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Pawęska JT, Storm N, Jansen van Vuren P, Markotter W, Kemp A. Attempted Transmission of Marburg Virus by Bat-Associated Fleas Thaumapsylla breviceps breviceps (Ischnopsyllidae: Thaumapsyllinae) to the Egyptian Rousette Bat ( Rousettus aegyptiacus). Viruses 2024; 16:1197. [PMID: 39205171 PMCID: PMC11360628 DOI: 10.3390/v16081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) are implicated as reservoir hosts for Marburg virus (MARV), but natural mechanisms involved in maintenance of MARV in ERB populations remain undefined. A number of hematophagous ectoparasites, including fleas, parasitize bats. Subcutaneous (SC) inoculation of ERBs with MARV consistently results in viremia, suggesting that infectious MARV could be ingested by blood-sucking ectoparasites during feeding. In our study, MARV RNA was detected in fleas that took a blood meal during feeding on viremic bats on days 3, 7, and 11 after SC inoculation. Virus concentration in individual ectoparasites was consistent with detectable levels of viremia in the blood of infected host bats. There was neither seroconversion nor viremia in control bats kept in close contact with MARV-infected bats infested with fleas for up to 40 days post-exposure. In fleas inoculated intracoelomically, MARV was detected up to 14 days after intracoelomic (IC) inoculation, but the virus concentration was lower than that delivered in the inoculum. All bats that had been infested with inoculated, viremic fleas remained virologically and serologically negative up to 38 days after infestation. Of 493 fleas collected from a wild ERB colony in Matlapitsi Cave, South Africa, where the enzootic transmission of MARV occurs, all tested negative for MARV RNA. While our findings seem to demonstrate that bat fleas lack vectorial capacity to transmit MARV biologically, their role in mechanical transmission should not be discounted. Regular blood-feeds, intra- and interhost mobility, direct feeding on blood vessels resulting in venous damage, and roosting behaviour of ERBs provide a potential physical bridge for MARV dissemination in densely populated cave-dwelling bats by fleas. The virus transfer might take place through inoculation of skin, mucosal membranes, and wounds when contaminated fleas are squashed during auto- and allogrooming, eating, biting, or fighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz T. Pawęska
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; (N.S.); (P.J.v.V.); (A.K.)
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Nadia Storm
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; (N.S.); (P.J.v.V.); (A.K.)
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Petrus Jansen van Vuren
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; (N.S.); (P.J.v.V.); (A.K.)
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Alan Kemp
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; (N.S.); (P.J.v.V.); (A.K.)
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Wang F, Shao X, Bao B, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wang S, Chen Y, Han D. Cytotoxic and viricidal effects of human semen on mumps virus-infected lymphocytes: In vitro studies. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29733. [PMID: 38874268 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Viruses in human semen may be sexually transmitted via free and cell-mediated viral infection. The potential effects of semen on the infection and sexual transmission of most viruses in semen remain largely unclear. The present study elucidated the inhibitory effects of human seminal plasma (SP) on Jurkat cell (JC)-mediated mumps virus (MuV) infection. We demonstrated that MuV efficiently infected JCs and that the JCs infected by MuV (JC-MuV) mediated MuV infection of HeLa cells. Remarkably, SP was highly cytotoxic to JCs and inhibited JC-MuV infection of HeLa cells. The cytotoxic factor possessed a molecular weight of less than 3 kDa, whereas that of the viricidal factor was over 100 kDa. The cooperation of cytotoxic and viricidal factors was required for the SP inhibition of JC-MuV infection, and prostatic fluid (PF) was responsible for both the cytotoxic and viricidal effects of SP. The cytotoxic effects we observed were resistant to the treatment of PF with boiling water, proteinase K, RNase A, and DNase I. Our results provide novel insights into the antiviral properties of SP, which may limit cell-mediated sexual viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Shao
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Binghao Bao
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongmei Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Zhang G, Zhi W, Ye F, Xiong D, Zhang Y, Liu F, Zhao Y, Du X, Wu Y, Hou M, Liu J, Wei J, Silang Y, Xu W, Zeng J, Chen S, Liu W. Systematic analyses of the factors influencing sperm quality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8132. [PMID: 38584153 PMCID: PMC10999436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To figure out how does SARS-CoV-2 affect sperm parameters and what influencing factors affect the recovery of sperm quality after infection? We conducted a prospective cohort study and initially included 122 men with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The longest time to track semen quality after infection is 112 days and 58 eligible patients were included in our study eventually. We subsequently exploited a linear mixed-effects model to statistically analyze their semen parameters at different time points before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Semen parameters were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including total sperm count (211 [147; 347] to 167 [65.0; 258], P < 0.001), sperm concentration (69.0 [38.8; 97.0] to 51.0 [25.5; 71.5], P < 0.001), total sperm motility (57.5 [52.3; 65.0] to 51.0 [38.5; 56.8], P < 0.001), progressive motility (50.0 [46.2; 58.0] to 45.0 [31.5; 52.8], P < 0.001). The parameters displayed the greatest diminution within 30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection, gradually recovered thereafter, and exhibited no significant difference after 90 days compared with prior to COVID-19 infection. In addition, the patients in the group with a low-grade fever showed a declining tendency in semen parameters, but not to a significant degree, whereas those men with a moderate or high fever produced a significant drop in the same parameters. Semen parameters were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and fever severity during SARS-CoV-2 infection may constitute the main influencing factor in reducing semen parameters in patients after recovery, but the effect is reversible and the semen parameters gradually return to normal with the realization of a new spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Xinrong Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Mingxia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Jiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Yangzhong Silang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
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Guevara-Vega M, Andrade BS, Palmeira LS, Bernardino SS, Taveira EB, Cardoso-Sousa L, Caixeta DC, Cunha TM, Goulart LR, Jardim ACG, Sabino-Silva R. Chapare virus infection and current perspectives on dentistry. Clin Oral Investig 2024; 28:238. [PMID: 38568249 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This narrative review addresses relevant points about Chapare virus (CHAV) entry in oral cells, CHAV transmission, and preventive strategies in dental clinical settings. It is critical in dentistry due to the frequent presence of gingival hemorrhage occurred in CHAV-infected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies related to CHAV were searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web-of-Science databases without language restriction or year of publication. RESULTS Recently, the PAHO/WHO and CDC indicate a presence of human-to-human transmission of CHAV associated with direct contact with saliva, blood, or urine, and also through droplets or aerosols created in healthcare procedures. CHAV was detected in human oropharyngeal saliva and gingival bleeding was confirmed in all cases of CHAV hemorrhagic fever, including evidence of nosocomial CHAV transmission in healthcare workers. We revisited the human transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) expression in oral, nasal, and salivary glands tissues, as well as, we firstly identified the critical residues in the pre-glycoprotein (GP) complex of CHAV that interacts with human TfR1 using cutting-edge in silico bioinformatics platforms associated with molecular dynamic analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this multidisciplinary view, we also point out critical elements to provide perspectives on the preventive strategies for dentists and frontline healthcare workers against CHAV, and in the implementation of salivary diagnostic platforms for virus detection, which can be critical to an urgent plan to prevent human-to-human transmission based on current evidence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The preventive strategies in dental clinical settings are pivotal due to the aerosol-generating procedures in dentistry with infected patients or suspected cases of CHAV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Guevara-Vega
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostics and Nanobiotechnology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Biomedical Research Group, University of Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | - Bruno Silva Andrade
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Southwest of Bahia (UESB), Jequié, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Sousa Palmeira
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Southwest of Bahia (UESB), Jequié, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Sttephany Silva Bernardino
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostics and Nanobiotechnology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elisa Borges Taveira
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostics and Nanobiotechnology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leia Cardoso-Sousa
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostics and Nanobiotechnology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Douglas C Caixeta
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostics and Nanobiotechnology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thulio M Cunha
- Department of Pulmonology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Goulart
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim
- Laboratory of Antiviral Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Robinson Sabino-Silva
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostics and Nanobiotechnology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostic and Nanotheranostics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlandia, MG, CEP 38400-902, Brazil.
