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Raheem MA, Rahim MA, Gul I, Reyad-Ul-Ferdous M, Zhang CY, Yu D, Pandey V, Du K, Wang R, Han S, Han Y, Qin P. COVID-19: Post infection implications in different age groups, mechanism, diagnosis, effective prevention, treatment, and recommendations. Life Sci 2024:122861. [PMID: 38925222 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious pathogen that predominantly caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The persistent effects of COVID-19 are defined as an inflammatory or host response to the virus that begins four weeks after initial infection and persists for an undetermined length of time. Chronic effects are more harmful than acute ones thus, this review explored the long-term effects of the virus on various human organs, including the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological, reproductive, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and lymphoid systems and found that SARS-CoV-2 adversely affects these organs of older adults. Regarding diagnosis, the RT-PCR is a gold standard method of diagnosing COVID-19; however, it requires specialized equipment and personnel for performing assays and a long time for results production. Therefore, to overcome these limitations, artificial intelligence employed in imaging and microfluidics technologies is the most promising in diagnosing COVID-19. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are the most effective treatment for reducing the persistent impacts of COVID-19 by providing immunity to post-COVID-19 patients by reducing cytokine release syndrome, improving the T cell response, and increasing the circulation of activated natural killer and CD8 T cells in blood and tissues, which ultimately reduces fever, nausea, fatigue, and muscle weakness and pain. Vaccines such as inactivated viral, live attenuated viral, protein subunit, viral vectored, mRNA, DNA, or nanoparticle vaccines significantly reduce the adverse long-term virus effects in post-COVID-19 patients; however, no vaccine was reported to provide lifetime protection against COVID-19; consequently, protective measures such as physical separation, mask use, and hand cleansing are promising strategies. This review provides a comprehensive knowledge of the persistent effects of COVID-19 on people of varying ages, as well as diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and future preventative measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Akmal Raheem
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Muhammad Ajwad Rahim
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ahnui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Ijaz Gul
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Md Reyad-Ul-Ferdous
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Can Yang Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Dongmei Yu
- School of Mechanical, Electrical & Information Engineering, Shandong University
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Ke Du
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Runming Wang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Sanyang Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Yuxing Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Peiwu Qin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China.
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Guarnieri G, Bertagna De Marchi L, Marcon A, Panunzi S, Batani V, Caminati M, Furci F, Senna G, Alaibac M, Vianello A. Relationship between hair shedding and systemic inflammation in COVID-19 pneumonia. Ann Med 2022; 54:869-874. [PMID: 35341398 PMCID: PMC8959503 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2054026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A higher risk for COVID-19 infection and severity for men compared to women has been described since the beginning of the pandemic. The role of androgens has been recently highlighted as they control two key steps of coronavirus infection mediated through the transmembrane protease serin 2 (TMPRRS2) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in the lung tissue. Furthermore, a high incidence of androgenic alopecia among males with COVID-19 disease have been reported.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the telogen effluvium (TE) prevalence and its relationship with clinical and immunologic parameters in a sample of patients consecutively evaluated after recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia in Northern Italy.Methods: Overall 104 patients were recruited within three months from COVID-19 pneumonia recovery; 80 (77%) had been hospitalized in a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit and the remaining ones had been treated at home. The extent of TE was assessed with a visual analogic scale for thick bundle of hairs. Demographic and clinical data and systemic inflammation biomarkers were also evaluated.Results. Thirty-two patients reported a history of TE and their mean TE-VAS score was 5.78 ± 1.72 (range 3-9). Women had about a 5-fold higher risk (odds) of complaining of TE compared to males (OR = 4.69, 95%CI: 1.91, 11.49; p = .001), and the association became stronger when adjusted for COVID-19 severity (hospital admission vs home care: OR = 6.09, 95%CI: 2.34, 15.88; p < .001). Levels of C-reactive protein >1.90 mg/l (ORadj: 2.43, 95%CI 0.85, 7.05, p = 0.096) or IL 1β > 5 ng/l (ORadj 4.72, 95%CI: 1.31, 23.19, p = .03) were also significantly associated with TE.Conclusion: This exploratory study raises the hypothesis that hair shedding is more strictly related to the severity of COVID-19 disease and the underlying inflammation rather than to patients' hormonal status. KEY MESSAGESThe presence of Telogen effluvium (TE) was significantly more common in women.Higher severity of the Covid-19 disease seems to play a critical role, more important than the hormonal influence, in the development of TE.The severity of inflammation related to TE and Covid-19 could also play a role as suggested by the higher levels of CRP and platelets and IL1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Guarnieri
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Respiratory Pathophysiology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bertagna De Marchi
