. Almost all (91%) of the patients had sequelae one year after discharge from the ICU. The most frequent manifestations were neuropsychiatric (71%). CONCLUSIONS Critically ill COVID-19 patients worsen their quality of life more than one year after discharge. Female sex and duration of mechanical ventilation predict a lower quality of life assessed by the EQ-5D index.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Caamano
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - L Velasco
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - M V Garcia
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Asencio
- Department of General Surgery, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Piñeiro
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Hortal
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Garutti
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Gregorio Maranon National Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kadhim Jwaziri A, Karbalaie Niya MH, Khales P, Kachooei A, Sabaei M, Rahmani Fard S, Tavakoli A. Molecular Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Adenovirus in Iranian Children with Gastroenteritis. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:901-913. [PMID: 37766589 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2262576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We determined the molecular prevalence and genotype distribution of human adenovirus (HAdV) among children under five years of age with gastroenteritis in Iran. METHODS One hundred stool samples from children hospitalized were tested by PCR for adenovirus, and some of the positive samples were sequenced to determine the specific genotype. RESULTS HAdV DNA was found in 15 samples (15%). The highest and the lowest prevalence of HAdV was observed in the age groups 24-60 months (n = 6; 40%) and 7-12 months (n = 2; 13.3%), respectively (p = 0.01). Nine HAdV-positive samples were sequenced, of which four isolates were HAdV type 2 and five isolates were HAdV type 41. CONCLUSION HAdV was most common in the 24-60-month-old children. Of the samples sequenced, we found only types 2 and 41. Our results show that in addition to HAdV types 40 and 41, HAdV type 2 may also play a role in causing gastroenteritis in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pegah Khales
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Atefeh Kachooei
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Sabaei
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Rahmani Fard
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Tavakoli
- Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Adjobimey T, Meyer J, Hennenfent A, Bara AJ, Lagnika L, Kocou B, Adjagba M, Laleye A, Hoerauf A, Parcina M. Negative association between ascaris lumbricoides seropositivity and Covid-19 severity: insights from a study in Benin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233082. [PMID: 37622109 PMCID: PMC10446766 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects worldwide, but the trajectory of the pandemic has been milder in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including those in Africa. Co-infection with helminths, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, has been suggested as a possible factor contributing to the reduced severity observed in these regions. Methods The present study investigated the association between Ascaris-specific antibody levels and COVID-19 severity in 276 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in Benin. Participants were categorized into asymptomatic (n=100), mild (n=150), and severe (n=26) groups based on clinical disease severity. Sera were collected and analyzed using ELISA to measure Ascaris and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, while Luminex was used to assess cytokines and SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibody expression. Results and discussion The results demonstrated that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals expressed, on average, 1.7 and 2.2-times higher levels of Ascaris antibodies compared to individuals with mild and severe COVID-19, respectively. This finding suggests an inverse correlation between Ascaris antibody levels and COVID-19 severity. Notably, logistic regression analysis showed that Ascaris seropositivity was significantly associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.277, p = 0.021). Interestingly, COVID-19 patients with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure showed lower expression of Ascaris antibodies. Strikingly, no correlation was observed between Ascaris antibody levels and SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies. On the other hand, individuals seronegative for Ascaris displayed significantly higher levels of systemic pro-inflammatory markers compared to seropositive individuals. These findings suggest that higher expression of Ascaris antibodies is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections and may contribute to the reduction of the risk to develop severe COVID-19. The beneficial effect of Ascaris seropositivity on COVID-19 outcomes in Benin may be attributed to a decrease in comorbidities and pro-inflammatory markers. These observations provide valuable insights into the milder COVID-19 trajectory observed in Africa and may have implications for future therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomabu Adjobimey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Julia Meyer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anneka Hennenfent
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anick J. Bara
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Latifou Lagnika
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Bienvenu Kocou
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Marius Adjagba
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Anatole Laleye
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Bonn-Cologne Site, German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), Bonn, Germany
| | - Marijo Parcina
