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Castiglione Morelli MA, Iuliano A, Viggiani L, Matera I, Pistone A, Schettini SCA, Colucci P, Ostuni A. Redox Balance and Inflammatory Response in Follicular Fluids of Women Recovered by SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Anti-COVID-19 Vaccinated: A Combined Metabolomics and Biochemical Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8400. [PMID: 39125969 PMCID: PMC11313332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158400] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, not many studies have presented evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infecting the female reproductive system. Furthermore, so far, no effect of the administration of anti-COVID 19 vaccines has been reported to affect the quality of oocytes retrieved from women who resorted to assisted reproduction technology (ART). The FF metabolic profiles of women who had been infected by SARS-CoV-2 before IVF treatments or after COVID-19 vaccination were examined by 1H NMR. Immunochemical characterization of proteins and cytokines involved in the redox and inflammatory pathways was performed. The increased expression of SOD2 and NQO1, the lack of alteration of IL-6 and CXCL10 levels, as well as the increased expression of CD39, suggested that, both sharing similar molecular mechanisms or proceeding along different routes, the redox balance is controlled in the FF of both vaccinated and recovered women compared to controls. The lower amount of metabolites known to have proinflammatory activity, i.e., TMAO and lipids, further supported the biochemical results, suggesting that the FF microenvironment is controlled so as to guarantee oocyte quality and does not compromise the outcome of ART. In terms of the number of blastocysts obtained after ICSI and the pregnancy rate, the results are also comforting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Assunta Iuliano
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of “San Carlo” Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.I.); (S.C.A.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Licia Viggiani
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.A.C.M.); (L.V.); (I.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Ilenia Matera
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.A.C.M.); (L.V.); (I.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pistone
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.A.C.M.); (L.V.); (I.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Sergio C. A. Schettini
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of “San Carlo” Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.I.); (S.C.A.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Paola Colucci
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of “San Carlo” Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.I.); (S.C.A.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Angela Ostuni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.A.C.M.); (L.V.); (I.M.); (A.P.)
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2
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Maham S, Yoon MS. Clinical Spectrum of Long COVID: Effects on Female Reproductive Health. Viruses 2024; 16:1142. [PMID: 39066303 PMCID: PMC11281454 DOI: 10.3390/v16071142] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has presented numerous health challenges, including long-term COVID, which affects female reproductive health. This review consolidates the current research on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the menstrual cycle, ovarian function, fertility, and overall gynecological health. This study emphasizes the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors in viral entry and the subsequent tissue-specific pathological effects. It also explores the potential influence of long COVID on hormonal balance and immune responses, contributing to menstrual irregularities and impaired ovarian function. The findings indicate a higher prevalence of long-term COVID-19 among women, highlighting the substantial implications for reproductive health and the need for sex-sensitive longitudinal studies. Enhanced surveillance and targeted research are essential to develop effective interventions that prioritize women's reproductive well-being following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review advocates for a sex-informed approach to ongoing COVID-19 research and healthcare strategies, aiming to provide up-to-date and pertinent data for healthcare providers and the general public, ultimately improving outcomes for females affected by long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Maham
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mee-Sup Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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Huang J, Fang Z, Wu X, Xia L, Liu Y, Wang J, Su Y, Xu D, Zhang K, Xie Q, Chen J, Liu P, Wu Q, Tan J, Kuang H, Tian L. Transcriptomic responses of cumulus granulosa cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection during controlled ovarian stimulation. Apoptosis 2024; 29:649-662. [PMID: 38409352 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01942-9] [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] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) play a crucial role in follicular development, but so far, no research has explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ovarian function from the perspective of CGCs. In the present study, we compared the cycle outcomes between infected and uninfected female patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation, performed bulk RNA-sequencing of collected CGCs, and used bioinformatic methods to explore transcriptomic changes. The results showed that women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during stimulation had significantly lower number of oocytes retrieved and follicle-oocyte index, while subsequent fertilization and embryo development were similar. CGCs were not directly infected by SARS-CoV-2, but exhibited dramatic differences in gene expression (156 up-regulated and 65 down-regulated). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses demonstrated a high enrichment in antiviral, immune and inflammatory responses with necroptosis. In addition, the pathways related to telomere organization and double strand break repair were significantly affected by infection in gene set enrichment analysis. Further weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a key module associated with ovarian response traits, which was mainly enriched as a decrease of leukocyte chemotaxis and migration in CGCs. For the first time, our study describes how SARS-CoV-2 infection indirectly affects CGCs at the transcriptional level, which may impair oocyte-CGC crosstalk and consequently lead to poor ovarian response during fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zheng Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingwu Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Leizhen Xia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Queen Mary, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yufang Su
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Dingfei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Qiqi Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Peipei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Qiongfang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Haibin Kuang
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, China.