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Respiratory Pathophysiology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marcon
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Panunzi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Veronica Batani
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona and Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Caminati
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona and Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabiana Furci
- Allergy Unit and Asthma Center, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona and Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy.,Allergy Unit and Asthma Center, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Unit of Dermatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Vianello
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Respiratory Pathophysiology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Punjani N, Flannigan R. Androgens and COVID-19: exploring the role of testosterone replacement therapy. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:649-651. [PMID: 35094017 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Punjani
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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4
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Al-Bashiti AI, Ahmed KA, Alqaisi KM. Relationship of inflammatory mediators and sex-related parameters in Jordanian adult men patients with Covid-19. J Med Biochem 2022; 41:474-482. [PMID: 36381078 PMCID: PMC9618331 DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-35601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent epidemiological data suggest that Co - ro navirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a gender predisposition, with men being more seriously affected than women. Furthermore, older men accounting for most deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the serum testosterone, inhibin B, intrleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels in different age groups of Jordanian males with SARS-CoV2 infection and to evaluate the correlation of these markers in male patients with COVID-19. METHODS This study was performed on 157 selected individuals divided into two groups; COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. The participants of each group were further divided into two subgroups based on the age (20-50 years and 51-80 years age groups). The biochemical tests that were performed in this research are testosterone, inhibin-B, TNF-a, and IL-6. RESULTS The levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than healthy individuals (7.63 ± 6.30 vs. 5.54 ± 2.10, P=0.006). Similarly, the difference between the levels of TNF-a in the study groups were statistically significant (P=0.001). The mean testosterone levels in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls were 1.53 ± 1.24 and 3.87 ± 1.44, respectively (P<0.001), whereas the mean inhibin B levels in COVID-19 patients (54.29 ± 7.33) were lower than in healthy controls (64.14 ± 37.66) with P = 0.011. TNF-a was significantly and positively correlated with age (r = 0.263, P=0.018) and IL-6 (r = 0.245, P=0.027). Inhibin B had a significant, but negative correlation with TNF-a (r = -0.326, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that most men seeking medical attention with symptomatic COVID-19 had low testosterone and inhibin B levels with increased both IL-6 and TNF-a, which are independent of age conforming the deleterious effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on testicular function and immune response induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amneh I. Al-Bashiti
- Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khaled A. Ahmed
- Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid M. Alqaisi
- Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Amman, Jordan
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5
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Pandey SK, Mohanta GC, Kumar V, Gupta K. Diagnostic Tools for Rapid Screening and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1200. [PMID: 36016088 PMCID: PMC9414050 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has severely impacted human health and the health management system globally. The ongoing pandemic has required the development of more effective diagnostic strategies for restricting deadly disease. For appropriate disease management, accurate and rapid screening and isolation of the affected population is an efficient means of containment and the decimation of the disease. Therefore, considerable efforts are being directed toward the development of rapid and robust diagnostic techniques for respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2. In this article, we have summarized the origin, transmission, and various diagnostic techniques utilized for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These higher-end techniques can also detect the virus copy number in asymptomatic samples. Furthermore, emerging rapid, cost-effective, and point-of-care diagnostic devices capable of large-scale population screening for COVID-19 are discussed. Finally, some breakthrough developments based on spectroscopic diagnosis that could revolutionize the field of rapid diagnosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Mizoram University (Central University), Aizawl 796004, India
| | - Girish C. Mohanta
- Materials Science and Sensor Applications, CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh 160030, India;
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India;
| | - Kuldeep Gupta