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Groß R, Reßin H, von Maltitz P, Albers D, Schneider L, Bley H, Hoffmann M, Cortese M, Gupta D, Deniz M, Choi JY, Jansen J, Preußer C, Seehafer K, Pöhlmann S, Voelker DR, Goffinet C, Pogge-von Strandmann E, Bunz U, Bartenschlager R, El Andaloussi S, Sparrer KMJ, Herker E, Becker S, Kirchhoff F, Münch J, Müller JA. Phosphatidylserine-exposing extracellular vesicles in body fluids are an innate defence against apoptotic mimicry viral pathogens. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:905-921. [PMID: 38528146 PMCID: PMC10994849 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01637-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Some viruses are rarely transmitted orally or sexually despite their presence in saliva, breast milk, or semen. We previously identified that extracellular vesicles (EVs) in semen and saliva inhibit Zika virus infection. However, the antiviral spectrum and underlying mechanism remained unclear. Here we applied lipidomics and flow cytometry to show that these EVs expose phosphatidylserine (PS). By blocking PS receptors, targeted by Zika virus in the process of apoptotic mimicry, they interfere with viral attachment and entry. Consequently, physiological concentrations of EVs applied in vitro efficiently inhibited infection by apoptotic mimicry dengue, West Nile, Chikungunya, Ebola and vesicular stomatitis viruses, but not severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, human immunodeficiency virus 1, hepatitis C virus and herpesviruses that use other entry receptors. Our results identify the role of PS-rich EVs in body fluids in innate defence against infection via viral apoptotic mimicries, explaining why these viruses are primarily transmitted via PS-EV-deficient blood or blood-ingesting arthropods rather than direct human-to-human contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Groß
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hanna Reßin
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dan Albers
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura Schneider
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Bley
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mirko Cortese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dhanu Gupta
- Biomolecular Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miriam Deniz
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jae-Yeon Choi
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jenny Jansen
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Preußer
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Institute for Tumor Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kai Seehafer
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Christine Goffinet
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elke Pogge-von Strandmann
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Institute for Tumor Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Bunz
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Biomolecular Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Eva Herker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Janis A Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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Dabizzi S, Maggi M, Torcia MG. Update on known and emergent viruses affecting human male genital tract and fertility. Basic Clin Androl 2024; 34:6. [PMID: 38486154 PMCID: PMC10941432 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-024-00222-5] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Many viruses infect the male genital tract with harmful consequences at individual and population levels. In fact, viral infections may induce damage to different organs of the male genital tract (MGT), therefore compromising male fertility. The oxidative stress, induced during viral-mediated local and systemic inflammation, is responsible for testicular damage, compromising germinal and endocrine cell functions. A reduction in sperm count, motility, number of normal sperm and an increase in DNA fragmentation are all common findings in the course of viral infections that, however, generally regress after infection clearance. In some cases, however, viral shedding persists for a long time leading to unexpected sexual transmission, even after the disappearance of the viral load from the blood.The recent outbreak of Zika and Ebola Virus evidenced how the MGT could represent a reservoir of dangerous emergent viruses and how new modalities of surveillance of survivors are strongly needed to limit viral transmission among the general population.Here we reviewed the evidence concerning the presence of relevant viruses, including emergent and re-emergent, on the male genital tract, their route of entry, their adverse effects on male fertility and the pattern of viral shedding in the semen.We also described laboratory strategies to reduce the risk of horizontal or vertical cross-infection in serodiscordant couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dabizzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Torcia
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Corral-Vazquez C, Blanco J, Sarrate Z, Anton E. Unraveling the Intricacies of the Seminal Microbiome and Its Impact on Human Fertility. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:150. [PMID: 38534419 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the microbial communities from seminal fluid were an unexplored field some decades ago, their characteristics and potential roles are gradually coming to light. Therefore, a complex and specific microbiome population with commensal niches and fluctuating species has started to be revealed. In fact, certain clusters of bacteria have been associated with fertility and health, while the outgrowth of several species is potentially correlated with infertility indicators. This constitutes a compelling reason for outlining the external elements that may induce changes in the seminal microbiome composition, like lifestyle factors, gut microbiota, pathologies, prebiotics, and probiotics. In this review, we summarize the main findings about seminal microbiome, its origins and composition, its relationship with fertility, health, and influence factors, while reminding readers of the limitations and advantages introduced from technical variabilities during the experimental procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Corral-Vazquez
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Joan Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Zaida Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ester Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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GamalEl Din SF, Nabil Ismail N, Kaddah A, Abdel Salam MA, Korani MS, Hamed MA. Effect of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive functions of Egyptian males following recovery: A cross sectional study. Urologia 2024; 91:154-158. [PMID: 37334432 PMCID: PMC10277877 DOI: 10.1177/03915603231181723] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to assess the sexual and the reproductive functions in males post COVID-19 infection in Beni-Suef Governorate. METHODS One hundred men were recruited in the current study. All participants were assessed by the Arabic validated version of the International Index of the Erectile Function 5 (ArIIEF-5), semen analysis, and Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HADS). Finally, morning testosterone serum level was measured. RESULTS There were significant decreases in the sperm total motility, the ArIIEF-5 score, and serum total testosterone in the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months when compared to the controls. However, there were significant increases in the sperm total motility, the ArIIEF-5 score, and serum total testosterone in the post COVID-19 patients after 6 months group when compared to the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months group. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the HADS score in the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months when compared to the controls. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the HADS score in the post COVID-19 patients after 6 months when compared to the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months. CONCLUSION Our study had shown temporary impairment of sexual and reproductive functions in post COVID-19 convalescent males especially after 6 months from the onset of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Fayek GamalEl Din
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nashaat Nabil Ismail
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Amr Kaddah
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Salam
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Sayed Korani
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Ahmed Hamed
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Yang D, Zhang M, Chen W, Lu Q, Wan S, Du X, Li Y, Li B, Wu W, Wang C, Li N, Peng S, Tang H, Hua J. UCHL1 maintains microenvironmental homeostasis in goat germline stem cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23306. [PMID: 37934018 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301674rr] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play a crucial role in mammalian spermatogenesis and maintain the stable inheritance of the germline in livestock. However, stress and bacterial or viral infections can disrupt immune homeostasis of the testes, thereby leading to spermatogenesis destruction and infertility, which severely affects the health and productivity of mammals. This study aimed to explore the effect of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) knockdown (KD) in goat SSCs and mouse testes and investigate the potential anti-inflammatory function of UCHL1 in a poly(I:C)-induced inflammation model to maintain microenvironmental homeostasis. In vitro, the downregulation of UCHL1 (UCHL1 KD) in goat SSCs increased the expression levels of apoptosis and inflammatory factors and inhibited the self-renewal and proliferation of SSCs. In vivo, the structure of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells was disrupted after UCHL1 KD, and the expression levels of apoptosis- and inflammation-related proteins were significantly upregulated. Furthermore, UCHL1 inhibited the TLR3/TBK1/IRF3 pathway to resist poly(I:C)-induced inflammation in SSCs by antagonizing HSPA8 and thus maintaining SSC autoimmune homeostasis. Most importantly, the results of this study showed that UCHL1 maintained immune homeostasis of SSCs and spermatogenesis. UCHL1 KD not only inhibited the self-renewal and proliferation of goat SSCs and spermatogenesis but was also involved in the inflammatory response of goat SSCs. Additionally, UCHL1 has an antiviral function in SSCs by antagonizing HSPA8, which provides an important basis for exploring the specific mechanisms of UCHL1 in goat spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenbo Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shicheng Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaomin Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, College of Life Sciences, Yulin University, Yulin, China
| | - Yunxiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Balun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Congliang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Haiyang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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10
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Züst R, Ackermann-Gäumann R, Liechti N, Siegrist D, Ryter S, Portmann J, Lenz N, Beuret C, Koller R, Staehelin C, Kuenzli AB, Marschall J, Rothenberger S, Engler O. Presence and Persistence of Andes Virus RNA in Human Semen. Viruses 2023; 15:2266. [PMID: 38005942 PMCID: PMC10675069 DOI: 10.3390/v15112266] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
When infecting humans, Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) may cause a severe disease called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). Following non-specific symptoms, the infection may progress to a syndrome of hemorrhagic fever combined with hyper-acute cardiopulmonary failure. The case fatality rate ranges between 25-40%, depending on the outbreak. In this study, we present the follow-up of a male patient who recovered from HCPS six years ago. We demonstrate that the ANDV genome persists within the reproductive tract for at least 71 months. Genome sequence analysis early and late after infection reveals a low number of mutations (two single nucleotide variants and one deletion), suggesting limited replication activity. We can exclude the integration of the viral genome into the host genome, since the treatment of the specimen with RNAse led to a loss of signal. We demonstrate a long-lasting, strong neutralizing antibody response using pseudovirions expressing the ANDV glycoprotein. Taken together, our results show that ANDV has the potential for sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Züst
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
| | | | - Nicole Liechti
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
| | - Denise Siegrist
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
| | - Sarah Ryter
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
| | - Jasmine Portmann
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
| | - Nicole Lenz
- Food Microbial Systems, Risk Assessment and Mitigation Group, Agroscope, 3097 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beuret
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
| | - Roger Koller
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Staehelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea B. Kuenzli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Marschall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Rothenberger
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Engler
- Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland (O.E.)