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Dörr T, Güsewell S, Cusini A, Brucher A, Goppel S, Grässli F, Betschon E, Möller J, Ortner M, Ruetti M, Stocker R, Vuichard‐Gysin D, Besold U, Risch L, von Kietzell M, Schlegel M, Kuster S, Kahlert C, Kohler P. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination is Not Associated With Involuntary Childlessness in Female Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13333. [PMID: 38845394 PMCID: PMC11157148 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13333] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is debate about the causes of the recent birth rate decline in high-income countries worldwide. During the pandemic, concern about the effects on reproductive health has caused vaccine hesitancy. We investigated the association of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection with involuntary childlessness. METHODS Females in fertility age within a prospective multicenter cohort of healthcare workers (HCW) were followed since August 2020. Data on baseline health, SARS-CoV-2-infection, and vaccination were obtained and regularly updated, in which serum samples were collected repetitively and screened for anti-nucleocapsid and anti-spike antibodies. In October 2023, participants indicated the presence of involuntary childlessness with onset during the pandemic, whereas those indicating an onset before the pandemic were excluded. The association of involuntary childlessness and SARS-CoV-2-vaccination and infection was investigated using univariable and multivariable analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to compare those reporting involuntary childlessness with those birthing a child since 2020. RESULTS Of 798 participants, 26 (3.2%) reported involuntary childlessness starting since the pandemic. Of the involuntary childless women, 73.1% (19/26) were vaccinated compared to 86.0% (664/772) without involuntary childlessness (p = 0.73). SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported by 76.9% (20/26) compared to 72.4% (559/772) of controls (p = 0.64). Neither SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (aOR 0.91 per dose, 95%CI 0.67-1.26) nor infection (aOR per infection 1.05, 95%CI 0.62-1.71) was associated with involuntary childlessness. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS Among female HCW of fertility age, 3.2% indicated involuntary childlessness, which is comparable to pre-pandemic data. No association between involuntary childlessness and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Dörr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
| | - Sabine Güsewell
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
| | - Alexia Cusini
- Division of Infectious DiseasesCantonal Hospital GraubündenChurSwitzerland
| | - Angela Brucher
- Psychiatry Services of the Canton of St. Gallen (South)St GallenSwitzerland
| | - Stephan Goppel
- Ambulatory ServicesPsychiatry Services of the Canton of St. Gallen (North)St. GallenSwitzerland
| | - Fabian Grässli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Manuela Ortner
- Rheintal Werdenberg Sarganserland Hospital GroupGrabsSwitzerland
| | - Markus Ruetti
- Fuerstenland Toggenburg Hospital GroupWilSwitzerland
| | | | - Danielle Vuichard‐Gysin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyThurgau Hospital GroupMuensterlingenSwitzerland
- Department of Research and DevelopmentSwiss National Centre for Infection Prevention (Swissnoso)BerneSwitzerland
| | | | - Lorenz Risch
- Labormedizinisches Zentrum Dr Risch Ostschweiz AGBuchsSwitzerland
- Private Universität im Fürstentum LiechtensteinTriesenLiechtenstein
- Centre of Laboratory MedicineUniversity Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University of Bern, InselspitalBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Matthias Schlegel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
| | - Stefan P. Kuster
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
| | - Christian R. Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyChildren's Hospital of Eastern SwitzerlandSt. GallenSwitzerland
| | - Philipp Kohler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital EpidemiologyCantonal Hospital St GallenSt GallenSwitzerland
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5