- Russel H. Morgan, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Tokatli MR, Sisti LG, Marziali E, Nachira L, Rossi MF, Amantea C, Moscato U, Malorni W. Hormones and Sex-Specific Medicine in Human Physiopathology. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030413. [PMID: 35327605 PMCID: PMC8946266 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A prodigious increment of scientific evidence in both preclinical and clinical studies is narrowing a major gap in knowledge regarding sex-specific biological responses observed in numerous branches of clinical practices. Some paradigmatic examples include neurodegenerative and mental disorders, immune-related disorders such as pathogenic infections and autoimmune diseases, oncologic conditions, and cardiovascular morbidities. The male-to-female proportion in a population is expressed as sex ratio and varies eminently with respect to the pathophysiology, natural history, incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates. The factors that determine this scenario incorporate both sex-associated biological differences and gender-dependent sociocultural issues. A broad narrative review focused on the current knowledge about the role of hormone regulation in gender medicine and gender peculiarities across key clinical areas is provided. Sex differences in immune response, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancer, and COVID-19 are some of the hints reported. Moreover, gender implications in occupational health and health policy are offered to support the need for more personalized clinical medicine and public health approaches to achieve an ameliorated quality of life of patients and better outcomes in population health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leuconoe Grazia Sisti
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
- National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
| | - Lorenza Nachira
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
| | - Maria Francesca Rossi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.F.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Carlotta Amantea
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.F.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.F.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Walter Malorni
- Course in Pharmacy, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Martins G, Verdeal JCR, Tostes H, da Silva ARO, Tessarollo B, Rocha NN, Rocco PRM, Silva PL. Testosterone Therapy and Diaphragm Performance in a Male Patient with COVID-19: A Case Report. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020535. [PMID: 35204624 PMCID: PMC8871258 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low levels of testosterone may lead to reduced diaphragm excursion and inspiratory time during COVID-19 infection. We report the case of a 38-year-old man with a positive result on a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2, admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure. After several days on mechanical ventilation and use of rescue therapies, during the weaning phase, the patient presented dyspnea associated with low diaphragm performance (diaphragm thickness fraction, amplitude, and the excursion-time index during inspiration were 37%, 1.7 cm, and 2.6 cm/s, respectively) by ultrasonography and reduced testosterone levels (total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were 9.3 ng/dL, 5.8 ng/dL, and 10.5 nmol/L, respectively). Testosterone was administered three times 2 weeks apart (testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg/4 mL intramuscularly). Diaphragm performance improved significantly (diaphragm thickness fraction, amplitude, and the excursion-time index during inspiration were 70%, 2.4 cm, and 3.0 cm/s, respectively) 45 and 75 days after the first dose of testosterone. No adverse events were observed, although monitoring was required after testosterone administration. Testosterone replacement therapy led to good diaphragm performance in a male patient with COVID-19. This should be interpreted with caution due to the exploratory nature of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Martins
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
- Barra D’Or, Rio de Janeiro 22775-002, Brazil; (J.C.R.V.); (H.T.); (A.R.O.d.S.); (B.T.)
| | | | - Helio Tostes
- Barra D’Or, Rio de Janeiro 22775-002, Brazil; (J.C.R.V.); (H.T.); (A.R.O.d.S.); (B.T.)
| | | | - Bernardo Tessarollo
- Barra D’Or, Rio de Janeiro 22775-002, Brazil; (J.C.R.V.); (H.T.); (A.R.O.d.S.); (B.T.)
| | - Nazareth Novaes Rocha
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
| | - Pedro Leme Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Tandon A, Tandon VR, Sharma S, Mahajan A. Does Coronavirus Disease 2019 Kill More Elderly Men than Women Due to Different Hormonal Milieu. J Midlife Health 2022; 13:96-99. [PMID: 36276618 PMCID: PMC9583380 DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_37_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preliminary data depicts a much greater prevalence and high case-fatality rate in advanced age males as compared to age-matched women with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infections with high morbidity, mortality, high referral, and admission to intensive care unit with severe sequelae. However, the literature search revealed both for and against studies in this context. Thus, at present, in light of the mixed studies, it cannot be established whether low testosterone levels in aging hypogonadal males create a permissive environment for severe response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and can it increase the morbidity or mortality, or on the contrary if the virus inhibits androgen formation. Hence, it is highly warranted to establish the said hypothesis by conducting large statistically powered clinical studies in future. Further, it is highly indicated that impact of sex hormones and gender on the incidence and case fatality of the disease and hormones as a treatment according to sex and gender for COVID requires further scientific research by the research community before it is actually recommended to mitigate the COVID-19 disease course among elderly men and women at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Tandon
- Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences & Hospital Sidhra Jammu, Sidhra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Vishal R Tandon
- Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Jammu and Kashmir, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Vishal R Tandon, Professor, PG Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India. E-mail:
| | - Sudhaa Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Annil Mahajan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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9
