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Jodar M, Barral Y, Leiva M, Castillo J, Barrio R, Agustí I, Borràs A, Carrillo P, Matheu R, Ferreti R, Herrero J, Reimundo P, Navero-Castillejos J, Casals G, Guimerà M, Corral JM, Martinez M, Carbonell M, Bassas L, Manau D, Oliva R. Reversible effects of the SARS-CoV-2 on semen parameters. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:261-271. [PMID: 39217625 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2390514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been controlled, it has affected a large proportion of the population, raising some concerns about potential sequelae in men at reproductive age. To contribute to the clarification of this issue, we performed a retrospective study comparing semen parameters values before and after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of infertile men, compared to a control group that did not undergo SARS-CoV-2 infection. Wilcoxon test on paired samples and general linear regression model showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection has a detrimental effect on semen volume values (p < 0.005). However, semen volume seems to be significantly lower only during the first spermatogenic cycle after SARS-COV-2 infection (p < 0.005) and mainly in unvaccinated patients (p < 0.05). In addition, we detected alterations in progressive motility in patients infected with the alpha SARS-COV-2 strain (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results show that although SARS-CoV-2 has a small effect on semen volume and sperm motility in infertile men, depending on the infectious strain or vaccination status, pre-infection values of semen parameters appear to be restored over one spermatogenic cycle after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yasmina Barral
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Leiva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruth Barrio
- Catalan Transplant Organization (OCATT), Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Agustí
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Borràs
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Carrillo
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Matheu
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinic Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Ferreti
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Herrero
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Reimundo
- Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Andrology, Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron Clinical Laboratories, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jessica Navero-Castillejos
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Casals
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Guimerà
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Corral
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinic Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mikel Martinez
- Microbiology (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melchor Carbonell
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service, Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau- Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Manau
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Chemek M, Kadi A, Al-Mahdawi FKI, Potoroko I. Zinc as a Possible Critical Element to Prevent Harmful Effects of COVID-19 on Testicular Function: a Narrative Review. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01638-0. [PMID: 38987405 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01638-0] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Research into innovative non-pharmacological therapeutic routes via the utilization of natural elements like zinc (Zn) has been motivated by the discovery of new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) variants and the ineffectiveness of certain vaccination treatments during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, research on SARS-COV-2's viral cellular entry and infection mechanism has shown that it may seriously harm reproductive system cells and impair testicular function in young men and adolescents, which may lead to male infertility over time. In this context, we conducted a narrative review to give an overview of the data pertaining to Zn's critical role in testicular tissue, the therapeutic use of such micronutrients to enhance male fertility, as well as in the potential mitigation of COVID-19, with the ultimate goal of elucidating the hypothesis of the potential use of Zn supplements to prevent the possible harmful effects of SARS-COV2 infection on testis physiological function, and subsequently, on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marouane Chemek
- Department of food and biotechnology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia.
| | - Ammar Kadi
- Department of food and biotechnology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia
| | | | - Irina Potoroko
- Department of food and biotechnology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia
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3
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Cerván-Martín M, González-Muñoz S, Guzmán-Jiménez A, Higueras-Serrano I, Castilla JA, Garrido N, Luján S, Bassas L, Seixas S, Gonçalves J, Lopes AM, Larriba S, Palomino-Morales RJ, Bossini-Castillo L, Carmona FD. Changes in environmental exposures over decades may influence the genetic architecture of severe spermatogenic failure. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:612-622. [PMID: 38305414 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae007] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the genetic determinants of idiopathic severe spermatogenic failure (SPGF) differ between generations? SUMMARY ANSWER Our data support that the genetic component of idiopathic SPGF is impacted by dynamic changes in environmental exposures over decades. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The idiopathic form of SPGF has a multifactorial etiology wherein an interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors leads to the disease onset and progression. At the genetic level, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) allow the analysis of millions of genetic variants across the genome in a hypothesis-free manner, as a valuable tool for identifying susceptibility risk loci. However, little is known about the specific role of non-genetic factors and their influence on the genetic determinants in this type of conditions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Case-control genetic association analyses were performed including a total of 912 SPGF cases and 1360 unaffected controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All participants had European ancestry (Iberian and German). SPGF cases were diagnosed during the last decade either with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (n = 547) or with idiopathic non-obstructive oligozoospermia (n = 365). Case-control genetic association analyses were performed by logistic regression models considering the generation as a covariate and by in silico functional characterization of the susceptibility genomic regions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This analysis revealed 13 novel genetic association signals with SPGF, with eight of them being independent. The observed associations were mostly explained by the interaction between each lead variant and the age-group. Additionally, we established links between these loci and diverse non-genetic factors, such as toxic or dietary habits, respiratory disorders, and autoimmune diseases, which might potentially influence the genetic architecture of idiopathic SPGF. LARGE SCALE DATA GWAS data are available from the authors upon reasonable request. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Additional independent studies involving large cohorts in ethnically diverse populations are warranted to confirm our findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Overall, this study proposes an innovative strategy to achieve a more precise understanding of conditions such as SPGF by considering the interactions between a variable exposome through different generations and genetic predisposition to complex diseases. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the "Plan Andaluz de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (PAIDI 2020)" (ref. PY20_00212, P20_00583), the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the Spanish National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation (ref. PID2020-120157RB-I00 funded by MCIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033), and the 'Proyectos I+D+i del Programa Operativo FEDER 2020' (ref. B-CTS-584-UGR20). ToxOmics-Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Genetics, Oncology and Human Toxicology, is also partially supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Projects: UIDB/00009/2020; UIDP/00009/2020). The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Sara González-Muñoz
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Guzmán-Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Higueras-Serrano
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José A Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Saturnino Luján
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service, Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Seixas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
- ToxOmics-Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Larriba
- Human Molecular Genetics Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rogelio J Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Lara Bossini-Castillo
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - F David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
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4
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Ge P, Luo Y, Liu J, Liu J, Wen H, Zhang G, Chen H. Eliminating COVID-19 as the immediate culprit for igniting pancreatitis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29272. [PMID: 38054501 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29272] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on the potential development of pancreatitis is a subject of ongoing debate within academic discourse. Establishing a causal link between COVID-19 and pancreatitis may not be fully supported by relying only on retrospective studies or case reports. This study examined the relationship between COVID-19 phenotypes and pancreatitis by Mendelian randomization (MR) method. The identification of instrumental variables (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that exhibit a robust association with the COVID-19 phenotypes was accomplished through a meticulous process of rigorous screening procedures. We included acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis (CP) as the outcomes in the MR analysis, even though no definitive studies exist between COVID-19 and CP. A direct causal relationship between genetically predicted COVID-19 phenotypes and pancreatitis risk cannot be established. There is an ongoing debate over the designation of COVID-19 as a definitive cause of pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ge
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yalan Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haiyun Wen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guixin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hailong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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5
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Shcherbitskaia AD, Komarova EM, Milyutina YP, Sagurova YM, Ishchuk MA, Mikhel AV, Ob’edkova KV, Lesik EA, Gzgzyan AM, Tapilskaya NI, Bespalova ON, Kogan IY. Age-Related COVID-19 Influence on Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15742. [PMID: 37958725 PMCID: PMC10649310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115742] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of coronavirus on the reproductive health of men attracts the special attention of many researchers. While studies suggest changes in sperm parameters and the possibility of testicular inflammation, further studies are needed to elucidate any potential age-related changes in these findings, which is the purpose of the present study. The semen quality parameters, cytokine concentration, and markers of the pro- and antioxidant system were assessed in 60 men five to seven months after the coronavirus infection and in 77 controls (without a history of coronavirus infection). Additionally, participants were divided into two age groups: less than 35 years and 35 years or older. Notably increased round cell count in ejaculate and reduced sperm hyaluronan binding ability were observed among post-infection patients younger than 35 years. In the same group, a decline in seminal plasma zinc levels and nitrotyrosine in the cell fraction was found. In men over 35 years of age, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to increased sperm DNA fragmentation, a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity, and an elevation in the levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-10. The concentration of interleukin-1β decreased over time following recovery in all affected patients. The data obtained suggest the potential adverse impact of the coronavirus infection on male reproductive health; however, these effects appear to be age-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia D. Shcherbitskaia
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (E.M.K.); (Y.P.M.); (Y.M.S.); (M.A.I.); (A.V.M.); (K.V.O.); (E.A.L.); (A.M.G.); (N.I.T.); (O.N.B.); (I.Y.K.)
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