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Haghpanah A, Masjedi F, Salehipour M, Hosseinpour A, Roozbeh J, Dehghani A. Is COVID-19 a risk factor for progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia and exacerbation of its related symptoms?: a systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2022; 25:27-38. [PMID: 34007019 PMCID: PMC8129694 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-021-00388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in targeting the prostate gland, leading to exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and greater risks of BPH complications such as acute urinary retention. METHODS A categorized and comprehensive search in the literature has been conducted by 10 April 2021 using international databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library in line with the PRISMA guidelines recommendations. PICO strategy was used to formulate the research question. The following terms were used: urology, COVID-19, coronavirus, BPH, inflammation, androgen receptors, LUTS, IPSS, PSA, and SARS-CoV-2 or a combination of them. Studies with irrelevant purposes and duplicates were excluded. The selected studies were performed on humans and published in English. RESULTS The research revealed 89 articles. After title screening and considering exclusion criteria, 52 papers were included for the systematic review. BPH is a common condition affecting older men. SARS-CoV-2 infects the host cell by binding to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). A hyperactivated RAS system during infection with SARS-CoV-2 may lead to activation of pro-inflammatory pathways and increased cytokine release. Thus, this virus can lead to exacerbation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and trigger inflammatory processes in the prostate gland. Since androgen receptors (AR) play an important role in the BPH pathophysiology and infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be androgen-mediated, BPH progression and its related symptoms can be a complication of COVID-19 through AR involvement and metabolic disturbances. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current findings, SARS-CoV-2 can possibly damage the prostate and worsen BPH and its related LUTS through ACE2 signaling, AR-related mechanisms, inflammation, and metabolic derangement. We encourage future studies to investigate the possible role of COVID-19 in the progression of BPH-related LUTS and examine the prostatic status in susceptible patients with relevant available questionnaires (e.g., IPSS) and serum biomarkers (e.g., PSA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Haghpanah
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Masjedi
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Salehipour
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Hosseinpour
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jamshid Roozbeh
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anahita Dehghani
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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2
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Shafiekhani M, Dehghani A, Shahisavandi M, Nabavizadeh SA, Kabiri M, Hassani AH, Haghpanah A. Pharmacotherapeutic approach toward urological medications and vaccination during COVID-19: a narrative review. Ther Adv Urol 2021; 13:17562872211046794. [PMID: 34603508 PMCID: PMC8481748 DOI: 10.1177/17562872211046794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One year after the prevalence of the novel coronavirus pandemic, some aspects of the physiopathology, treatment and progression of coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) have remained unknown. Since no comprehensive study on the use of urological medications in patients with COVID-19 has been carried out, this narrative review aimed to focus on clinically important issues about the treatment of COVID-19 and urologic medications regarding efficacy, modifications, side effects and interactions in different urologic diseases. In this review, we provide information about the pharmacotherapeutic approach toward urologic medications in patients with COVID-19 infection. This study provides an overview of medications in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, impotence and sexual dysfunction, urolithiasis, kidney transplantation and hypertension as the most frequent diseases in which the patients are on long-term medications. Also, the effect of urologic drugs on the efficacy of vaccination is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Shafiekhani
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anahita Dehghani
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mina Shahisavandi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Kabiri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Abdolreza Haghpanah
- Assistant Professor of Urology, Endourology Ward, Urology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71348-44119, Iran Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71348-44119, Iran
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3
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Faidah H, Alexiou A, Batiha GES. Testosterone in COVID-19: An Adversary Bane or Comrade Boon. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:666987. [PMID: 34568081 PMCID: PMC8455954 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.666987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which leads to pulmonary manifestations like acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition, COVID-19 may cause extra-pulmonary manifestation such as testicular injury. Both high and low levels of testosterone could affect the severity of COVID-19. Herein, there is substantial controversy regarding the potential role of testosterone in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. Therefore, the present study aimed to review and elucidate the assorted view of preponderance regarding the beneficial and harmful effects of testosterone in COVID-19. A related literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct was done. All published articles related to the role of testosterone and COVID-19 were included in this mini-review. The beneficial effects of testosterone in COVID-19 are through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, augmentation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of the immune response, attenuation of oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. However, its harmful effects in COVID-19 are due to augmentation of transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which is essential for cleaving and activating SARS-CoV-2 spike protein during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most published studies illustrated that low testosterone levels are linked to COVID-19 severity. A low testosterone level in COVID-19 is mainly due to testicular injury, the primary source of testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, ALmustansiriyia University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, ALmustansiriyia University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hani Faidah
- Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia.,AFNP Med Austria, Wien, Austria
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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4
