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Salciccia S, Moriconi M, Asero V, Canale V, Eisenberg ML, Glover F, Belladelli F, Seranio N, Basran S, De Berardinis E, Di Pierro G, Ricciuti GP, Chung BI, Sciarra A, Del Giudice F. Systematic review and meta-analysis of serum total testosterone and luteinizing hormone variations across hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2786. [PMID: 38307934 PMCID: PMC10837199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53392-7] [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] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests the role of male hypogonadism as a possible harbinger for poor clinical outcomes across hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Accordingly, we sought to investigate the impact of dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis on the severity of the clinical manifestations for hospitalized Covid-19 patients matched with healthy controls through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases were searched from inception to March 2022. A standardized mean difference (SMD) meta-analysis focused on hospitalized Covid-19 patients and healthy controls was developed for studies who reported total testosterone (TT) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels at hospital admission. Overall, n = 18 series with n = 1575 patients between 2020 and 2022 were reviewed. A significant decrease in SMD of TT levels in Covid-19 patients compared to paired controls was observed (- 3.25 nmol/L, 95%CI - 0.57 and - 5.93). This reduction was even more consistent when matching severe Covid-19 patients with controls (- 5.04 nmol/L, 95%CI - 1.26 and - 8.82) but similar for Covid-19 survivors and non-survivors (- 3.04 nmol/L, 95%CI - 2.04 and - 4.05). No significant variation was observed for serum LH levels across studies. Patient related comorbidities, year of the pandemic, and total lymphocyte count were associated with the observed estimates. TT levels may be a useful serum marker of poor outcomes among Covid-19 patients. These findings may support the development of ad-hoc clinical trials in the Covid-19 risk-group classification and subsequent disease monitoring. The interplay between TT and immune response should be evaluated in future researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Salciccia
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Moriconi
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Asero
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Canale
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Frank Glover
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Federico Belladelli
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolas Seranio
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Satvir Basran
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ettore De Berardinis
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Pierro
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Piero Ricciuti
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Benjamin I Chung
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alessandro Sciarra
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urologic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Wang L, Dai W, Zhu R, Long T, Zhang Z, Song Z, Mu S, Wang S, Wang H, Lei J, Zhang J, Xia W, Li G, Gao W, Zou H, Li Y, Zhan L. Testosterone and soluble ST2 as mortality predictive biomarkers in male patients with sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1278879. [PMID: 38259843 PMCID: PMC10801257 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1278879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is characterized by high mortality and poor outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between testosterone and soluble ST2 (sST2) and all-cause mortality in patients with SIC. Clinical data from SIC patients at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2021 and March 2023 were reviewed. Serum testosterone and sST2 were measured at admission. Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) were used to estimate the predictive values of testosterone and sST2 on 28 days and 90 days mortality of SIC. A total of 327 male subjects with SIC were enrolled in this study. During the 28 days and 90 days follow-up, 87 (26.6%) and 103 deaths (31.5%) occurred, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher 28 days and 90 days survival in patients with higher testosterone and decreased sST2 levels (p < 0.001). Testosterone, sST2, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were significantly associated with 28 days and 90 days mortality (p < 0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed strong positive correlation between testosterone and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001), and negative correlation between testosterone and sST2 (p < 0.001), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) levels (p < 0.001) and smoke history (p < 0.01). The concentrations of sST2 were positively related with E/e' ratio (p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with TAPSE (p < 0.001). The combination of testosterone and sST2 enhanced the prediction of both 28 days [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.805] and 90 days mortality (AUC, 0.833). Early serum testosterone and sST2 levels could predict mortality of SIC independently and jointly. Further research is needed to determine the utility of biochemical markers in identifying high-risk patients with SIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruiyao Zhu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaocai Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenju Song
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sucheng Mu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxi Lei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenfang Xia