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11
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Yu F, He H, Huang T, Zhou Y. Study on the cytokines related to SARS-Cov-2 in testicular cells and the interaction network between cells based on scRNA-seq data. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220661. [PMID: 37589002 PMCID: PMC10426268 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokine storms (CS) in COVID-19 patients are associated with elevated levels of 13 specific cytokines, potentially impacting male fertility by causing testicular cell damage and disrupting the immune microenvironment. Some patients present with scrotal discomfort and orchitis. However, few studies have explored cytokine expression in testicular cells and their role in cell-to-cell communication. In this study, we integrated single-cell sequencing data sets of testicular cells, annotating 20 cell clusters using marker genes and the Human Cell Landscape database. We constructed cell pseudo-chronological trajectories, hub genes, and analyzed the cytokine interaction network between sperm cells using CellChat. Our findings identified 12 types of testicular cells, with four cytokines (IL8, CCL2, CCL3, and TNF) potentially involved in immune processes. Pseudo-chronological trajectory analysis indicated IL8 and CCL3's essential roles in testicular macrophages and endothelial cell development, affecting the immune microenvironment. We determined eight key cytokines (IL1, IL2, IL4, IL6, CCL, CSF3, TNF, and IFN-II) functions in cell interaction networks. Network analysis of exogenous cytokines directly acting on testicular cells showed IL2 potentially affecting all testicular cells, suggesting a vital role in cell communication. This research offers valuable insights into CSs effects on testicular cells and their potential impact on male fertility during COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Haihong He
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1333
Xinhu Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
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12
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Kloping YP, Hidayatullah F, Rahman ZA, Chung E, Hakim L. Male Reproductive Tract Involvement and Sperm Parameters in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:538-557. [PMID: 36102101 PMCID: PMC10307665 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a growing concern regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male reproductive tract due to ACE2 receptor expression, however, its impact remains unclear. We performed this review to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the male reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a search in the Embase, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Eligible studies comprised articles reporting viral RNA presence in semen, sperm parameters, and orchitis or orchiepididymitis occurrence in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Observational studies' quality was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Case reports were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)'s checklist. RESULTS A total of 32 relevant articles were included. Viral RNA was found in 7% of infected patients' semen (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.15) from 3 studies. There were also only 7% of patients with orchitis or orchiepididymitis clinical manifestations (95% CI, 0.05-0.10). The semen volume and concentration were 2.34 mL (95% CI, 1.87-2.81) and 51.73 million/mL (95% CI, 31.60-71.85). The progressive and total motility percentages were 36.11% (95% CI, 28.87-43.35) and 43.07% (95% CI, 28.57-57.57), respectively. The morphology was 6.03% (95% CI, -1.05 to 13.10). There is a difference in semen volume between moderate and severe infections (MD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.76; p<0.0001) and concentration between mild and moderate (MD, 18.74; 95% CI, 1.02-36.46; p=0.04), mild and severe (MD, 43.50; 95% CI, 13.86-73.14; p=0.004), as well as moderate and severe (MD, 22.25; 95% CI, 9.33-35.17; p=0.0007). CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in decreased sperm concentration in severe cases and the mechanism relates to potential reproductive tract inflammation. The absence of large viral RNA detection in the semen indicates a systemic effect, although this is largely unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudhistira Pradnyan Kloping
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Urology, Dr. Soetomo General-Academic Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Furqan Hidayatullah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Urology, Dr. Soetomo General-Academic Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Zakaria Aulia Rahman
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Urology, Dr. Soetomo General-Academic Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
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13
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Zhou SF, Huang C, Li SK, Long XL, Chen Y, Zhan ZF, Hu SX, Hu CS, Chen L, Wang SP, Fan LQ, Chen WJ, Gao LD, Zhu WB, Ma XJ. CBPH assay for the highest sensitive detection of SARS-COV-2 in the semen. Clin Chim Acta 2023:117415. [PMID: 37271272 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117415] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Great concerns have been raised on SARS-CoV-2 impact on men's andrological well-being, and many studies have attempted to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 is present in the semen and till now the data are unclear and somehow ambiguous. However, these studies used quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR, which is not sufficiently sensitive to detect nucleic acids in clinical samples with a low viral load. METHODS The clinical performance of various nucleic acid detection methods (qRT-PCR, OSN-qRT-PCR, cd-PCR, and CBPH) was assessed for SARS-CoV-2 using 236 clinical samples from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. Then, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of 12 recovering patients was investigated using qRT-PCR, OSN-qRT-PCR, cd-PCR, and CBPH in parallel using 24 paired semen, blood, throat swab, and urine samples. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity along with AUC of CBPH was markedly higher than the other 3methods. Although qRT-PCR, OSN-qRT-PCR and cdPCR detected no SARS-CoV-2 RNA in throat swab, blood, urine, and semen samples of the 12 patients, CBPH detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome fragments in semen samples, but not in paired urine samples, of 3 of 12 patients. The existing SARS-CoV-2 genome fragments were metabolized over time. CONCLUSIONS Both OSN-qRT-PCR and cdPCR had better performance than qRT-PCR, and CBPH had the highest diagnostic performance in detecting SARS-CoV-2, which contributed the most improvement to the determination of the critical value in gray area samples with low vrial load, which then provides a rational screening strategy for studying the clearance of coronavirus in the semen over time in patients recovering from COVID-19. Although the presence of SARS-CoV-2 fragments in the semen was demonstrated by CBPH, COVID-19 is unlikely to be sexually transmitted from male partners for at least 3 months after hospital discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Feng Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China; Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410005,China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Shi-Kang Li
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Long
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Zhi-Fei Zhan
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Shi-Xiong Hu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Chun-Sheng Hu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Beijing Macroµ-test Bio-Tech Co., Ltd. Beijing 101300, China
| | - Shi-Ping Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410005,China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Wei-Jun Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. No.19 Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li-Dong Gao
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China; Hunan New Outbreak Infectious Disease Prevention and Treatment Workstation of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410005,China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Xue-Jun Ma
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
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14
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Kannampuzha S, Murali R, Namachivayam A, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Prabakaran DS. Insights into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030510. [PMID: 36992094 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has become a significant public health concern that has catastrophic consequences for society. Some preliminary evidence suggests that the male reproductive system may be an infection target for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually, according to preliminary research. Testicular cells exhibit a high level of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which enhances the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Some instances of COVID-19 have been documented to exhibit hypogonadism during the acute stage. Furthermore, systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown to have profoundly deleterious consequences on testicular functioning. This work gives a clear picture of how COVID-19 may affect male reproductive systems and calls attention to the many unanswered questions about the mechanisms by which this virus can be linked to men’s health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24253, Republic of Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda 151401, India
| | - D S Prabakaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1 Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Srivilliputhur Main Road, Sivakasi 626124, India
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15
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de Jong FC, GeurtsvanKessel CH, Molenkamp R, Bangma CH, Zuiverloon TC. Sewage surveillance system using urological wastewater: Key to COVID-19 monitoring? Urol Oncol 2023; 41:70-75. [PMID: 33127302 PMCID: PMC7553066 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since December 2019, the emergence of a new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global coronavirus pandemic disease (COVID-19), with devastating consequences for all healthcare worldwide, including urological care. COVID-19 has led to concern among urological healthcare workers about viral presence, detection and routes of transmission during routine clinical practice. The potential presence of (active) virus in bodily fluids of COVID-19 patients remains a continuing topic of debate. Therefore, we highlight viral detection methods and review the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in urine, feces, and semen. Finally, we discuss how excretion of virus particles through urological bodily fluids might be pivotal to epidemiologic monitoring and control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florus C. de Jong
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Chris H. Bangma
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tahlita C.M. Zuiverloon
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,Corresponding author. Tel.: +31-107043059; fax: +31-107044762
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16
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Bragazzi NL, Kong JD, Wu J. Is monkeypox a new, emerging sexually transmitted disease? A rapid review of the literature. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28145. [PMID: 36101012 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox, a milder disease compared to smallpox, is caused by a virus initially discovered and described in 1958 by the prominent Danish virologist von Magnus, who was investigating an infectious outbreak affecting monkey colonies. Currently, officially starting from May 2022, an outbreak of monkeypox is ongoing, with 51 000 cases being notified as of September 1, 2022-51 408 confirmed, 28 suspected, and 12 fatalities, for a grand total of 51 448 cases. More than 100 countries and territories are affected, from all the six World Health Organization regions. There are some striking features, that make this outbreak rather unusual when compared with previous outbreaks, including a shift on average age and the most affected age group, affected sex/gender, risk factors, clinical course, presentation, and the transmission route. Initially predominantly zoonotic, with an animal-to-human transmission, throughout the last decades, human-to-human transmission has become more and more sustained and effective. In particular, clusters of monkeypox have been described among men having sex with men, some of which have been epidemiologically linked to international travel to nonendemic countries and participation in mass gathering events/festivals, like the "Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) 2022 pride." This review will specifically focus on the "emerging" transmission route of the monkeypox virus, that is to say, the sexual transmission route, which, although not confirmed yet, seems highly likely in the diffusion of the infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Thornhill JP, Antinori A, Orkin CM. Monkeypox Virus Infection across 16 Countries - April-June 2022. Reply. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:e69. [PMID: 36546638 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2213969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Antinori
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chloe M Orkin
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Liu J, Mucker EM, Chapman JL, Babka AM, Gordon JM, Bryan AV, Raymond JLW, Bell TM, Facemire PR, Goff AJ, Nalca A, Zeng X. Retrospective detection of monkeypox virus in the testes of nonhuman primate survivors. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1980-1986. [PMID: 36253513 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01259-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Close contact through sexual activity has been associated with the spread of monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the ongoing, global 2022 epidemic. However, it remains unclear whether MPXV replicates in the testes or is transmitted via semen to produce an active infection. We carried out a retrospective analysis of MPXV-infected crab-eating macaque archival tissue samples from acute and convalescent phases of infection of clade I or clade II MPXV using immunostaining and RNA in situ hybridization. We detected MPXV in interstitial cells and seminiferous tubules of testes as well as epididymal lumina, which are the sites of sperm production and maturation. We also detected inflammation and necrosis during the acute phase of the disease by histological analysis. Finally, we found that MPXV was cleared from most organs during convalescence, including healed skin lesions, but could be detected for up to 37 d post-exposure in the testes of convalescent macaques. Our findings highlight the potential for sexual transmission of MPXV in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Eric M Mucker
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Chapman
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA.,Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Inc., Chantilly, VA, USA
| | - April M Babka
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jamal M Gordon
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ashley V Bryan
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jo Lynne W Raymond
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Todd M Bell
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Paul R Facemire
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Arthur J Goff
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Aysegul Nalca
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA.