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Moravvej H, Pourani MR, Baghani M, Abdollahimajd F. Androgenetic alopecia and COVID-19: A review of the hypothetical role of androgens. Dermatol Ther 2021; 34:e15004. [PMID: 34033224 PMCID: PMC8209856 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become the most emerging health issue globally. A prompt investigation regarding disease management and treatment is crucial for decreasing the burden of the disease. Many explorations and hypotheses have been posed, but the definite treatment has not been determined for COVID‐19. Recent studies described a substantial prevalence of COVID‐19 and also a higher rate of morbidity and mortality in men afflicted with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. The gender‐related discordance in COVID‐19 infection may be due to hormonal differences, socioeconomic factors, genetic susceptibility, gender‐related comorbidities, and habits like alcohol consumption. On the other hand, several studies proposed that androgens could improve the immune system and have a protective role in COVID‐19, and decreased levels of androgens might be associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. In the field of dermatology, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is correlated with a hyperandrogenic state and may be related to COVID‐19 severity. Furthermore, recent research has assessed the plausible association of AGA and COVID‐19. In this review, we investigate all evidence on AGA and its relationship with COVID‐19, including the possible role of androgens in COVID‐19 severity and outcomes as well as candidate androgen‐related drugs for the treatment of COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Moravvej
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pourani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Baghani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Abdollahimajd
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zarehoseinzade E, Allami A, Ahmadi M, Bijani B, Mohammadi N. Finasteride in hospitalized adult males with COVID-19: A risk factor for severity of the disease or an adjunct treatment: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2021; 35:30. [PMID: 34169042 PMCID: PMC8214036 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.35.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is controversy about the efficacy of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in COVID-19 patients. Some assumed that finasteride might be a risk factor for deterioration and others proposed it as a possible adjunct treatment for moderate to severe COVID-19 infection in the elderly.
Methods: We performed a randomized controlled clinical trial (registration ID IRCT20200505047318N1) on 80 hospitalized male patients aged ≥50 years diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia in a tertiary hospital in Qazvin (Iran) from April to July 2020. The patients were randomized into one of the 2 treatment groups using simple randomization. Treatment group patients underwent routine drug therapy and 5 mg finasteride once daily for 7 days. The primary endpoint was mortality rate and length of hospital stay (LOS), and secondary endpoints were peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and inflammatory markers changes. The study protocol was approved by the medical ethics committee of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences (registration ID IR.QUMS.REC.1399.080). Data were analyzed by statistical tests and SPSS version 25. Also, p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: We found a significant difference on O2 saturation among the 2 study groups on fifth day compared with the admission time (p= 0.018). The results did not show significant differences in mortality rate (2.5% vs 10%; p= 0.166) and LOS (p= 0.866) between patients in the finasteride and the control group.
Conclusion: A short course of finasteride administration partially improves O2 saturation but does not influence other outcomes in hospitalized male patients aged ≥50 years with COVID-19 pneumonia. Further research in a large scale with longer follow-up is required to help clarify the role of finasteride in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Zarehoseinzade
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Research Development Unit, BouAli Sina Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical of Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Abbas Allami
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Research Development Unit, BouAli Sina Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical of Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Bijani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Research Development Unit, BouAli Sina Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical of Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Navid Mohammadi
- Children Growth Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Canada Optimax Access Consultation, Ottawa, Canada
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Hackett G, Kirby M. Testosterone deficiency in men infected with
COVID
‐19. TRENDS IN UROLOGY & MEN'S HEALTH 2020. [PMCID: PMC7753528 DOI: 10.1002/tre.773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As our understanding of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus develops, recent research has highlighted the potential role of testosterone in the severity of illness. Here, the authors explain the role of testosterone in men infected with COVID‐19.
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Kalra S, Bhattacharya S, Kalhan A. Testosterone in COVID-19 - Foe, Friend or Fatal Victim? EUROPEAN ENDOCRINOLOGY 2020; 16:88-91. [PMID: 33117437 PMCID: PMC7572157 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2020.16.2.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The evidence derived from observational studies suggests male gender, diabetes and central obesity to be risk factors associated with an increased COVID-19-related case fatality. The precise pathophysiology behind this gender difference in mortality outcomes remains unclear at this stage, although it is worth exploring a possible role of testosterone as one of the contributory factors. The observed role of androgens in transcription of transmembrane protease serine-2, which facilitates COVID-19 anchoring to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 cell surface receptors, seems to suggest that higher testosterone levels might be detrimental for outcomes. On the other hand, men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and central obesity have an increased prevalence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with inhibition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion induced by inflammatory cytokines being one of the postulated mechanisms. The increased COVID-19 case fatality in this cohort might perhaps reflect an underlying pro-inflammatory state, with low testosterone levels being either a surrogate marker of a poor metabolic state or playing a more active role in propagation of inflammation and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India
| | | | - Atul Kalhan
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Cardiff, UK
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8
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Kroumpouzos G. Effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on lung function: A reason for discontinuation during COVID-19 pandemic? Dermatol Ther 2020; 33:e13535. [PMID: 32383237 PMCID: PMC7262018 DOI: 10.1111/dth.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George Kroumpouzos
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Medical School of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil.,GK Dermatology, PC, S Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA
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