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwei Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Handong Zou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liying Zhan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Groti Antonic K, Antonic B, Caliber M, Dhindsa S. Men, testosterone and Covid-19. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:56-65. [PMID: 37501254 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14952] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Men have more severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outcomes and higher mortality rates than women, and it was suggested that testosterone levels might promote severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Covid-19 severity. However, clinical studies have not supported this theory. Studies have consistently shown that serum testosterone concentrations during acute Covid-19 in men are inversely proportional to the inflammatory cytokines and severity of illness. It is likely that lower testosterone concentrations in this setting are a result of acute Covid-19 illness on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Clinical trials that attempted to lower testosterone concentrations further or block androgen signaling acutely during Covid-19 in men did not result in improved Covid-19 outcomes. Additionally, pre-existing male hypogonadism, diagnosed before Covid-19 pandemic, was found to be a risk factor for hospitalization from Covid-19. In this review, we also discuss the preclinical and mechanistic studies that have evaluated the role of androgens in SARS-CoV-2 infection and illness. Finally, long-term consequences of Covid-19 on male reproductive health are reviewed. SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to infiltrate testis and induce orchitis in men, but it is unclear if Covid-19 leads to an increase in incidence of male hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Groti Antonic
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Monica Caliber
- American Medical Writers Association, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sandeep Dhindsa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Rouhana S, Jacyniak K, Francis ME, Falzarano D, Kelvin AA, Pyle WG. Sex differences in the cardiac stress response following SARS-CoV-2 infection of ferrets. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1153-H1167. [PMID: 37737732 PMCID: PMC10894670 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00101.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection damages the heart, increasing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Female sex protects against complications of infection; females are less likely to experience severe illness or death, although their risk for postacute sequelae of COVID-19 ("long COVID") is higher than in males. Despite the important role of the heart in COVID-19 outcomes, molecular elements in the heart impacted by SARS-CoV-2 are poorly understood. Similarly, the role sex has on the myocardial effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been investigated at a molecular level. We intranasally inoculated female and male ferrets with SARS-CoV-2 and assessed myocardial stress signals, inflammation, and the innate immune response for 14 days. Myocardial phosphorylated GSK3α/β decreased at day 2 postinfection (pi) in male ferrets, whereas females showed no changes. Myocardial levels of p62/SQSTM1 decreased in male ferrets at days 2, 7, and 14 pi while lower baseline levels in females increased on day 2. Phosphorylated ERK1/2 increased in cardiomyocyte nuclei in females on days 2 and 14 pi, whereas male ferrets had no changes. Only hearts from females increased fibrosis on day 14 pi. Immune and inflammation markers increased in hearts, with some sex differences. These results are the first to identify myocardial stress responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection and reveal sex differences that may contribute to differential outcomes. Future research is required to define the pathways involving these stress signals to fully understand the myocardial effects of COVID-19 and identify targets that mitigate cardiac injury following SARS-CoV-2 infection.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiovascular disease is a leading risk factor for severe COVID-19, and cardiovascular pathologies are among the most common adverse outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Females and males have different outcomes and adverse cardiovascular events following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study shows sex differences in stress proteins p62/SQSTM1, ERK1/2, and GSK3α/β, along with innate immunity and inflammation in hearts of ferrets infected with SARS-CoV-2, identifying mechanisms of COVID-19 cardiac injury and cardiac complications of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rouhana
- IMPART Investigator Team, Dalhousie Medicine, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Jacyniak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Magen E Francis
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Darryl Falzarano
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Alyson A Kelvin
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - W Glen Pyle
- IMPART Investigator Team, Dalhousie Medicine, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Rezaei B, Shahedi A, Keshtkaran Z, Eidi A, Delam H, Safari K, Shadmehr R, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M. Changes in incidence and mortality trend due to COVID-19 in southern Iran, from 2020 to 2021: based on Cochran-Armitage trend test. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37361263 PMCID: PMC10076376 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Background In 2020, COVID-19 spread rapidly in Iran and other parts of the world. Some of the epidemiological aspects of this disease remain unknown; therefore, the present study was designed with the aim of determining the trend of incidence and mortality of COVID-19 from February 2020 to July 2021 in southern Iran. Methods The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that included all people who had COVID-19 in the period from February 2020 to July 2021 and whose information had been registered in the Infectious Diseases Center of Larestan city and MCMC unit. The study area included the cities of Larestan, Evaz, and Khonj, located in the south of Fars province in southern Iran. Results Since the emergence of COVID-19 until July 2021, a total of 23,246 new cases of infection were reported in the southern region of Fars province. The average age of patients was 39.90±18.30 years and the range of ages varied from 1 to 103 years. The results of the Cochran-Armitage trend test showed that the trend of the disease in 2020 was completely upward. The first positive case of COVID-19 was recorded on February 27, 2020. The incidence curve in 2021 is sinusoidal, but in general, the results of the Cochran-Armitage trend test showed that the incidence of the disease increased significantly (P-trend < 0.001). Most cases were reported in July, April, and the end of March. Conclusion In general, the incidence rate of COVID-19 has varied sinusoidally from 2020 to mid-2021. Although the incidence of the disease increased, the number of deaths has fallen. It seems that the increase in the number of diagnostic tests and the implementation of the national COVID-19 immunization program have been effective in changing the trend of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Rezaei
- Department of Surgery, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahedi