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Mahdavinezhad F, Farmani AR, Pakniat H, Taghavi S, Gharaei R, Valipour J, Amidi F. COVID-19 and varicocele: the possible overlap factors and the common therapeutic approaches. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 87:e13518. [PMID: 34967487 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is recognized as one of the main attributable causes of male infertility which can affect spermatogenesis by various pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent studies have identified oxidative stress and reduction in antioxidant, hyperthermia, hypoxia, hormonal dysfunction, and inflammatory conditions as major factors in the pathophysiology of varicocele, all of which have known direct associations with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can significantly increase the risk of detrimental COVID-19-related outcomes. Emerging data have shown an association between COVID-19 and inflammation, overproduction of cytokine, and other pathophysiological processes. The present review, summarizes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of varicocele and investigates the potential correlation between the severity of COVID-19 and the varicocele disease. In addition, various possible treatments which can be effective in both diseases were examined. Despite numerous challenges associated with the prevalence of COVID-19 in healthcare systems in infected countries, special attention should be given to maintaining a high level of care for complex patients with a pre-existing disease such as varicocele and providing appropriate practical advice for optimal control of the COVID-19 disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Tissue Engineering Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Hamideh Pakniat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Saeed Taghavi
- Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghaye Gharaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamal Valipour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Abstract
Recent molecular biology findings have shown that for the penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus into host cells, a key role is played by protease serine 2, the activity of which is dependent on androgens. The important role of androgens is also evidenced by clinical observations that men in some age categories are infected by this novel coronavirus up to two times more frequently than women. In addition, men with androgenic alopecia tend to have more serious clinical courses, while men with androgen deprivation as a result of prostate cancer treatments tend to have milder courses. This is in line with the fact that preadolescent children are only rarely sickened with serious forms of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Even though these observations may be explained by other factors, many authors have hypothesized that lowered androgen levels and blocking their activity using anti-androgen medication may moderate the course of the viral infection in intermediately- to critically-affected cases. Clearly, it would be important for androgen deprivation to block not just gonadal androgens, but also adrenal androgens. On the other hand, low androgen levels are considered to be a risk factor for the course of SARS-CoV-2 infections, either because low androgen levels have a general effect on anabolic-catabolic equilibrium and energy metabolism, or because of the ability of testosterone to modify the immune system. It is not yet clear if infection with this novel coronavirus might induce hypogonadism, leading to undesirable side effects on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Stárka
- Institute of Endocrinology, Praha 1, Czech Republic.
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11
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Aksoyalp ZŞ, Nemutlu-Samur D. Sex-related susceptibility in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Proposed mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174548. [PMID: 34606834 PMCID: PMC8486578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The importance of sex differences is increasingly acknowledged in the incidence and treatment of disease. Accumulating clinical evidence demonstrates that sex differences are noticeable in COVID-19, and the prevalence, severity, and mortality rate of COVID-19 are higher among males than females. Sex-related genetic and hormonal factors and immunological responses may underlie the sex bias in COVID-19 patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2) are essential proteins involved in the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Since ACE2 is encoded on the X-chromosome, a double copy of ACE2 in females may compensate for virus-mediated downregulation of ACE2, and thus ACE2-mediated cellular protection is greater in females. The X chromosome also contains the largest immune-related genes leading females to develop more robust immune responses than males. Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR-7), one of the key players in innate immunity, is linked to sex differences in autoimmunity and vaccine efficacy, and its expression is greater in females. Sex steroids also affect immune cell function. Estrogen contributes to higher CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation levels, and females have more B cells than males. Sex differences not only affect the severity and progression of the disease, but also alter the efficacy of pharmacological treatment and adverse events related to the drugs/vaccines used against COVID-19. Administration of different drugs/vaccines in different doses or intervals may be useful to eliminate sex differences in efficacy and side/adverse effects. It should be noted that studies should include sex-specific analyses to develop further sex-specific treatments for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinnet Şevval Aksoyalp
- Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, 35620, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Dilara Nemutlu-Samur
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 07450, Antalya, Turkey.