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Modaresi MA, Shirani E. Mucociliary clearance affected by mucus-periciliary interface stimulations using analytical solution during cough and sneeze. EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS 2023; 138:201. [PMID: 36883183 PMCID: PMC9983542 DOI: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-03796-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of mucus velocity variations under different conditions including viscosity variation and boundary conditions is useful to develop mucosal-based medical treatments. This paper deals with the analytical investigation of mucus-periciliary velocities under mucus-periciliary interface movements and mucus viscosity variations. The results for mucus velocity show that there is no difference between the two cases under the free-slip condition. Therefore, power-law mucus can be substituted with a high viscosity Newtonian fluid since the upper boundary of the mucus layer is exposed to the free-slip condition. However, when the upper boundary of the mucus layer is under nonzero shear stress levels, including cough or sneeze, the assumption of a high viscosity Newtonian mucus layer is invalid. Moreover, mucus viscosity variations are investigated for both Newtonian and power-law mucus layers under sneeze and cough to propose a mucosal-based medical treatment. The results indicate by varying mucus viscosity up to a critical value, the direction of mucus movement changes. The critical values of viscosity in sneezing and coughing for Newtonian and power-law mucus layers are 10-4 and 5 × 10-5 and 0.0263 and 006.024 m2 s-1, respectively. Therefore, the pathogen entry into the respiratory system can be prevented by varying mucus viscosity during sneeze and cough.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Modaresi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, P.O. Box 8415683111, Isfahan, Iran
| | - E. Shirani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, P.O. Box 8415683111, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Haque A, Pant AB. Long Covid: Untangling the Complex Syndrome and the Search for Therapeutics. Viruses 2022; 15:42. [PMID: 36680082 PMCID: PMC9864843 DOI: 10.3390/v15010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long Covid can affect anyone who has previously had acute COVID-19. The root causes of this syndrome are still unknown, and no effective therapeutics are available. This complex syndrome, with a wide array of symptoms, is still evolving. Given the dire situation, it is important to identify the causes of Long Covid and the changes occurring within the immune system of affected patients to figure out how to treat it. The immune system intersects with the persistent viral fragments and blood clots that are implicated in this syndrome; understanding how these complex systems interact may help in untangling the puzzling physiopathology of Long Covid and identifying mitigation measures to provide patients some relief. In this paper, we discuss evidence-based findings and formulate hypotheses on the mechanisms underlying Long Covid's physiopathology and propose potential therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azizul Haque
- One Medical Center Drive, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bolourian A, Shen J, Gharagozloo M, Mojtahedi Z. 1Menstruation: a possible independent health promoter, aging and COVID-19. CASPIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022; 13:155-160. [PMID: 35872674 PMCID: PMC9272961 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.13.0.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Women live longer than men. Cardiovascular disorders, cancers, and serious infectious conditions are less common among women than men. Recent data also indicate that women, particularly before menopause, are less susceptible to severe COVID-19, a viral infection hitting less-healthy individuals. The superiority of women regarding health has not been completely understood and partly been explained by estradiol beneficial effects on the microenvironment of the body, notably cytokine network. Estradiol cycles are aligned with menstruation cycles, a challenge for distinguishing their individual effects on human health. Large-scale, long-term studies indicate that hysterectomy, particularly at younger ages, is associated with an increased risk of mortality, cancer, or heart disorders. The underlying mechanisms for the increased risk in hysterectomized women are hard to be investigated in animal models since only a few primates menstruate. However, blood exchange models could resemble menstruation and provide some insight into possible beneficial effects of menstruation. Sera from animal models (neutral blood exchange) and also humans that have undergone therapeutic plasma exchange enhance the proliferation of progenitor cells in the culture and contain lower levels of proinflammatory factors. If menstruation resembles a blood exchange model, it can contribute to a healthier cytokine network in women. Consequently, menstruation, independently from estradiol health beneficial effects, can contribute to greater longevity and protection against certain disorders, e.g., COVID-19, in women. Investigation of COVID-19 rate/severity in hysterectomized women will provide insight into the possible beneficial effects of menstruation in COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Bolourian
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA,Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jay Shen
- Department of Health Care Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Marjan Gharagozloo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zahra Mojtahedi
- Department of Health Care Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA,Autophgy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Correspondence: Zahra Mojtahedi, Department of Health Care Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA. E-mail: , Tel: 0017028955090, Fax: 0017028955090
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kandi V, Suvvari TK, Vadakedath S, Godishala V. Microbes, Clinical trials, Drug Discovery, and Vaccine Development: The Current Perspectives. BORNEO JOURNAL OF PHARMACY 2021. [DOI: 10.33084/bjop.v4i4.2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the frequent emergence of novel microbial species and the re-emergence of genetic variants of hitherto known microbes, the global healthcare system, and human health has been thrown into jeopardy. Also, certain microbes that possess the ability to develop multi-drug resistance (MDR) have limited the treatment options in cases of serious infections, and increased hospital and treatment costs, and associated morbidity and mortality. The recent discovery of the novel Coronavirus (n-CoV), the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is causing the CoV Disease-19 (COVID-19) has resulted in severe morbidity and mortality throughout the world affecting normal human lives. The major concern with the current pandemic is the non-availability of specific drugs and an incomplete understanding of the pathobiology of the virus. It is therefore important for pharmaceutical establishments to envisage the discovery of therapeutic interventions and potential vaccines against the novel and MDR microbes. Therefore, this review is attempted to update and explore the current perspectives in microbes, clinical research, drug discovery, and vaccine development to effectively combat the emerging novel and re-emerging genetic variants of microbes.