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Zahra Keshtkaran
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Shiraz University of medical sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Eidi
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Hamed Delam
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
- Imam Reza Teaching Hospital, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Khalil Safari
- Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
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Collins LK, Cole MW, Waters TL, Iloanya M, Massey PA, Sherman WF. Hormone Replacement Therapy Does Not Eliminate Risk Factors for Joint Complications following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Study. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:123-135. [PMID: 37092525 PMCID: PMC10123744 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging causes a reduction in testosterone and estrogen, which is linked to diminished bone mineral density. Hormone replacement therapy and its effect on the outcome of joint arthroplasties is unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on the medical and joint outcomes of total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasties (TKA). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the PearlDiver database. Patients who received TRT or ERT perioperatively were matched to controls. Rates of 90-day medical complications and 2-year joint complications were queried. Patients who received TRT had an increased risk of revision, periprosthetic joint infection, and pooled joint complications within 2 years following a THA and increased rates of septic and aseptic revisions, and aseptic loosening after TKA compared to the control cohort. Patients receiving ERT had increased rates of aseptic loosening and pooled joint complications within 2 years following THA and increased rates of all-cause revisions and pooled joint complications after TKA. Patients who received TRT demonstrated significantly higher rates of revision rates and PJI. Patients who received perioperative ERT were significantly more likely to have increased risks of revision rates and joint infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacee K. Collins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Matthew W. Cole
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Timothy L. Waters
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Michael Iloanya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Patrick A. Massey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - William F. Sherman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Lott N, Gebhard CE, Bengs S, Haider A, Kuster GM, Regitz-Zagrosek V, Gebhard C. Sex hormones in SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility: key players or confounders? Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:217-231. [PMID: 36494595 PMCID: PMC9734735 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00780-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has a clear sex disparity in clinical outcomes. Hence, the interaction between sex hormones, virus entry receptors and immune responses has attracted major interest as a target for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. This Review summarizes the current understanding of the roles of androgens, oestrogens and progesterone in the regulation of virus entry receptors and disease progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as their therapeutic value. Although many experimental and clinical studies have analysed potential mechanisms by which female sex hormones might provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, there is currently no clear evidence for a sex-specific expression of virus entry receptors. In addition, reports describing an influence of oestrogen, progesterone and androgens on the course of COVID-19 vary widely. Current data also do not support the administration of oestradiol in COVID-19. The conflicting evidence and lack of consensus results from a paucity of mechanistic studies and clinical trials reporting sex-disaggregated data. Further, the influence of variables beyond biological factors (sex), such as sociocultural factors (gender), on COVID-19 manifestations has not been investigated. Future research will have to fill this knowledge gap as the influence of sex and gender on COVID-19 will be essential to understanding and managing the long-term consequences of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lott
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Susan Bengs
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabriela M Kuster
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catherine Gebhard
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
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Muehlenbein M, Gassen J, Nowak T, Henderson A, Morris B, Weaver S, Baker E. Age-Dependent Relationships Between Disease Risk and Testosterone Levels: Relevance to COVID-19 Disease. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883221130195. [PMID: 36935555 PMCID: PMC10028446 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221130195] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone levels in men appear to be prognostic of a number of disease outcomes, including severe COVID-19 disease. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age and are lower in individuals with a number of comorbidities and chronic conditions. Low testosterone may therefore be both a cause and a consequence of illness, including COVID-19 disease. The present project examines whether preexisting conditions for severe COVID-19 disease were themselves related to serum-free testosterone levels in men who had not been infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. A clinical risk score for severe COVID-19 disease was computed based on the results of previously published meta-analyses and cohort studies, and relationships between this score and testosterone levels were tested in 142 men ages 19 to 82 years. Greater burden of preexisting conditions for severe COVID-19 disease was related to lower testosterone levels among men younger than 40 years of age. In older men, the decrease in testosterone that accompanies aging attenuated the effect of the clinical risk score on free testosterone levels. Given that older age itself is a predictor of COVID-19 disease severity, these results together suggest that the presence of preexisting conditions may confound the relationship between testosterone levels and COVID-19 disease outcomes in men. Future research examining relationships among testosterone and outcomes related to infectious and chronic diseases should consider potential confounds, such as the role of preexisting conditions.