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Pourmasumi S, Nazari A, Ahmadi Z, Kouni SN, de Gregorio C, Koniari I, Dousdampanis P, Mplani V, Plotas P, Assimakopoulos S, Gogos C, Aidonisdis G, Roditis P, Matsas N, Velissaris D, Calogiuri G, Hung MY, Altay S, Kounis NG. The Effect of Long COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on Male Fertility; A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121982. [PMID: 36560392 PMCID: PMC9783106 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Earlier research has suggested that the male reproductive system could be particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, and infections involving this novel disease not only pose serious health threats but could also cause male infertility. Data from multi-organ research during the recent outbreak indicate that male infertility might not be diagnosed as a possible consequence of COVID-19 infection. Several review papers have summarized the etiology factors on male fertility, but to date no review paper has been published defining the effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the published scientific evidence regarding male fertility potential, the risk of infertility during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the male reproductive system. The effects of COVID-19 infection and the subsequent vaccination on seminal fluid, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, testes and sex hormones are particularly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | - Alireza Nazari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Pistachio Safety Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | | | - Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Medical School, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Periklis Dousdampanis
- Department of Nephrology, Saint Andrews State General Hospital, 26221 Patras, Greece
| | - Virginia Mplani
- Intensive Care Unit, Patras University Hospital, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Department of Speech Therapy, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Stelios Assimakopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Gogos
- COVID-19 Unit, Papageorgiou General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Pavlos Roditis
- Department of Cardiology, Mamatsio Kozanis General Hospital, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Nikos Matsas
- Cardiology Private Practice, 30131 Agrinion, Greece
| | | | - Gianfranco Calogiuri
- Pneumonology Department, Civil Hospital “Ninetto Melli”, Pietro Vernoti, 72027 Brindisi, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Medical School, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Ming-Yow Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Servet Altay
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine Trakya University, Edirne 22030, Turkey
| | - Nicholas G. Kounis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence:
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20
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Wang F, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen Y, Han D. Viral tropism for the testis and sexual transmission. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1040172. [PMID: 36439102 PMCID: PMC9682072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1040172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian testis adopts an immune privileged environment to protect male germ cells from adverse autoimmune reaction. The testicular immune privileged status can be also hijacked by various microbial pathogens as a sanctuary to escape systemic immune surveillance. In particular, several viruses have a tropism for the testis. To overcome the immune privileged status and mount an effective local defense against invading viruses, testicular cells are well equipped with innate antiviral machinery. However, several viruses may persist an elongated duration in the testis and disrupt the local immune homeostasis, thereby impairing testicular functions and male fertility. Moreover, the viruses in the testis, as well as other organs of the male reproductive system, can shed to the semen, thus allowing sexual transmission to partners. Viral infection in the testis, which can impair male fertility and lead to sexual transmission, is a serious concern in research on known and on new emerging viruses. To provide references for our scientific peers, this article reviews research achievements and suggests future research focuses in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongmei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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21
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White J, Rivero MJ, Mohamed AI, Thomas J, Muthigi A, Rahman F, Ory J, Petrella F, Ramasamy R. Male Sexual Health Implications of the 2022 Global Monkeypox Outbreak. Res Rep Urol 2022; 14:415-421. [DOI: 10.2147/rru.s381191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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22
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Pallotti F, Barbonetti A, Rastrelli G, Santi D, Corona G, Lombardo F. The impact of male factors and their correct and early diagnosis in the infertile couple's pathway: 2021 perspectives. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1807-1822. [PMID: 35349114 PMCID: PMC8961097 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current clinical practice in reproductive medicine should pose the couple at the centre of the diagnostic-therapeutic management of infertility and requires intense collaboration between the andrologist, the gynaecologist and the embryologist. The andrologist, in particular, to adequately support the infertile couple, must undertake important biological, psychological, economical and ethical task. Thus, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of the andrologist in the study of male factor infertility. METHODS A comprehensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed including publications between 1969 and 2021. RESULTS Available evidence indicates that a careful medical history and physical examination, followed by semen analysis, always represent the basic starting points of the diagnostic work up in male partner of an infertile couple. Regarding treatment, gonadotropins are an effective treatment in case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and FSH may be used in men with idiopathic infertility, while evidence supporting other hormonal and nonhormonal treatments is either limited or conflicting. In the future, pharmacogenomics of FSHR and FSHB as well as innovative compounds may be considered to develop new therapeutic strategies in the management of infertility. CONCLUSION To provide a high-level of care, the andrologist must face several critical diagnostical and therapeutical steps. Even though ART may be the final and decisive stage of this decisional network, neglecting to treat the male partner may ultimately increase the risks of negative outcome, as well as costs and psychological burden for the couple itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital-Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda-Usl Bologna, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Cardona Maya WD, du Plessis SS, Velilla PA. Semen and viruses: significance during the transmission of infections. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2431-2432. [PMID: 36056984 PMCID: PMC9440326 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Walter D Cardona Maya
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia - UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.
| | - Stefan S du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Paula A Velilla
- Immunovirology Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia - UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
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24
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de Albuquerque BHDR, de Oliveira MTFC, Aderaldo JF, de Medeiros Garcia Torres M, Lanza DCF. Human seminal virome: a panel based on recent literature. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:16. [PMID: 36064315 PMCID: PMC9444275 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00165-9] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The seminal virome and its implications for fertility remain poorly understood. To date, there are no defined panels for the detection of viruses of clinical interest in seminal samples. Results In this study, we characterized the human seminal virome based on more than 1,000 studies published over the last five years. Conclusions The number of studies investigating viruses that occur in human semen has increased, and to date, these studies have been mostly prospective or related to specific clinical findings. Through the joint analysis of all these studies, we have listed the viruses related to the worsening of seminal parameters and propose a new panel with the main viruses already described that possibly affect male fertility and health. This panel can assist in evaluating semen quality and serve as a tool for investigation in cases of infertility.