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Wu J, Zhang L, Wang X. Host Sex Steroids Interact With Virus Infection: New Insights Into Sex Disparity in Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:747347. [PMID: 34803967 PMCID: PMC8600311 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.747347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are steroid hormones synthesized from the gonads of animals and tissues such as the placenta and adrenocortical reticular zone. The physiological functions of sex hormones are complex. Sex hormones are not only pathologically correlated with many diseases of the reproductive system, but are etiological factors in some viral infectious diseases, including disease caused by infections of coronaviruses, herpesviruses, hepatitis viruses, and other kinds of human viruses, which either exhibit a male propensity in clinical practice, or crosstalk with androgen receptor (AR)-related pathways in viral pathogenesis. Due to the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the role of androgen/AR in viral infectious disease is highlighted again, majorly representing by the recent advances of AR-responsive gene of transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2), which proteolytically activates the receptor-mediated virus entry by many coronaviruses and influenza virus, along with the role of androgen-mediated signaling for the transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the role of sex hormone responsive genes during Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis, et al. Collectively, we propose to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of male sex hormones during multiple phases in the life cycle of different human viruses, which may be partly responsible for the sex-specific prevalence, severity and mortality of some diseases, therefore, may provide clues to develop more efficient prevention and treatment strategies for high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Serrano-Coll H, Miller H, Rodríguez-Van Der Hamen C, Gastelbondo B, Novoa W, Oviedo M, Rivero R, Garay E, Mattar S. High Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in an Indigenous Community of the Colombian Amazon Region. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040191. [PMID: 34842834 PMCID: PMC8629018 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. COVID-19 is a pathology caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported more than 225 million cases and 4.5 million deaths worldwide. Objective: To describe the seropositivity, spatial distribution, and clinical and sociodemographic variables of SARS-CoV-2 in a community of the Colombian Amazon region. Methods. In December 2020, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a population located in the Colombian Amazon in the municipality of Mitú. Sociodemographic and clinical data were taken. Besides, 589 blood samples were taken, and an antibody detection was carried out with an ELISA and a recombinant protein N antigen of SARS-CoV-2. Results. A seropositivity of 57.6% was observed. The highest proportion of the infection is located in inter-municipal transport zones. The bivariate analysis did not show differences in the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate concerning the variables sex, age range, and the presence of comorbidities (p > 0.05). The bivariate and multivariate analysis showed that being symptomatic and presenting neurological manifestations of the upper respiratory tract are clinical variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (p < 0.05). One of the causes of this virus’s high spread in this community could be that 53.3% of the people were asymptomatic. Conclusions. Our data showed a high burden and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the indigenous community. This could be linked to cultural behaviors and the high infection rate in asymptomatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Serrano-Coll
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia; (H.S.-C.); (B.G.); (R.R.); (E.G.)
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical-Universidad CES, Medellín 050001, Colombia
| | | | | | - Bertha Gastelbondo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia; (H.S.-C.); (B.G.); (R.R.); (E.G.)
| | | | - Misael Oviedo
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria-Agrosavia, Centro de Investigación Turipaná, Cereté 230550, Córdoba, Colombia;
| | - Ricardo Rivero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia; (H.S.-C.); (B.G.); (R.R.); (E.G.)
| | - Evelin Garay
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia; (H.S.-C.); (B.G.); (R.R.); (E.G.)
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia; (H.S.-C.); (B.G.); (R.R.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Androgen deprivation therapy and excess mortality in men with prostate cancer during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255966. [PMID: 34618806 PMCID: PMC8496782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men have a higher risk of death from COVID-19 than women and androgens facilitate entrance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into respiratory epithelial cells. Thus, androgen deprivation therapy may reduce infection rates and improve outcomes for COVID-19. In the spring of 2020, Sweden was highly affected by COVID-19. The aim was to estimate the impact of androgen deprivation therapy on mortality from COVID-19 in men with prevalent prostate cancer by comparing all-cause mortality in the spring of 2020 to that in previous years. Patients and methods Using the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden all men with prostate cancer on March 1 each year in 2015–2020 were followed until June 30 the same year. Exposure to androgen deprivation therapy was ascertained from filled prescriptions for bicalutamide monotherapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH), or bilateral orchidectomy. Results A total of 9,822 men died in March-June in the years 2015–2020, of whom 5,034 men were on androgen deprivation therapy. There was an excess mortality in 2020 vs previous years in all men. The crude relative mortality rate ratio for 2020 vs 2015–2019 was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.04) in men on GnRH, and 0.90 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.05) in men on bicalutamide monotherapy. After multivariable adjustment these ratios were attenuated to 1.00 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.12) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.12), respectively. When restricting the analysis to the regions with the highest incidence of COVID-19 or to the time period between 2 April to 10 June when mortality in 2020 was increased >30% compared to previous years, the results were similar to the main analysis. Conclusions In this large national population-based cohort of men with prevalent prostate cancer, there was no clear evidence in support for an effect of androgen deprivation therapy on COVID-19 mortality.