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Zhu Y, Cao X, Ying R, Liu K, Chai Y, Luo M, Huang Q, Gao P, Zhang C. Mapping the vast landscape of multisystem complications of COVID-19: Bibliometric analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30760. [PMID: 38765136 PMCID: PMC11098853 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the rapid global spread of COVID-19, it has become evident that the virus can lead to multisystem complications, leading to a significant increase in related publications. Bibliometrics serves as a valuable tool for identifying highly cited literature and research hotspots within specific areas. Objective The aim of this study is to identify current research hotspots and future trends in COVID-19 complications. Methods The dataset was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection, covering COVID-19 complications from December 8, 2019, to October 31, 2022. Various aspects, including publication general information, authors, journals, co-cited authors, co-cited references, research hotspots, and future trends, were subjected to analysis. Visual analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, The Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology, and Charticulator. Results There were 4597 articles in the study. The top three countries with the most published articles are the USA (n = 1350, 29.4 %), China (n = 765, 16.6 %), and Italy (n = 623, 13.6 %). USA and China have the closest collaborative relationship. The institute with the largest number of publications is Huazhong University of Science and Technology, followed by Harvard Medical School. Nevertheless, half of the top 10 institutes belong to the USA. "Rezaei, Nima" published 13 articles and ranked first, followed by "Yaghi, Shadi" with 12 articles and "Frontera, Jennifer" with 12 articles. The journal with the largest number of publications is "Journal of Clinical Medicine". The top 3 co-cited authors are "Zhou, Fei", "Guan, Wei-Jie", "Huang, Chaolin". The top 3 co-cited references addressed COVID-19's clinical features in China and noticed that COVID-19 patients had a wide range of complications. We also list four research hotspots. Conclusions This study conducted a bibliometric visual analysis of the literature on COVID-19 complications and summarized the current research hotspots. This study may provide valuable insights into the complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiyu Cao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongtao Ying
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Maocai Luo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingsong Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peiyang Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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6
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Valdes Y, Ledesma B, Reddy RV, Paz R, Deshmukh S, Collazo I, Bustillo M, Montenegro M, Eisermann J, Palmerola K, Arora H. COVID-19 Vaccination and Reproductive Health: a Comprehensive Review for Healthcare Providers. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1215-1226. [PMID: 38151655 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01428-0] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
With all the current misinformation on social media platforms about the COVID-19 vaccine and its potential effects on fertility, it is essential for healthcare providers to have evidenced-based research to educate their patients, especially those who are trying to conceive, of the risks to mothers and fetuses of being unvaccinated. It is well known that COVID-19 infection puts pregnant women at higher risk of complications, including ICU admission, placentitis, stillbirth, and death. In February of 2021, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) released a statement denying any link between COVID vaccination and infertility. ASRM later confirmed and stated that "everyone, including pregnant women and those seeking to become pregnant, should get a COVID-19 vaccine". In this review, we aim to provide a compilation of data that denies any link between vaccination and infertility for healthcare providers to be able to educate their patients based on evidence-based medicine. We also reviewed the effect of COVID-19 virus and vaccination on various parameters and processes that are essential to obtaining a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaima Valdes
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Braian Ledesma
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Raghuram V Reddy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Romy Paz
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sameer Deshmukh
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ineabelle Collazo
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Maria Bustillo
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Marta Montenegro
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Juergen Eisermann
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Katherine Palmerola
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA.
| | - Himanshu Arora
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33143, USA.