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Ketchem JM, Bowman EJ, Isales CM. Male sex hormones, aging, and inflammation. Biogerontology 2023; 24:1-25. [PMID: 36596999 PMCID: PMC9810526 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-10002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Adequate levels of androgens (eugonadism), and specifically testosterone, are vital compounds for male quality of life, longevity, and positive health outcomes. Testosterone exerts its effects by binding to the androgen receptor, which is expressed in numerous tissues throughout the body. Significant research has been conducted on the impact of this steroid hormone on skeletal, muscle and adipose tissues and on the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Testosterone levels have also been studied in relation to the impact of diseases, aging, nutrition and the environment on its circulating levels. Conversely, the impact of testosterone on health has also been evaluated with respect to its cardiac and vascular protective effects, body composition, autoimmunity and all-cause mortality. The male aging process results in decreasing testosterone levels over time. The exact mechanisms and impact of these changes in testosterone levels with age on health- and life-span are still not completely clear. Further research is needed to determine the optimal testosterone and androgen levels to protect from chronic age-related conditions such as frailty and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Ketchem
- grid.410427.40000 0001 2284 9329Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | | | - Carlos M. Isales
- grid.410427.40000 0001 2284 9329Departments of Medicine, Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
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Kelesidis T, Mantzoros CS. Cross-talk between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the insulin/IGF signaling pathway: Implications for metabolic diseases in COVID-19 and for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Metabolism 2022; 134:155267. [PMID: 35901934 PMCID: PMC9313531 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Kelesidis
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Shin J, Toyoda S, Nishitani S, Onodera T, Fukuda S, Kita S, Fukuhara A, Shimomura I. SARS-CoV-2 infection impairs the insulin/IGF signaling pathway in the lung, liver, adipose tissue, and pancreatic cells via IRF1. Metabolism 2022; 133:155236. [PMID: 35688210 PMCID: PMC9173833 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 can cause multiple organ damages as well as metabolic abnormalities such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and new onset of diabetes. The insulin/IGF signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism and cell survival, but little is known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this work was to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection impairs the insulin/IGF signaling pathway in the host cell/tissue, and if so, the potential mechanism and association with COVID-19 pathology. METHODS To determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on insulin/IGF signaling pathway, we utilized transcriptome datasets of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells and tissues from public repositories for a wide range of high-throughput gene expression data: autopsy lungs from COVID-19 patients compared to the control from non-COVID-19 patients; lungs from a human ACE2 transgenic mouse infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared to the control infected with mock; human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived liver organoids infected with SARS-CoV-2; adipose tissues from a mouse model of COVID-19 overexpressing human ACE2 via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) compared to the control GFP after SARS-CoV-2 infection; iPS-derived human pancreatic cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared to the mock control. Gain and loss of IRF1 function models were established in HEK293T and/or Calu3 cells to evaluate the impact on insulin signaling. To understand the mechanistic regulation and relevance with COVID-19 risk factors, such as older age, male sex, obesity, and diabetes, several transcriptomes of human respiratory, metabolic, and endocrine cells and tissue were analyzed. To estimate the association with COVID-19 severity, whole blood transcriptomes of critical patients with COVID-19 compared to those of hospitalized noncritical patients with COVID-19. RESULTS We found that SARS-CoV-2 infection impaired insulin/IGF signaling pathway genes, such as IRS, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and MAPK, in the host lung, liver, adipose tissue, and pancreatic cells. The impairments were attributed to interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), and its gene expression was highly relevant to risk factors for severe COVID-19; increased with aging in the lung, specifically in men; augmented by obese and diabetic conditions in liver, adipose tissue, and pancreatic islets. IRF1 activation was significantly associated with the impaired insulin signaling in human cells. IRF1 intron variant rs17622656-A, which was previously reported to be associated with COVID-19 prevalence, increased the IRF1 gene expression in human tissue and was frequently found in American and European population. Critical patients with COVID-19 exhibited higher IRF1 and lower insulin/IGF signaling pathway genes in the whole blood compared to hospitalized noncritical patients. Hormonal interventions, such as dihydrotestosterone and dexamethasone, ameliorated the pathological traits in SARS-CoV-2 infectable cells and tissues. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides the first scientific evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection impairs the insulin/IGF signaling pathway in respiratory, metabolic, and endocrine cells and tissues. This feature likely contributes to COVID-19 severity with cell/tissue damage and metabolic abnormalities, which may be exacerbated in older, male, obese, or diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Shin