Collapse
|
9
|
Low ZY, Wen Yip AJ, Chow VTK, Lal SK. The Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling family of proteins and their potential impact on COVID-19 disease progression. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2300. [PMID: 34546610 PMCID: PMC8646547 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The family of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) proteins plays pivotal roles in cytokine and immune regulation. Despite their key roles, little attention has been given to the SOCS family as compared to other feedback regulators. To date, SOCS proteins have been found to be exploited by viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Zika virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Ebola virus, influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV, just to name a few. The hijacking and subsequent upregulation of the SOCS proteins upon viral infection, suppress the associated JAK-STAT signalling activities, thereby reducing the host antiviral response and promoting viral replication. Two SOCS protein family members, SOCS1 and SOCS3 are well-studied and their roles in the JAK-STAT signalling pathway are defined as attenuating interferon (IFN) signalling upon viral infection. The upregulation of SOCS protein by SARS-CoV during the early stages of infection implies strong similarity with SARS-CoV-2, given their closely related genomic organisation. Thus, this review aims to outline the plausibility of SOCS protein inhibitors as a potential therapeutic regimen for COVID-19 patients. We also discuss the antagonists against SOCS protein to offer an overview on the previous 'successes' of SOCS protein inhibition in various viral infections that may portray possible clues for COVID-19 disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Vincent T K Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sunil K Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ortona E, Malorni W. Long COVID: to investigate immunological mechanisms and sex/gender related aspects as fundamental steps for a tailored therapy. Eur Respir J 2021; 59:13993003.02245-2021. [PMID: 34531277 PMCID: PMC8462012 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02245-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ortona
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Center for Global Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Salonia A, Pontillo M, Capogrosso P, Gregori S, Carenzi C, Ferrara AM, Rowe I, Boeri L, Larcher A, Ramirez GA, Tresoldi C, Locatelli M, Cavalli G, Dagna L, Castagna A, Zangrillo A, Tresoldi M, Landoni G, Rovere-Querini P, Ciceri F, Montorsi F. Testosterone in males with COVID-19: A 7-month cohort study. Andrology 2021; 10:34-41. [PMID: 34409772 PMCID: PMC8444879 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Circulating testosterone levels have been found to be reduced in men with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, COVID‐19, with lower levels being associated with more severe clinical outcomes. Objectives We aimed to assess total testosterone levels and the prevalence of total testosterone still suggesting for hypogonadism at 7‐month follow‐up in a cohort of 121 men who recovered from laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19. Materials and methods Demographic, clinical, and hormonal values were collected for all patients. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone ≤9.2 nmol/L. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to score health‐significant comorbidities. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical and laboratory variables and total testosterone levels at follow‐up assessment. Results Circulating total testosterone levels increased at 7‐month follow‐up compared to hospital admittance (p < 0.0001), while luteinizing hormone and 17β‐estradiol levels significantly decreased (all p ≤ 0.02). Overall, total testosterone levels increased in 106 (87.6%) patients, but further decreased in 12 (9.9%) patients at follow‐up, where a total testosterone level suggestive for hypogonadism was still observed in 66 (55%) patients. Baseline Charlson Comorbidity Index score (OR 0.36; p = 0.03 [0.14, 0.89]) was independently associated with total testosterone levels at 7‐month follow‐up, after adjusting for age, BMI, and IL‐6 at hospital admittance. Conclusions Although total testosterone levels increased over time after COVID‐19, more than 50% of men who recovered from the disease still had circulating testosterone levels suggestive for a condition of hypogonadism at 7‐month follow‐up. In as many as 10% of cases, testosterone levels even further decreased. Of clinical relevance, the higher the burden of comorbid conditions at presentation, the lower the probability of testosterone levels recovery over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Pontillo
- Laboratory Medicine Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Department of Urology and Andrology, Ospedale di Circolo and Macchi Foundation, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Gregori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Carenzi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ferrara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Isaline Rowe
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Boeri
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda, Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Department of Urology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Larcher
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A Ramirez
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergology and Rare Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Tresoldi
- Molecular Hematology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Locatelli
- Laboratory Medicine Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Cavalli
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergology and Rare Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergology and Rare Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Castagna
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Department of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Moreno Tresoldi
- General Medicine and Advanced Care Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Diabetes, and Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|