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Ahmad H, El Oweini A, Hallit S, Malaeb D. Assessment of COVID-19 impact on menstrual symptom variation among women in the United Arab Emirates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38566449 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2337828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in short-term and long-term health, economic, and social repercussions since its outbreak in December 2019. More research is required to determine how the pandemic impacts various segments of the population. Preliminary research suggests that COVID-19 impacts menstrual cycles in different ways. The primary objective of this study was to assess alterations in menstrual cycles among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the pandemic. A cross-sectional online study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023, enrolled 439 UAE women using the snowball technique. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were used to evaluate menstrual symptoms and assess depression and stress levels, respectively. The findings showed a significant increase in menstrual symptoms with both higher mean of pads usage per day and use of pain medication during menses after COVID-19 with a p-value <0.001. Moreover, women reported higher levels of psychological distress after COVID-19 (Beta = 1.47). The findings show that COVID-19 affected the menstrual symptoms in women, reflected by higher pads usage per day, bleeding days, and frequency of pain medication intake during menses. Furthermore, higher stress levels were reported in the post-COVID-19 period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Ahmad
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad El Oweini
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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8
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Al-Bdairi AA, Makki HA, Shawki O, Alkhudair SH, Al-Hilli NM, Alkhalidi BA, Alkadhim HK, Shweliyya AA. The Multi-faceted Effects of COVID-19 on Female Reproductive Health: An Updated Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e57944. [PMID: 38738039 PMCID: PMC11082527 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Concerns about the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic's possible impact on sexual and reproductive health have grown significantly. In this narrative review, the latest research on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on several facets of sexual and reproductive health is reviewed. The review starts initially by going through the possible consequences of SARS-CoV-2 on female menstrual cycles. The virus may interfere with the menstrual cycle, which could affect hormone synthesis and endometrial reactions, according to newly available evidence. Menstrual blood loss may be impacted by COVID-19's potential to influence endothelial cell function and systemic hemostasis. Hypothalamic amenorrhea may be brought on by severe COVID-19 disease. There is little research on this subject, although most women resume their regular menstrual cycles after 1-2 months of recuperation. The review also examines how SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. There are few clinical data, although some research points to potential effects on embryo quality. Overall, ART results, however, did not materially change from the time before the epidemic. Obstetric problems are more likely when SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Even though the maternal death rate is still low, pregnant women, especially those with comorbidities, are more likely to experience serious sickness. The review emphasizes how the COVID-19 vaccine affects menstrual cycles, showing brief, modest modifications without serious health hazards. Also included are the psychological effects of family planning choices during the pandemic. In conclusion, this narrative review offers a thorough assessment of the complicated and changing effects of SARS-CoV-2 on sexual and reproductive health. The different requirements of people and couples during and after the pandemic are highlighted, underscoring the necessity for ongoing study and specialized healthcare practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan A Al-Bdairi
- Infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Teba IVF and Genetic Center, Babylon, IRQ
| | - Hayder A Makki
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babylon, IRQ
| | - Osama Shawki
- Gynecology Surgery, School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EGY
| | - Sallama H Alkhudair
- Fertility, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Alzaitoon Specialized Fertility Center, Baghdad, IRQ
| | - Nadia M Al-Hilli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Babylon, IRQ
| | - Batool A Alkhalidi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, IRQ
| | - Hanan K Alkadhim
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iraqi Fertility Society, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Babylon, IRQ
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9