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Diabetes Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinichiro Toyoda
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nishitani
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Onodera
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiro Fukuda
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shunbun Kita
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Adipose Management, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsunori Fukuhara
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Adipose Management, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Iichiro Shimomura
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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12
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Lee KM, Heberer K, Gao A, Becker DJ, Loeb S, Makarov DV, Gulanski B, DuVall SL, Aslan M, Lee J, Shih MC, Lynch JA, Hauger RL, Rettig M. A Population-Level Analysis of the Protective Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy Against COVID-19 Disease Incidence and Severity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:774773. [PMID: 35602518 PMCID: PMC9115469 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.774773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is substantially higher in men. Sex hormones may be a potential mechanism for differences in COVID-19 outcome in men and women. We hypothesized that men treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have lower incidence and severity of COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted an observational study of male Veterans treated in the Veterans Health Administration from February 15th to July 15th, 2020. We developed a propensity score model to predict the likelihood to undergo Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. We performed multivariable logistic regression modeling adjusted with inverse probability weighting to examine the relationship between ADT and COVID-19 incidence. We conducted logistic regression analysis among COVID-19 patients to test the association between ADT and COVID-19 severity.ResultsWe identified a large cohort of 246,087 VA male patients who had been tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 3,057 men were exposed to ADT, and 36,096 men with cancer without ADT. Of these, 295 ADT patients and 2,427 cancer patients not on ADT had severe COVID-19 illness. In the primary, propensity-weighted comparison of ADT patients to cancer patients not on ADT, ADT was associated with decreased likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (adjusted OR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81–0.95]; p = 0.001). Furthermore, ADT was associated with fewer severe COVID-19 outcomes (OR 0.72 [95% CI 0.53–0.96]; p = 0.03).ConclusionADT is associated with reduced incidence and severity of COVID-19 amongst male Veterans. Testosterone and androgen receptor signaling may confer increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and contribute to severe COVID-19 pathophysiology in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Lee
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kent Heberer
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Anthony Gao
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Daniel J. Becker
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stacy Loeb
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Urology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danil V. Makarov
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Urology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Barbara Gulanski
- Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Epidemiology Research Center (CSP CERC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Scott L. DuVall
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mihaela Aslan
- Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Epidemiology Research Center (CSP CERC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jennifer Lee
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Mei-Chiung Shih
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Julie A. Lynch
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Richard L. Hauger
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard L. Hauger,
| | - Matthew Rettig
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Matthew Rettig,
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13
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Hanalis-Miller T, Nudelman G, Ben-Eliyahu S, Jacoby R. The Effect of Pre-operative Psychological Interventions on Psychological, Physiological, and Immunological Indices in Oncology Patients: A Scoping Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:839065. [PMID: 35572335 PMCID: PMC9094613 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.839065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The stressful pre-operative period exerts a profound impact on psychological, physiological and immunological outcomes. Oncological surgeries, in particular, elicit significantly higher stress responses than most other surgeries. Managing these responses through psychological interventions may improve long-term outcomes. The purpose of the current research was to review studies that have explored pre-operative psychological interventions in cancer patients in order to map the types of current interventions and provide an initial assessment of whether these interventions