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Spini A, Giudice V, Brancaleone V, Morgese MG, De Francia S, Filippelli A, Ruggieri A, Ziche M, Ortona E, Cignarella A, Trabace L. Sex-tailored pharmacology and COVID-19: Next steps towards appropriateness and health equity. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105848. [PMID: 34454035 PMCID: PMC8387562 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Making gender bias visible allows to fill the gaps in knowledge and understand health records and risks of women and men. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shown a clear gender difference in health outcomes. The more severe symptoms and higher mortality in men as compared to women are likely due to sex and age differences in immune responses. Age-associated decline in sex steroid hormone levels may mediate proinflammatory reactions in older adults, thereby increasing their risk of adverse outcomes, whereas sex hormones and/or sex hormone receptor modulators may attenuate the inflammatory response and provide benefit to COVID-19 patients. While multiple pharmacological options including anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, antivirals, anti-inflammatory agents and traditional Chinese medicine preparations have been tested to treat COVID-19 patients with varied levels of evidence in terms of efficacy and safety, information on sex-targeted treatment strategies is currently limited. Women may have more benefit from COVID-19 vaccines than men, despite the occurrence of more frequent adverse effects, and long-term safety data with newly developed vectors are eagerly awaited. The prevalent inclusion of men in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with subsequent extrapolation of results to women needs to be addressed, as reinforcing sex-neutral claims into COVID-19 research may insidiously lead to increased inequities in health care. The huge worldwide effort with over 3000 ongoing RCTs of pharmacological agents should focus on improving knowledge on sex, gender and age as pillars of individual variation in drug responses and enforce appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Spini
- University of Siena, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, 53100 Siena, Italy; University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Population Health Center, UMR 1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valentina Giudice
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, via Ateneo Lucano, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Silvia De Francia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, S. Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Amelia Filippelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Anna Ruggieri
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Ziche
- University of Siena, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, 53100 Siena, Italy; University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Population Health Center, UMR 1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Centro Studi Nazionale Salute e Medicina di Genere, Italy
| | - Elena Ortona
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; Centro Studi Nazionale Salute e Medicina di Genere, Italy
| | - Andrea Cignarella
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; Centro Studi Nazionale Salute e Medicina di Genere, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy; Centro Studi Nazionale Salute e Medicina di Genere, Italy.
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Leong R, Lee TSJ, Chen Z, Zhang C, Xu J. Global Temporal Patterns of Age Group and Sex Distributions of COVID-19. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:582-596. [PMID: 34205538 PMCID: PMC8293195 DOI: 10.3390/idr13020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 has been the biggest public health crisis in the world. To help develop appropriate public health measures and deploy corresponding resources, many governments have been actively tracking COVID-19 in real time within their jurisdictions. However, one of the key unresolved issues is whether COVID-19 was distributed differently among different age groups and between the two sexes in the ongoing pandemic. The objectives of this study were to use publicly available data to investigate the relative distributions of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among age groups and between the sexes throughout 2020; and to analyze temporal changes in the relative frequencies of COVID-19 for each age group and each sex. Fifteen countries reported age group and/or sex data of patients with COVID-19. Our analyses revealed that different age groups and sexes were distributed differently in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, there were differences among countries in both their age group and sex distributions. Though there was no consistent temporal change across all countries for any age group or either sex in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, several countries showed statistically significant patterns. We discuss the potential mechanisms for these observations, the limitations of this study, and the implications of our results on the management of this ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Leong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (R.L.); (T.-S.J.L.); (Z.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Tin-Suet Joan Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (R.L.); (T.-S.J.L.); (Z.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Zejia Chen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (R.L.); (T.-S.J.L.); (Z.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chelsea Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (R.L.); (T.-S.J.L.); (Z.