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Xu Q, Mao X, Zhang J, Wu L. Immediate application of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle in month following COVID-19 recovery does not impair ongoing pregnancy outcome. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38437458 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether immediate frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in the next month following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery affects ongoing pregnancy outcome. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study carried out at a university-affiliated reproductive medicine center. The study group (post-COVID-19 group) comprised women who were affected by COVID-19 in December 2022 and immediately underwent FET in January 2023 after recovery, with transferred embryos not exposed to the infection. The control group comprised women treated during the pre-COVID-19 period (January 2019). Multivariable logistic regression analysis and a propensity score matching (PSM) approach were used to control potential confounders and selection bias. RESULTS A total of 200 women were included in the post-COVID-19 group and 641 women were enrolled in the control group. The rate of ongoing pregnancy was comparable between the study cohorts in both the unadjusted and confounder-adjusted logistic regression models. Other reproductive outcomes, including the odds of a positive pregnancy test, implantation, clinical pregnancy and early pregnancy loss, were similar between the comparison groups. PSM models further confirmed the lack of significant differences in pregnancy outcome between the post-COVID-19 group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS Among patients affected by COVID-19 for whom the transferred embryos were generated prior to infection, an immediate FET cycle in the next month after recovery does not seem to compromise ongoing pregnancy outcome. Thus, women who have frozen embryos from preinfection cycles should be counseled and encouraged to undergo FET as soon as possible after COVID-19 recovery. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Xu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - X Mao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - J Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - L Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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10
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Maybin J, Watters M, Rowley B, Walker C, Sharp G, Alvergne A. COVID-19 and abnormal uterine bleeding: potential associations and mechanisms. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:153-171. [PMID: 38372528 PMCID: PMC10876417 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220280] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people who menstruate should receive in relation to the expected impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID or COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation. Furthermore, the mechanisms leading to these reported menstrual changes are poorly understood. This review evaluates the published literature on COVID-19 and its impact on menstrual bleeding, discussing the strengths and limitations of these studies. We present evidence consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID having an association with changes in menstrual bleeding parameters and that the impact of COVID vaccination on menstruation appears less significant. An overview of menstrual physiology and known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is provided before discussing potential mechanisms which may underpin the menstrual disturbance reported with COVID-19, highlighting areas for future scientific study. Finally, consideration is given to the effect that menstruation may have on COVID-19, including the impact of the ovarian sex hormones on acute COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and reported variation in long COVID symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Understanding the current evidence and addressing gaps in our knowledge in this area are essential to inform public health policy, direct the treatment of menstrual disturbance and facilitate development of new therapies, which may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and improve quality of life for those experiencing long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. Maybin
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Marianne Watters
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Bethan Rowley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Catherine A. Walker
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | | | - Alexandra Alvergne
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford, U.K
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11
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Liu Y, Li Y, Hang Y, Wang L, Wang J, Bao N, Kim Y, Jang HW. Rapid assays of SARS-CoV-2 virus and noble biosensors by nanomaterials. NANO CONVERGENCE 2024; 11:2. [PMID: 38190075 PMCID: PMC10774473 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-023-00408-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 has spread rapidly across the world to form a global epidemic of respiratory infectious diseases. Increased investigations on diagnostic tools are currently implemented to assist rapid identification of the virus because mass and rapid diagnosis might be the best way to prevent the outbreak of the virus. This critical review discusses the detection principles, fabrication techniques, and applications on the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 with three categories: rapid nuclear acid augmentation test, rapid immunoassay test and biosensors. Special efforts were put on enhancement of nanomaterials on biosensors for rapid, sensitive, and low-cost diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Future developments are suggested regarding potential candidates in hospitals, clinics and laboratories for control and prevention of large-scale epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- NantongEgens Biotechnology Co., LTD, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilong Li
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuteng Hang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- NantongEgens Biotechnology Co., LTD, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ning Bao