improved psychological, physiological, and/or immunological indices as well as long-term cancer outcomes. Methods A systematic literature search for studies that included pre-operative psychological interventions in oncology patients was conducted, using the databases PubMed and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria included studies pertaining to oncological surgery in adults, study designs that included a clearly defined pre-operative psychological intervention and control group. Results We found 44 studies, each using one of the following interventions: psychoeducation, cognitive interventions, relaxation techniques, integrated approaches. All the studies reported improved immediate post-operative psychological, physiological, and/or immunological outcomes. Only a few studies addressed long-term cancer outcomes, and only one reported improved survival. Conclusions Research on pre-operative interventions with cancer patients is missing systematic methods. Studies provide varying results, which makes it difficult to compare them and reach reliable conclusions. There is considerable heterogeneity in the literature regarding the specific intervention used, the timing of intervention, the characteristics of the patients studied and the outcome measures. In order to improve research in this field, including the measurement of long-term outcomes, we suggest some steps that should be taken in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Nudelman
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu
- Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Rebecca Jacoby
- Stress, Hope and Cope Laboratory, School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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14
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Kebria MM, Milan PB, Peyravian N, Kiani J, Khatibi S, Mozafari M. Stem cell therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:6. [PMID: 35174448 PMCID: PMC8850486 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is a highly contagious microorganism, and despite substantial investigation, no progress has been achieved in treating post-COVID complications. However, the virus has made various mutations and has spread around the world. Researchers have tried different treatments to reduce the side effects of the COVID-19 symptoms. One of the most common and effective treatments now used is steroid therapy to reduce the complications of this disease. Long-term steroid therapy for chronic inflammation following COVID-19 is harmful and increases the risk of secondary infection, and effective treatment remains challenging owing to fibrosis and severe inflammation and infection. Sometimes our immune system can severely damage ourselves in disease. In the past, many researchers have conducted various studies on the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells. This property of stem cells led them to modulate the immune system of autoimmune diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. Because of their immunomodulatory properties, stem cell-based therapy employing mesenchymal or hematopoietic stem cells may be a viable alternative treatment option in some patients. By priming the immune system and providing cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, stem cells can be employed to build a long-term regenerative and protective response. This review addresses the latest trends and rapid progress in stem cell treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maziar Malekzadeh Kebria
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peiman Brouki Milan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noshad Peyravian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Present Address: Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Khatibi
- Babol University of Medical Sciences, Infection Diseases Centre, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Delli Muti N, Finocchi F, Tossetta G, Salvio G, Cutini M, Marzioni D, Balercia G. Could SARS-CoV-2 infection affect male fertility and sexuality? APMIS 2022; 130:243-252. [PMID: 35114008 PMCID: PMC9314998 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the cause of coronavirus infectious disease (COVID‐19) and has rapidly spread worldwide, causing serious problems to the healthcare systems of many countries and hundreds of thousand deaths. In this review we discuss data from the literature to understand whether the various districts of the male reproductive system may represent another vulnerable target for SARS‐CoV‐2. Studies were searched from electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and COVID‐19 specific databases such as LitCovid, until July 31, 2021. It appears that SARS‐CoV‐2 virus infection not only causes damage to the respiratory system, but could have a serious impact on the reproductive system of male patients modulating many physiological processes. Like some other infections, SARS‐CoV‐2 also leads to a worsening of semen quality and an increase in oxidative stress (OS) levels. However, due to the limited number of studies, it is unclear whether this deterioration in semen parameters is temporary or lasts over time. It is certainly important that patients' reproductive function is monitored after coronavirus infection to avoid problems in reproductive health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Delli Muti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Finocchi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Melissa Cutini
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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16