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25
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The Possible Role of SARS-CoV-2 in Male Fertility: A Narrative Review. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome—Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) around the world has rapidly sparked the interest of the scientific community to discover its implications in human health. Many studies have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 is directly or indirectly involved in the male reproductive tract impairment. Some evidence supports the possible role of the virus in male infertility. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the relationship between the male urogenital tract, male fertility, and the gonadal hormone profile. The testis is one of the organs with the highest expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2-receptor that allows the virus to penetrate human cells. Orchitis is a possible clinical manifestation of COVID-19 and testicular damage has been found on autopsy in the testes of patients who died from the disease. SARS-CoV-2 infection can compromise the blood-testis barrier, favoring testicular damage and the production of anti-sperm autoantibodies. Some studies have detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and a high percentage of patients with COVID-19 have altered sperm parameters compared to controls. Finally, lower testosterone levels, higher luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and decreased follicle-stimulating (FSH)/LH and testosterone/LH ratios suggest primary testicular damage. In conclusion, further studies are needed to evaluate the exact mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects the male reproductive system and fertility and to evaluate the reversibility of its long-term effects.
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Abstract
At first glance, a multi-country outbreak of monkeypox in 2022 seems unusual. However, the re-emergence and expansion of this viral disease beyond its endemicity in West and Central Africa had previously been predicted as a possible consequence of a decline in population immunity following smallpox eradication. Since the 13th of May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported in at least 28 WHO member states from within 4 regions (the Americans, European, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions). This summary describes the multi-country outbreak to date, with an emphasis on patient demographics, common symptoms and signs, clinical management (including infection prevention measures) and clinical outcomes of the cases in the United Kingdom, which has so far reported the largest number of laboratory confirmed cases. The future implications of this outbreak, including preventative measures to curb the current outbreak, prevent future outbreaks and the likelihood of the disease becoming endemic in the UK are also discussed.
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27
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Chikungunya Virus Shedding in Semen: A Case Series. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091879. [PMID: 36146686 PMCID: PMC9500917 DOI: 10.3390/v14091879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by an acute onset of fever and severe arthralgia. Methods: We describe six cases of acute and post-acute chikungunya in which viral RNA was detected in semen. Conclusions: The most prolonged detection period was 56 days after illness onset. We attempted to cultivate positive semen samples, but virus isolation was unsuccessful in all cases.
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28
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Connelly ZM, Whitaker D, Dullea A, Ramasamy R. SARS-CoV-2 Effects on the Male Genitourinary System. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL UROLOGY 2022; 10:199-209. [PMID: 36051611 PMCID: PMC9428573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection arose in 2019 and has changed life as we know it. With our ever-advancing knowledge, therapies, and vaccines, more functions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are being investigated outside of its pulmonary invasion. Here, we set out to review the current and pertinent literature on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the male genitourinary system including the bladder, lower urinary tract, prostate, testis, and penis. The biggest newsworthy stake was if SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted through semen. Although initially thought to occur, more recent studies have opposed this hypothesis. Outside of the reproductive spread of SARS-CoV-2, multiple studies in this review highlight where the virus resides and what effect it may be having on this genitourinary system including increased voiding problems, viral persistence months after systemic clearance, and rare penile complications post-infection. Long-term outcomes are still needed to fully understand how SARS-CoV-2 infection can alter the genitourinary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Connelly
- Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health ShreveportShreveport, LA, USA
| | - Dustin Whitaker
- Department of Urology, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, USA
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29
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Nguyen TT, Hulme J, Tran HD, Vo TK, Vo GV. The potential impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1483-1495. [PMID: 35181849 PMCID: PMC8856879 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to overwhelm health care systems impairing human to human social and economic interactions. Invasion or damage to the male reproductive system is one of the documented outcomes of viral infection. Existing studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to this loss in relation to inflammatory responses and the formation of cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients. Although direct infection of the testes and entry of SARS-CoV-2 into semen as well as subsequent consequences on the male reproductive system need to be studied more systematically, warnings from two organising ASRM and SART for prospective parents when infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be considered. In the context of an increasingly complex pandemic, this review provides preliminary examples of the potential impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health and guidance for prospective parents currently infected with or recovering from SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- T T Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, HUTECH University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - J Hulme
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, 461-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - H D Tran
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health (CGRH), School of Medicine, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - T K Vo
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam Sports Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy (VNU-UMP), Vietnam National University Hanoi, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - G V Vo
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health (CGRH), School of Medicine, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
- Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
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30
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Marchiani S, Dabizzi S, Degl'Innocenti S, Fino MG, Torcia MG, Paoli D, Lombardo F, Ciccone N, Pollini S, Rossolini GM, Vignozzi L, Krausz C, Baldi E. Safety issues in semen banks during the COVID-19 pandemic: data from a European survey. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:973-980. [PMID: 35075607 PMCID: PMC8786452 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We performed a survey among European semen banks enquiring safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report the experience from a center searching SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in semen of patients undergoing cryopreservation from May 2020 to January 2021. METHODS A questionnaire was submitted to accredited semen banks of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) and the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS). A total of 22 centers answered to the survey. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in semen was evaluated by RT-PCR in 111 subjects banking in the Semen Bank of Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy). RESULTS No particularly drastic safety measures were adopted by the majority of the centers to prevent the risk of contamination or transmission of the virus. The most common strategy (77.3%) was the administration of an anamnestic questionnaire. About half of the centers request a negative nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) before cryopreservation. Few centers use a quarantine tank, in case of late response of NPS, and only 4 store in a dedicated tank in case of infection. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA was not found in 111 semen samples cryopreserved in the Florentine bank. CONCLUSIONS European semen banks use different measures to handle semen samples for cryopreservation during COVID-19 pandemic. The request of NPS is advised to better manage couples undergoing ART and to protect the personnel operating in the bank/ART center. Finally, due to the areas of uncertainties of an almost unknown virus, it is absolutely recommended the use of safe devices for sample handling and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Marchiani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - S Dabizzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Degl'Innocenti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M G Fino
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M G Torcia
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - D Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-"Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-"Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - N Ciccone
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Pollini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G M Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Krausz
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Baldi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
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31
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Mintziori G, Duntas LH, Veneti S, Goulis DG. Metabolic, Oxidative and Psychological Stress as Mediators of the Effect of COVID-19 on Male Infertility: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095277. [PMID: 35564672 PMCID: PMC9099932 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Over 300 million patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported worldwide since the outbreak of the pandemic in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. COVID-19 is induced by the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male reproductive system is unclear. The aim of this review is to assess the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility and the impact of possible mediators, such as metabolic, oxidative and psychological stress. SARS-CoV-2 infection aggravates metabolic stress and directly or indirectly affects male fertility by reducing seminal health. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased psychological distress. These data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces male fertility, possibly by means of metabolic, oxidative and psychological stress. Therefore, among other consequences, the possibility of COVID-19-induced male infertility should not be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesthimani Mintziori
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Papageorgiou Gneral Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (D.G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leonidas H. Duntas
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Thyroid Section, Evgenideion Hospital, University of Athens, 20 Papadiamantopoulou Str., 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavroula Veneti
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Papageorgiou Gneral Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (D.G.G.)
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Papageorgiou Gneral Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (D.G.G.)