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Youngeun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ho Won Jang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Alvergne A, Boniface E, Darney B, Shea A, Weber K, Ventola C, Vitzthum VJ, Edelman A. Associations Among Menstrual Cycle Length, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and Vaccination. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:83-91. [PMID: 37562052 PMCID: PMC10715707 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with menstrual cycle length changes and, if so, how that compares with those undergoing vaccination or no event (control). METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis in which we analyzed prospectively tracked cycle-length data from users of a period tracker application who also responded to a survey regarding COVID-19 symptoms and vaccination. We restricted our sample to users aged 16-45 years, with normal cycle lengths (24-38 days) and regular tracking behavior during the five cycles around COVID-19 symptoms or vaccination or a similar time period for those experiencing no event (control group). We calculated the within-user change in cycle length (days) from the three consecutive cycles preevent average (either vaccination, disease, or neither; cycles 1-3) to the event (cycle 4) and postevent (cycle 5) cycles. We used mixed-effects models to estimate the age- and country-adjusted difference in change in cycle length across the groups. RESULTS We included 6,514 users from 110 countries representing 32,570 cycles (COVID-19 symptoms: 1,450; COVID-19 vaccination: 4,643; control: 421). The COVID-19 cohort experienced a 1.45-day adjusted increase in cycle length during cycle 4 (COVID-19) compared with their three preevent cycles (95% CI 0.86-2.04). The vaccinated group experienced a 1.14-day adjusted increase in cycle length during cycle 4 (COVID-19 vaccine) compared with their preevent average (95% CI 0.60-1.69). The control group (neither vaccine nor disease) experienced a 0.68-day decrease (95% CI -1.18 to -0.19) in a similar time period. Post hoc tests showed no significant differences in the magnitude of changes between the COVID-19 and vaccination cohorts. In both cohorts, cycle length changes disappeared in the postevent cycle. CONCLUSION Experiencing COVID-19 is associated with a small change in cycle length similar to COVID-19 vaccination. These changes resolve quickly within the next cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Alvergne
- Institute for Evolutionary Sciences, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon; the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Center for Population Health (CISP), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; and Clue by BioWink GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Samama M, Entezami F, Rosa DS, Sartor A, Piscopo RCCP, Andersen ML, Cunha-Filho JS, Jarmy-Di-Bella ZIK. COVID-19: A Challenge to the Safety of Assisted Reproduction. Sleep Med Clin 2023; 18:489-497. [PMID: 38501521 PMCID: PMC10288308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
There is an increased risk of becoming pregnant through fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this review is to gather comprehensive data from the existing literature on the potential risks of fertility management during the pandemic period, and outline strategies to mitigate them, with a focus on the hormonal and surgical procedures of ART. A comprehensive search of the scientific literature on COVID-19 in relation to fertility was conducted in the PubMed database using the keywords "coronavirus," "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2" and "pregnancy," "fertility," "urogenital system," "vertical transmission," "assisted human reproduction," "controlled ovarian stimulation," "oocyte retrieval," "in vitro fertilization," "hormones," "surgical procedures," "embryos," "oocytes," "sperm," "semen," "ovary," "testis," "ACE-2 receptor," "immunology," "cytokine storm," and "coagulation," from January 2020-July 2022. Published data on pregnancy and COVID-19, and the interaction of the urogenital system and SARS-CoV-2 is reported. The immunologic and prothrombotic profiles of patients with COVID-19, and their increased risks from controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and ART surgeries, and how these procedures could facilitate COVID-19 and/or contribute to the severity of the disease by enhancing the cytokine storm are summarized. Strategies to prevent complications during COS that could increase the risks of the disease in pre-symptomatic patients are considered. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pre-symptomatic infertile patients presents a challenge to find ways to avoid the increased hormonal, immunologic, and prothrombotic risks presented by the use of COS in ART protocols during the COVID-19 outbreak. Safe ART procedures and recommendations are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marise Samama
- Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; GERA Institute of Reproductive Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Frida Entezami
- American Hospital of Paris, IVF Unit, Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France
| | - Daniela S Rosa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Sartor
- GERA Institute of Reproductive Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Monica L Andersen
- Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Pankiewicz K, Chotkowska E, Nowakowska B, Gos M, Issat T. COVID-19-related premature ovarian insufficiency: case report and literature review. Climacteric 2023; 26:601-604. [PMID: 37647929 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2246878] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to present the case report of a 36-year-old woman developing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) after COVID-19 and review the literature referring to the possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on female reproduction. METHODS A 36-year-old nulligravida with normal menstrual cycles, non-smoker, with a normal body mass index and no pelvic surgery or oncological treatment in her medical history presented to the Infertility Center of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw after a year of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. During diagnostic process she was affected by COVID-19 with a mild manifestation and thereafter she presented amenorrhea with intense hot flushes. Further diagnostic confirmed the diagnosis of POI. RESULTS There is a strong molecular basis for a possible effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the female reproductive system; however, the results of available research are conflicting. All of these aspects are discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause serious complications that cast a long shadow on a patient's future life and health. Further research is needed to assess the real impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on female reproductive health, as well as potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for women affected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pankiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - E Chotkowska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - B Nowakowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Gos
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Issat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Aftab N, Fahad A, Al Hammadi S, Tahlak M, Badawi F, Al Mulai I, Faraz S, Malik S, Mohammed P, Maqbool S, Fatima Z, Osman E. Effects of the COVID-19 Infection on Women's Menstrual Cycle: A Retrospective Study at Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Cureus 2023; 15:e51391. [PMID: 38292982 PMCID: PMC10825384 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51391] [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] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another. The menstrual cycle is a reflection of the female reproductive system, and it is influenced by various factors including stress and infections. Although there is little information available about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's reproductive health, it has had a significant impact on women. Objective The main objective of our study is to identify if there are any menstrual disturbances following COVID-19 infection in women. Study design Our study is a retrospective study wherein 700 women recovering from COVID-19 infection were asked about any new menstrual disturbances after the infection. We collected the data using questionnaires and analyzed the data using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 26) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Our study showed no dysmenorrhea in 90% of the participants, 81% reported no change in menstrual flow rate, a vast majority (93%) denied experiencing amenorrhea, only 4% reported a new onset of intermenstrual bleeding, and 1% reported postmenopausal bleeding. Conclusion There was no significant change in the participants' menstrual cycle following COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Aftab
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Asma Fahad
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | | | - Muna Tahlak
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Faiza Badawi
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Israa Al Mulai
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai, ARE
| | - Saima Faraz
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Sofia Malik
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Parveen Mohammed
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Sadia Maqbool
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Zoiya Fatima
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Esraa Osman
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
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16
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Alvergne A. Why we must fight ignorance about COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual cycles. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:678-680. [PMID: 37429799 PMCID: PMC10285200 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.06.005] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a critical gap in female health science, fueling anxiety, polarized views, and vaccine hesitancy. Although menstrual cycles feel like a niche topic for some, efforts to augment knowledge on the 'fifth vital sign' experienced by more than 300 million people on any given day worldwide are crucial to promote gender equity in health.
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17
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Moreno-Louzada L, Menezes-Filho N. The relationship between staying at home during the pandemic and the number of conceptions: A national panel data analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289604. [PMID: 37566617 PMCID: PMC10420359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
hether the COVID-19 pandemic has changed fertility patterns is still an open question, as social isolation for long periods can impact the number of conceptions in many ways. We combine administrative data on all recent births in Brazil with daily data on individual location to estimate the relationship between the share of individuals staying close to their homes in each week and the number of conceptions in that same week, comparing municipalities with different social isolation patterns during the first semester of 2020. We find that conceptions unequivocally decline when social isolation increases. The effect is stronger for women who are between 21 and 25 years old and more educated, as well as for richer, larger, and more urban municipalities. COVID-19 is likely to change fertility across countries depending on the behavior of the population and on the lock-down measures implemented to fight the pandemic.