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Ilias I, Pratikaki M, Diamantopoulos A, Jahaj E, Mourelatos P, Athanasiou N, Tsipilis S, Zacharis A, Vassiliou AG, Vassiliadi DA, Tsagarakis S, Kotanidou A, Dimopoulou I. Testosterone, free, bioavailable and total, in patients with COVID-19. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2021; 47:111-116. [PMID: 34546019 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low Testosterone (mainly total testosterone; TTe) has been noted in patients with COVID-19. Calculated free testosterone (FTe) and bioavailable testosterone (BavTe) may reflect more accurately this hormone's levels. In this study, we sought to assess TTe, FTe as well as BavTe in male patients with COVID-19. SUBJECTS/METHODS Sera were collected upon admission from 65 men (10 in the intensive care units [ICU] and 55 in the wards) with polymerase chain reaction - proven COVID-19. A group of age-matched COVID-19-negative men (n=29) hospitalized in general medical wards served as controls. Age, body mass index (BMI) and 28-day mortality were noted. Measurements included TTe, sex-hormone binding globulin, albumin (the latter two for calculating FTe and BavTe) and laboratory markers of inflammation (white blood cell count [WBC], D-Dimers [D-D], lactate dehydrogenease [LDH], ferritin [Fer] and C-reactive protein [CRP]). RESULTS Profoundly low TTe, FTe and BavTe were noted in most patients, and were associated with disease severity/outcome (being the lowest in COVID-19 patients in the ICU and overall being lower in non-survivors; analysis of covariance p<0.05). Pearson's correlations for logTe, logFTe or logBavTe versus WBC, D-D, LDH, Ferr or CRP were negative, ranging from -0.403 to -0.293 (p=0.009 to 0.014). CONCLUSIONS TTe, FTe and BavTe are prone to be low in patients with COVID-19, are negatively associated with disease severity and may be considered to have prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Elena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, Greece -
| | - Maria Pratikaki
- Department of Microbiology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Edison Jahaj
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Mourelatos
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Athanasiou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Alexandros Zacharis
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alice G Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra A Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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17
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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: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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.
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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
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18
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Salciccia S, Eisenberg ML, Maggi M, Lai S, Mastroianni CM, Pasculli P, Ciardi MR, Canale V, Ferro M, Busetto GM, De Berardinis E, Ricciuti GP, Sciarra A, Del Giudice F. Modeling the Contribution of Male Testosterone Levels to the Duration of Positive COVID Testing among Hospitalized Male COVID-19 Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:581. [PMID: 33804969 PMCID: PMC8063957 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040581] [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: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A growing body of evidence is emerging suggesting testosterone can affect all cells involved in the immune response to both bacterial and viral infections, and the testosterone effect on the immune response could explain the greater susceptibility of men to infections including COVID-19. We aimed to explore the predictive role of male serum total testosterone (TT) levels on the time till viral negativity testing among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: The univariate effect of risk factors for the duration of COVID-19 viral positivity was evaluated using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier estimates. A multivariable Cox regression model was developed to test the role of TT levels and the subsequent odds for shorter viral positivity intervals. Results: Increasing serum TT levels and the need for an oxygen administration strategy were independently predictive for respectively reduced and increased days to negativization (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.95-2.03 and HR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.03-1.18). Conclusion: Baseline higher TT levels for male COVID-19 patients at hospital admission are associated with shorter durations of positive COVID-19 testing and thus viral clearance. Our preliminary findings might play a relevant to help pandemic control strategies if these will be verified in future larger multicentric and possibly randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Salciccia
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Michael L. Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Martina Maggi
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Silvia Lai
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.M.); (P.P.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.M.); (P.P.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.M.); (P.P.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Vittorio Canale
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Department of Urology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Organ Transplantation, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Ettore De Berardinis
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Gian Piero Ricciuti
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Alessandro Sciarra
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (E.D.B.); (G.P.R.); (A.S.); (F.D.G.)
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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