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Ghosh S, Parikh S, Nissa MU, Acharjee A, Singh A, Patwa D, Makwana P, Athalye A, Barpanda A, Laloraya M, Srivastava S, Parikh F. Semen Proteomics of COVID-19 Convalescent Men Reveals Disruption of Key Biological Pathways Relevant to Male Reproductive Function. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:8601-8612. [PMID: 35309488 PMCID: PMC8928495 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A considerable section of males suffered from COVID-19, with many experiencing long-term repercussions. Recovered males have been documented to have compromised fertility, albeit the mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the impact of COVID-19 on semen proteome following complete clinical recovery using mass spectrometry. A label-free quantitative proteomics study involved 10 healthy fertile subjects and 17 COVID-19-recovered men. With 1% false discovery rate and >1 unique peptide stringency, MaxQuant analysis found 1099 proteins and 8503 peptides. Of the 48 differentially expressed proteins between the healthy and COVID-19-recovered groups, 21 proteins were downregulated and 27 were upregulated in COVID-19-recovered males. The major pathways involved in reproductive functions, such as sperm-oocyte recognition, testosterone response, cell motility regulation, adhesion regulation, extracellular matrix adhesion, and endopeptidase activity, were downregulated in COVID-19-recovered patients according to bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, the targeted approach revealed significant downregulation of semenogelin 1 and prosaposin, two proteins related to male fertility. Therefore, we demonstrate the alteration of semen proteome in response to COVID-19, thus disrupting the male reproductive function despite the patient's clinical remission. Hence, to understand fertility-related biological processes triggered by this infection, a protracted evaluation of the consequences of COVID-19 in recovered men is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Ghosh
- Proteomics
Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Swapneil Parikh
- Molecular
Laboratory, Kasturba Hospital for Infectious
Diseases, Mumbai 400011, India
| | - Mehar Un Nissa
- Proteomics
Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arup Acharjee
- Proteomics
Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Avinash Singh
- Proteomics
Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dhruv Patwa
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute
of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prashant Makwana
- Jaslok-FertilTree
International Centre, Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, 8th Floor, Dr. G, Pedder Road, Mumbai 400026, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arundhati Athalye
- Jaslok-FertilTree
International Centre, Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, 8th Floor, Dr. G, Pedder Road, Mumbai 400026, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhilash Barpanda
- Proteomics
Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Malini Laloraya
- Division
of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi
Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud P.O.,
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Sanjeeva Srivastava
- Proteomics
Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Firuza Parikh
- Jaslok-FertilTree
International Centre, Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, 8th Floor, Dr. G, Pedder Road, Mumbai 400026, Maharashtra, India
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Association of severity and mortality of Covid-19 cases among acute kidney injury and sexual dimorphism. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6753-6762. [PMID: 35249167 PMCID: PMC8898193 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07308-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) severely impacted global health and economic status. The native receptor-ligand interaction of Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and S protein induces host cell pathogenesis via immunosuppression. Material and Methods The emerging evidence reports the sex disparity in Covid-19 induced mortality rate which affects abundantly men population. Although the biological interaction of Covid-19 with receptor upregulates the viral genome protein interactions and initiates the predictive multiorgan failure followed by acute kidney injury (AKI) in Covid-19 infected male population. Conclusion Besides, the knowledge and lessons learned from the study depict that cellular and molecular links may explain the risk and severity of Covid-19 and AKI in the male population and lead to management of Covid-19 induced AKI. Therefore, this review explored the pathways associated with the pathogenesis of two diseased conditions with sex disparity.
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Rashid MU, Lao Y, Spicer V, Coombs KM. Zika Virus Infection of Sertoli Cells Alters Protein Expression Involved in Activated Immune and Antiviral Response Pathways, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020377. [PMID: 35215967 PMCID: PMC8878972 DOI: 10.3390/v14020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging virus, causes congenital brain abnormalities and Guillain–Barré syndrome. It is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, but infections are also linked to sexual transmissions. Infectious ZIKV has been isolated, and viral RNA has been detected in semen over a year after the onset of initial symptoms, but the mode of long-term persistence is not yet understood. ZIKV can proliferate in human Sertoli cells (HSerC) for several weeks in vitro, suggesting that it might be a reservoir for persistent ZIKV infection. This study determined proteomic changes in HSerC during ZIKV infections by TMT-mass spectrometry analysis. Levels of 4416 unique Sertoli cell proteins were significantly altered at 3, 5, and 7 days after ZIKV infection. The significantly altered proteins include enzymes, transcription regulators, transporters, kinases, peptidases, transmembrane receptors, cytokines, ion channels, and growth factors. Many of these proteins are involved in pathways associated with antiviral response, antigen presentation, and immune cell activation. Several immune response pathway proteins were significantly activated during infection, e.g., interferon signaling, T cell receptor signaling, IL-8 signaling, and Th1 signaling. The altered protein levels were linked to predicted activation of immune response in HSerC, which was predicted to suppress ZIKV infection. ZIKV infection also affected the levels of critical regulators of gluconeogenesis and glycolysis pathways such as phosphoglycerate mutase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and enolase. Interestingly, many significantly altered proteins were associated with cardiac hypertrophy, which may induce heart failure in infected patients. In summary, our research contributes to a better understanding of ZIKV replication dynamics and infection in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamud-ur Rashid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The University of Manitoba, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ying Lao
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Victor Spicer
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Kevin M. Coombs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The University of Manitoba, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Room 513, John Buhler Research Centre, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
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Gunderson S, Eskew AM, Stoutenburg D, Riley JK, Stout MJ, Schrimpf J, Jungheim ES, Wylie KM. Association of the human semen DNA virome with successful in vitro fertilization. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:2-9. [PMID: 35559992 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively characterize the DNA virome in semen samples collected for in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN A descriptive clinical study. SETTING Single academic fertility center. PATIENT(S) Twenty-four male partners from couples undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S) Couples were randomized to receive 1 g of azithromycin (standard of care) or no azithromycin at the time of baseline IVF assessment. Semen samples were collected at the time of the female partners' egg retrieval, and 100 μL of the sample was used for the virome analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Detection of viruses by ViroCap enrichment of viral nucleic acid and sequencing. Association between the virome, semen parameters, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULT(S) We detected viruses in 58% of the participants. Viruses included polyomaviruses, papillomaviruses, herpesviruses, and anelloviruses. Viromes detected in semen had little overlap with the viromes detected in vaginal samples from their female partners collected at the time of embryo transfer, which were analyzed in a previous study. A lower viral diversity in semen samples was positively associated with pregnancy (Hodges-Lehmann estimate of difference, 1; 95% confidence interval, 2-0.00003). There was no association between viral diversity and sperm concentration, motility, or fertilization rates. CONCLUSION(S) This comprehensive characterization of the DNA virome in semen reveals an association between virome diversity and pregnancy in couples undergoing IVF. However, no association was found with specific semen parameters or fertilization rates, suggesting that viral exposure may negatively affect pregnancy after fertilization. Future studies should be undertaken to evaluate the associations between the semen virome with IVF outcomes in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gunderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Ashley M Eskew
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Dylan Stoutenburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan K Riley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Molly J Stout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jane Schrimpf
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Emily S Jungheim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Kristine M Wylie
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri.
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Zafar MI, Yu J, Li H. Implications of RNA Viruses in the Male Reproductive Tract: An Outlook on SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:783963. [PMID: 35003013 PMCID: PMC8739959 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging viral infections continuously pose a threat to human wellbeing. Several RNA viruses have managed to establish access to the male reproductive tract and persist in human semen. The sexual transmission of the virus is of critical public concern. The epidemiological inferences are essential to understand its complexity, particularly the probability of viral transmission from asymptomatic patients or those in the incubation period or from the patient who was previously infected and now fully recovered. From the clinical perspective, negative impacts in the male reproductive tract associated with RNA virus infection have been described, including orchitis, epididymitis, impaired spermatogenesis, and a decrease in sperm quality, which can affect male fertility at different time intervals. The disruption of anatomical barriers due to inflammatory responses might enable the viral invasion into the testis, and the immune privilege status of testes might facilitate a sustained persistence of the virus in the semen. In this review, the current knowledge about other RNA viruses that affect male reproductive health provides the framework to discuss the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The molecular mechanisms, sexual transmission, and viral impacts for mumps, HIV, Zika, and Ebola viruses are explored. We discuss the currently available information on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and its sequelae in the male reproductive tract, particularly regarding presence in semen, its impact on sexual organs, and sperm quality. To date, no sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported, whereas the identification of viral particles in semen remains conflicting. In the purview of the earlier conducted analyses, it is essential to investigate further the long-term health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangyu Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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Aggarwal S, Balaji S, Bhargava A. Emerging and re-emerging sexually transmitted diseases: A review of epidemiological evidences. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2022; 43:20-26. [PMID: 35846553 PMCID: PMC9282687 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_58_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial increase in the outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated mortalities have raised international concerns. Concurrent with the escalation of established STIs, developing epidemics and outbreaks of newly emerging sexually transmissible pathogens pose serious problems for people and added burden and challenges for public health practitioners and researchers. Importantly, most of the emerging STIs are frequently found among vulnerable groups, such as men having sex with men and human immunodeficiency virus patients, which may result in large outbreaks in the near future. Furthermore, enhanced spread of antimicrobial resistance among these pathogens ever more limits treatment options for STIs. Thus, it is the optimal time to consider whether an infectious agent is sexually transmissible and develop treatment protocol for handling new STIs with pandemic potential. In this review, we explore emerging STIs, their current epidemiological status, and future perspective.