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology and Institute of Infectious Diseases Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Sex and kidney ACE2 expression in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A NEPTUNE study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252758. [PMID: 34097714 PMCID: PMC8184004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental kidney disease. ACE2 is on the X chromosome, and in mice, deletion of ACE2 leads to the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The relationship between sex and renal ACE2 expression in humans with kidney disease is a gap in current knowledge. Methods We studied renal tubulointerstitial microarray data and clinical variables from subjects with FSGS enrolled in the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE) study. We compared relationships between ACE2 expression and age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and genes implicated in inflammation and fibrosis in male and female subjects. Results ACE2 mRNA expression was lower in the tubulointerstitium of males compared to females (P = 0.0026). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that ACE2 expression was related to sex and eGFR but not to age or treatment with renin angiotensin system blockade. ACE2 expression is also related to interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy, in males but not in females. Genes involved in inflammation (CCL2 and TNF) correlated with ACE2 expression in males (TNF: r = -0.65, P < 0.0001; CCL2: r = -0.60, P < 0.0001) but not in females. TGFB1, a gene implicated in fibrosis correlated with ACE2 in both sexes. Conclusions Sex is an important determinant of ACE2 expression in the tubulointerstitium of the kidney in FSGS. Sex also influences the relationships between ACE2, kidney fibrosis, and expression of genes involved in kidney inflammation.
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Dziedzic A, Saluk-Bijak J, Miller E, Niemcewicz M, Bijak M. The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Development of Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1804. [PMID: 33670394 PMCID: PMC7918534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global challenge. Currently, there is some information on the consequences of COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, as it is a newly discovered coronavirus, but its far-reaching effects on participation in neurodegenerative diseases seem to be significant. Recent cases reports showed that SARS-CoV-2 may be responsible for initiating the demyelination process in people who previously had no symptoms associated with any nervous system disorders. It is presently known that infection of SARS-CoV-2 evokes cytokine storm syndrome, which may be one of the factors leading to the acute cerebrovascular disease. One of the substantial problems is the coexistence of cerebrovascular disease and MS in an individual's life span. Epidemiological studies showed an enhanced risk of death rate from vascular disabilities in MS patients of approximately 30%. It has been demonstrated that patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection usually show increased levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and overactivation of blood platelets, which are essential elements of prothrombotic events. In this review, the latest knowledge gathered during an ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the neurodegeneration processes in MS is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dziedzic
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Saluk-Bijak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Elzbieta Miller
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Milionowa 14, 93-113 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Marcin Niemcewicz
- Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Michal Bijak
- Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.)
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SARS-CoV-2 and the reproductive system: known and the unknown..!! MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021; 26:1. [PMID: 33437145 PMCID: PMC7789900 DOI: 10.1186/s43043-020-00046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is the most recent zoonotic outbreak of coronaviruses. Mostly, it invades the cells of the respiratory system by binding to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is also present in other organs like the kidney, testis, ovaries, breast, heart, and intestine, rendering them prone to be infected. The reproductive potential is a must for the sustenance of any species and it is our prime duty to safeguard the reproductive system of the present generation from such a deadly virus. The previously reported coronaviruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) had a detrimental impact on reproductive organs. There is a dearth of sufficient research to provide substantial evidence for the harmful effects of this novel virus on the reproductive system. Hence, our review compiles the knowledge available until now to boost research in this regard and to take the necessary steps in time. Main body of abstract Here we tried to compile all the data available on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the reproductive system as well as vertical transmission of the virus. All related articles published from February to August 2020 were reviewed and thoroughly analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to affect the sperm concentration and motility, thus degrading the fertility of males. In females, it is suspected that this virus affects the oocyte quality and ovarian function, resulting in infertility or miscarriage. Traces of SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been found in the breast milk of the infected mothers and the semen of infected males. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported in some cases. Conclusion Based on the literature review, SARS-CoV-2 seems to have the potential of affecting both male and female reproductive tracts. This review brings together the findings and observations made in the area of reproductive health during the current pandemic. The reproductive system of the young population is preordained for subsequent disorders, infertility, reduced sperm count, and motility. Therefore, the research and medical practices should focus on possible vulnerability being posed by SARS-CoV-2 to the gametes and future generations. We, hereby, recommend close monitoring of young and pregnant COVID-19 patients concerning reproductive health with utmost priority.
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