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38
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Norins LC. Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease: Same infectious cause, same preventive? Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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du Plessis SS, Maya WDC, Omolaoye TS. Monkeypox and Male Fertility: Is There Any Looming Danger? J Reprod Infertil 2022; 23:314-317. [PMID: 36452193 PMCID: PMC9674461 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v23i4.10819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Article Abstract is not Available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan S du Plessis
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa,Corresponding Author: Stefan S du Plessis, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, E-mail:
| | - Walter D Cardona Maya
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Temidayo S Omolaoye
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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40
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Ali S, Nedvědová Š, Badshah G, Afridi MS, Abdullah, Dutra LM, Ali U, Faria SG, Soares FL, Rahman RU, Cançado FA, Aoyanagi MM, Freire LG, Santos AD, Barison A, Oliveira CA. NMR spectroscopy spotlighting immunogenicity induced by COVID-19 vaccination to mitigate future health concerns. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 3:199-214. [PMID: 36032416 PMCID: PMC9393187 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the disease and immunogenicity affected by COVID-19 vaccination at the metabolic level are described considering the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the analysis of different biological samples. Consistently, we explain how different biomarkers can be examined in the saliva, blood plasma/serum, bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid (BALF), semen, feces, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and breast milk. For example, the proposed approach for the given samples can allow one to detect molecular biomarkers that can be relevant to disease and/or vaccine interference in a system metabolome. The analysis of the given biomaterials by NMR often produces complex chemical data which can be elucidated by multivariate statistical tools, such as PCA and PLS-DA/OPLS-DA methods. Moreover, this approach may aid to improve strategies that can be helpful in disease control and treatment management in the future. NMR analysis of various bio-samples can explore disease course and vaccine interaction. Immunogenicity and reactogenicity caused by COVID-19 vaccination can be studied by NMR. Vaccine interaction alters metabolic pathway(s) at a certain stage, and this mechanism can be probed at the metabolic level.
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41
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Sarkar D, Dutta S, Roychoudhury S, Poduval P, Jha NK, Dhal PK, Roychoudhury S, Kesari KK. Pathogenesis of Viral Infections and Male Reproductive Health: An Evidence-Based Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:325-343. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The Role of Male Reproductive Organs in the Transmission of African Swine Fever-Implications for Transmission. Viruses 2021; 14:v14010031. [PMID: 35062235 PMCID: PMC8782017 DOI: 10.3390/v14010031] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) has evolved from an exotic animal disease to a threat to global pig production. An important avenue for the wide-spread transmission of animal diseases is their dissemination through boar semen used for artificial insemination. In this context, we investigated the role of male reproductive organs in the transmission of ASF. Mature domestic boars and adolescent wild boars, inoculated with different ASF virus strains, were investigated by means of virological and pathological methods. Additionally, electron microscopy was employed to investigate in vitro inoculated sperm. The viral genome, antigens and the infectious virus could be found in all gonadal tissues and accessory sex glands. The viral antigen and viral mRNAs were mainly found in mononuclear cells of the respective tissues. However, some other cell types, including Leydig, endothelial and stromal cells, were also found positive. Using RNAScope, p72 mRNA could be found in scattered halo cells of the epididymal duct epithelium, which could point to the disruption of the barrier. No direct infection of spermatozoa was observed by immunohistochemistry, or electron microscopy. Taken together, our results strengthen the assumption that ASFV can be transmitted via boar semen. Future studies are needed to explore the excretion dynamics and transmission efficiency.
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43
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Delaroche L, Bertine M, Oger P, Descamps D, Damond F, Genauzeau E, Meicler P, Le Hingrat Q, Lamazou F, Gschwind R, Ruppé E, Visseaux B. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in semen, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa pellet of COVID-19 patients in the acute stage of infection. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260187. [PMID: 34905541 PMCID: PMC8670700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, there is limited information about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen especially in the acute phase of the infection. While available data from cohort studies including a total of 342 patients in the acute or recovery phase of the infection are reassuring, one study mentioned detecting virus in the semen of 6/38 COVID-19 patients. Here we assessed SARS-CoV-2 presence in the semen of COVID-19 positive patients in the acute stage of infection, within 24 hours of the positive nasopharyngeal swabs. Semen, seminal plasma and spermatozoa pellet were screened for SARS-CoV-2 and manual or airborne contamination during semen sampling. Among the 32 COVID-19 volunteers, the median interval from the onset of symptoms to semen collection was 4 days [IQR: 0-8]. Only one presented positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in semen and seminal plasma fractions, although the spermatozoa pellet was negative. Viral cultures were all negative. We observed slightly higher concentrations of bacterial DNA in the SARS-CoV-2 positive specimen than in all negative samples. The bacteria identified neither confirm nor rule out contamination by oropharyngeal secretions during collection. SARS-CoV-2 was rarely present in semen during the acute phase of the disease. This very rare situation could be connected to oral or manual contamination during semen collection. The possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen calls for nasopharyngeal viral testing and strict hygiene protocols during semen collection before assisted reproductive attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Delaroche
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
- Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Mélanie Bertine
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Oger
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Diane Descamps
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Florence Damond
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Genauzeau
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
- Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Philippe Meicler
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Quentin Le Hingrat
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Lamazou
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | | | - Etienne Ruppé
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Visseaux
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
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Sperm quality and absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen after COVID-19 infection: a prospective, observational study and validation of the SpermCOVID test. Fertil Steril 2021; 117:287-296. [PMID: 34937665 PMCID: PMC8685303 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective To study the contagiousness of sperm and its influence on fertility after recovery from COVID-19 infection. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University medical center. Patient(s) One hundred twenty Belgian men who had recovered from proven COVID-19 infection. Intervention(s) No intervention was performed. Main outcome measure(s) Semen quality was assessed using the World Health Organisation criteria. DNA damage to sperm cells was assessed by quantifying the DNA fragmentation index and the high density stainability. Finally antibodies against SARS-CoV2 spike-1 antigen, nuclear and S1-receptor binding domain were measured by Elisa and chemilumenscent microparticle immunoassays, respectively. Result(s) SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in semen during the period shortly after infection nor at a later time. Mean progressive motility was reduced in 60% of men tested shortly (<1 month) after COVID-19 infection, 37% of men tested 1 to 2 months after COVID-19 infection, and 28% of men tested >2 months after COVID-19 infection. Mean sperm count was reduced in 37% of men tested shortly (<1 month) after COVID-19 infection, 29% of men tested 1 to 2 months after COVID-19 infection, and 6% of men tested >2 months after COVID-19 infection. The severity of COVID-19 infection and the presence of fever were not correlated with sperm characteristics, but there were strong correlations between sperm abnormalities and the titers of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody against spike 1 and the receptor- binding domain of spike 1, but not against nucleotide, in serum. High levels of antisperm antibodies developed in three men (2.5%). Conclusion(s) Semen is not infectious with SARS-CoV-2 at 1 week or more after COVID-19 infection (mean, 53 days). However, couples with a desire for pregnancy should be warned that sperm quality after COVID-19 infection can be suboptimal. The estimated recovery time is 3 months, but further follow-up studies are under way to confirm this and to determine if permanent damage occurred in a minority of men.
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Sengupta P, Leisegang K, Agarwal A. The impact of COVID-19 on the male reproductive tract and fertility: A systematic review. Arab J Urol 2021; 19:423-436. [PMID: 34552795 PMCID: PMC8451696 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2021.1955554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains an ongoing public health challenge. Although males are affected slightly more than females, the impact of SARS-COV-2 on male reproductive system remains unclear. This systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive health, including the presence of viral RNA in semen, and the impact on semen quality, testicular histology, testicular pain and male reproductive hormones. The global health is fronting an immediate as well as impending threat from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), that inflicts more males than females. Evidence suggest that male reproductive system is susceptible to this viral infection. However, there are still several pertinent queries that remain to be fully explained regarding the mechanism in testicular SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and the exact mode of its actions. Thus, the present systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male reproduction.. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines searching the PubMed database. Eligibility for inclusion were original human studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health. Specific outcomes required for inclusion were at least one of the following: i) seminal detection of mRNA virus, or evaluation of ii) semen analysis, iii) testicular histology or ultrasonography, iv) testicular clinical symptoms and/or v) male reproductive hormones in COVID-19-positive patients. RESULTS Of 553 retrieved articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. This included studies primarily investigating the presence of viral RNA in semen (n = 12), semen quality (n = 2), testicular histology (n = 5), testicular pain (n = 2) and male reproductive hormones (n= 4). Results show little evidence for the presence of viral RNA in semen, although COVID-19 seems to affect seminal parameters, induce orchitis, and cause hypogonadism. Mortality cases suggest severe histological disruption of testicular architecture, probably due to a systemic and local reproductive tract inflammatory response and oxidative stress-induced damage. CONCLUSIONS Clinical evaluation of the male reproductive tract, seminal parameters and reproductive hormones is recommended in patients with current or a history of COVID-19, particularly in males undergoing fertility treatment. Any long-term negative impact on male reproduction remains unexplored and an important future consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallav Sengupta
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Malaysia
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abdollahpour S, Badiee Aval S, Khadivzadeh T. Do Not Neglect the Covid-19 Transmission Through Sexual Intercourse. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:731-737. [PMID: 34346289 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1938765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the important role of sexual activity in most people's lives, in response to the question of whether the coronavirus is transmitted through sexual contact, this study was conducted to investigate the association of coronavirus transition with sexual contact. METHODS Based on the PRISMA checklist, we review published articles on sexual contact with the Corona virus until 15 February 2021. Electronic databases based on search strategy including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science was searched to identify relevant papers in English language. RESULTS Retrieved from 4671, 29 titles and abstracts articles screened, eight were excluded. There were 21 articles in the selection criteria. Of the 21 studies whose full text was read, only 5 studies stated that coronavirus was not transmitted through sexual contact, and 16 articles argued that sexual transmission of the virus could not be ignored. Most studies have confirmed the transmission of the virus through semen, but its transmission through vaginal secretions is unknown. CONCLUSION Transmission of the virus through semen should be taken seriously in patients and the necessary education should be given to men and their sexual partners. Health care providers need to increase their knowledge and awareness to provide the best practices to reduction the risks related to Covid-19 sexual transmission through counseling and appropriate approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Abdollahpour
- Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shapour Badiee Aval
- School of Persian complementary medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Talat Khadivzadeh
- Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Moshrefi M, Ghasemi-Esmailabad S, Ali J, Findikli N, Mangoli E, Khalili MA. The probable destructive mechanisms behind COVID-19 on male reproduction system and fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1691-1708. [PMID: 33977466 PMCID: PMC8112744 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aims to summarize the current understanding of probable mechanisms and claims of adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility potential. METHODS Our search was including original articles, reviews, guidelines, letters to the editor, comments on guidelines, and editorials, regarding the male reproductive system. We used the words SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, "2019 ncov," testis, sperm, male factor infertility, fertility treatment, semen, assisted reproductive technology (ART), sexual transmission, and ACE2. RESULTS Data showed coronavirus affects men more than women because of more expression of 2019 nCoV receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) in testicular cells. Also, "Bioinformatics Analysis" suggests that sperm production may be damaged, since "Pseudo Time Analysis" has shown disruption in spermatogenesis. "Gene Ontology" (GO) showed an increase in viral reproduction and a decrease in sperm production-related terms. Recently, SARS-COV-2 mRNA and protein were detected in the semen of patients that had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the probable disruption of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in febrile diseases is suspected in the acute phase of the disease enabling viral entry into the testes. Not only is spermatogenesis disturbed, but also disturbs gonadotropin, androgens, and testosterone secretion during SARS-CoV-2 infection. No sexual transmission has been reported yet; however, detection of the virus in semen still makes the sexual transmission an open question. CONCLUSION There is a concern that male fertility may be disturbed after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, follow-up of the reproductive functions and male fertility may be necessary in recovered cases, especially in aged men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Moshrefi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Jaffar Ali
- Synbios Media, www.synbiosmedia.com, P.O. Box 02042, GPO, Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Necati Findikli
- Bahceci Fulya Assisted Reproduction Center, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Bioengineering, Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esmat Mangoli
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Bhattacharya K, Mukhopadhyay LD, Goswami R, Dutta S, Sengupta P, Irez T, Hamid HA, Syamal AK. SARS-CoV-2 infection and human semen: possible modes of contamination and transmission. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021; 26:18. [PMID: 34177252 PMCID: PMC8215312 DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has turned into a global pandemic with multitudinous health impacts. Main body In light of the higher vulnerability of men to COVID-19 than women, there is rising concerns on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility and possibilities of seminal contamination and transmission. The pandemic has attributed to the brief suspension of many fertility clinics and pathology laboratories, though many remained functional. Few reports reflect that SARS-CoV-2 can contaminate the semen of COVID-19 patients as well as that of recovering patients. The viral invasion into the testis may be due to the disrupted anatomical barriers of the testis by the inflammatory responses, and the persistence of the virus in the semen may be facilitated by the testicular immune privilege. Since SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped RNA virus, it is also theoretically possible that this virus can remain viable in the semen samples even after cryopreservation with liquid nitrogen. Conclusion The present review emphasizes the possibilities of seminal dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 and thereby the chances of its sexual transmission. These perceptions and predictions are to facilitate immediate necessary actions to improvise the standard precautionary procedures for laboratory practices, including semen analysis or processing the semen sample for fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Bhattacharya
- Department of Physiology, Rungta College of Dental Sciences, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh India
| | - Lipika Das Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KPC Medical College, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Ratnadeep Goswami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Matrisadan Hospital, & ILS Hospital, Dumdum, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Tulay Irez
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Habibah Abdul Hamid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Alak Kumar Syamal
- Post Graduate Department of Physiology, Hooghly Mohsin College, University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal India
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Saylam B, Uguz M, Yarpuzlu M, Efesoy O, Akbay E, Çayan S. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in semen samples of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14145. [PMID: 34115405 PMCID: PMC8420322 DOI: 10.1111/and.14145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 set off a pandemic involving millions of people around the world. The topic of discussion is the possible viral detection in different body fluids than respiratory droplets. Therefore, we evaluated the possible presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in semen and urine samples. Thirty patients were included in the study aged 35.67 ± 6.84 years. The day after the pharyngeal and/or nose swab of SARS‐CoV‐2 was positive, urine and semen samples were taken from patients, and the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 was investigated. Laboratory tests and chest CT findings were evaluated simultaneously. SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in four (13.3%) patients’ semen samples and in seven (23.3%) patients’ urine samples. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, C‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and procalcitonin were significantly higher in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 in semen (p < .05), though no statistical difference was found in urine (p > .05). Patients with severe pneumonia findings in Chest CT images are likely to be PCR positive in semen and urine samples (p = .005, p = .001). SARS‐CoV‐2 was not detected in urine and semen samples of patients after they had recovered (average duration 23 ± 4 days). SARS‐CoV‐2 can be detected in the urogenıtal fluıds of patients with severe clinical conditions and high viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Saylam
- Department of Urology, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Uguz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yarpuzlu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ozan Efesoy
- Department of Urology, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Erdem Akbay
- Department of Urology, University of Mersin School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Selahittin Çayan
- Department of Urology, University of Mersin School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
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Pike JFW, Polley EL, Pritchett DY, Lal A, Wynia BA, Roudebush WE, Chosed RJ. Comparative analysis of viral infection outcomes in human seminal fluid from prior viral epidemics and Sars-CoV-2 may offer trends for viral sexual transmissibility and long-term reproductive health implications. Reprod Health 2021; 18:123. [PMID: 34112171 PMCID: PMC8192109 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01172-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Viral detection in seminal fluid indicates their potential for both sexual transmission and impairment of reproductive health. Review of the mechanistic entry, sexual transmission and viral impacts for patients during major recent viral outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV), Ebola virus (EBOV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV), and SARS-coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) (the virus which causes COVID-19) provides a framework to discuss this potential.
Aim Comparative analysis of prior viral presence on seminal fluid against current (preliminary) findings for SARS-CoV-2 to predict biological implications of the novel coronavirus upon current sexual transmissibility, viral presence, and reproductive health. Methodology and findings Literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. ZIKV and EBOV were found to be present in semen and to be sexually transmitted, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to update their guidelines on prevention of the two viruses to include refraining from sexual contact. There are conflicting studies regarding the presence of SARS-CoV in male reproductive tissue, but it has been linked to testicular atrophy and orchitis. To date, two studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen, while seven studies have reported no positive detection.
Conclusions Though unlikely in the majority of cases, SARS-CoV-2 can potentially be present in seminal fluid, although there are no reports of sexual transmission to date. Prior epidemics raise significant concerns regarding the long-term reproductive health capacity for patients who are affected by entry of Sars-CoV-2 into the reproductive tract, therefore more study is needed to clarify the impacts to reproductive health. This review describes the detection of viruses in seminal fluid and their sexual transmission, focusing on the major viral outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV), Ebola virus (EBOV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV), and SARS-coronavirus 2 (CoV-2). ZIKV and EBOV were found to be present in semen and to be sexually transmitted, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to update their guidelines on prevention of the two viruses to include refraining from sexual contact. There are conflicting studies regarding the presence of SARS-CoV in male reproductive tissue, but it has been linked to testicular atrophy and orchitis. To date, two studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen, while seven studies have reported no positive detection. More studies must be completed to accurately determine its risk of sexual transmission to ensure mitigation of further transmission and understand the long-term implications of SARS-CoV-2 on the reproductive health of recovered patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Frederick W Pike
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Emily L Polley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - David Y Pritchett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Arnav Lal
- School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Blake A Wynia
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, PRISMA Health Upstate, 701 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - William E Roudebush
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Renee J Chosed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
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