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18
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Błażejewski G, Witkoś J. The Impact of COVID-19 on Menstrual Cycle in Women. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4991. [PMID: 37568393 PMCID: PMC10419606 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154991] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has become the largest and most diverse to threaten the health of humanity since the 1918 influenza pandemic. METHODS This study involved 113 women who had suffered from COVID-19. The study was conducted as interviews with each woman during visits to a clinic prior to the start of their post-COVID-19 physiotherapy treatment cycle. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of changes in the women's monthly cycles related to COVID-19, as well as to analyse correlations between dependent variables relating to changes in the monthly cycle and independent variables relating to other factors, such as age, weight, number and type of vaccinations, and time since illness. Additionally, the study assesses correlations between the monthly cycle and COVID-19 symptoms persisting after the illness (long COVID). RESULTS Women who reported more symptoms of COVID-19 were more likely to report changes in their menstrual cycle occurring after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared with women whose disease course was mild. Women who declared that COVID-19 affected their monthly cycles most often indicated increases in abdominal, lower abdominal, and joint and muscle pain, as well as in the severity of headaches during monthly bleeding. A small percentage of women indicated that their monthly cycles were longer and their regularity disrupted. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the more COVID-19 symptoms a woman had, the more often there were noted changes in monthly cycle. The same relationship was also found for persistent long COVID symptoms. The longer the time lapse since the COVID-19 infection, the less frequently changes in the monthly cycle were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Błażejewski
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, G. Herlinga-Grudzińskiego, Street 1, 30-705 Kraków, Poland
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19
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Yildiz E, Timur B, Guney G, Timur H. Does the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine damage the ovarian reserve? Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33824. [PMID: 37335728 PMCID: PMC10194489 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To search whether or not the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine affects the fertility of women at the 6th months by using AMH, which is an ovarian reserve test. Our study, designed as a prospective case-control study, included 104 women who presented to the GOP EAH obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic in January and February 2022. The study group included 74 women who presented to the outpatient clinic and planned to be vaccinated and 30 women who refused to be vaccinated as the control group. Anti-COVID-19 antibody levels in all participants were checked before participation in the study, and participants who were positive were excluded from the study. Blood was taken from the participants in both control and study groups to evaluate their AMH levels before the 2 doses of vaccination. After 2 doses of the vaccine, they were called for follow-up, and serological tests were performed to check whether they were positive for anti-COVID-19 antibodies. Participants in both groups were referred for follow-up after 6 months, samples were taken again for AMH, and the data were recorded. The mean age of the study group was 27.6 ± 5.3 years, and the mean age of the control group was 28.65 ± 5.25 years (P = .298). There was no statistically significant difference between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated groups in terms of AMH levels measured at the 6th month (P = .970). When the vaccinated group was compared in terms of AMH values at the first visit before vaccination and at the 6th month after vaccination, no statistically significant difference was found between them (p:0.127) mRNA vaccination to protect against SARS-CoV-2 does not adversely affect ovarian reserve, which is an indirect indicator of fertility. mRNA vaccines continue to be the most important method of protection against epidemics. Carefully and accurately informing women who are hesitant to get vaccinated is of great importance for the success of the fight against the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yildiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Timur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gurhan Guney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ordu University Training and Research Hospital, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Hakan Timur
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Balikesir University Medical Faculty, Balikesir, Turkey
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20
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Vernon V, Patel J, Cieri-Hutcherson NE, Arellano R, Elmore H, Griffin BL, Mitzel K, Moyeno WM, O'Connell MB, Pelaccio K, Lodise NM. The impact of COVID-19 on select considerations in patients of reproductive age: Brief talking points for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:720-724. [PMID: 36775738 PMCID: PMC9831663 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has elicited many health concerns, including the impact of the infection and vaccine on reproductive health. Although robust evidence demonstrates the safety of all available COVID-19 vaccines, misinformation and disinformation related to the vaccine continue to circulate. As accessible and essential health care workers, it is crucial that pharmacists are informed of the evidence related to effects of the COVID-19 infection and vaccinations on reproductive health care. Menstrual cycle changes have been noted owing to COVID-19 infection, pandemic stress, and COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 infection and vaccination have not been shown to influence female fertility, pregnancy rates, and lactation. The use of exogenous estrogen may further contribute to an increased risk of thromboembolism with COVID-19 infection, and differences in the risk of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis appear to exist between the types of vaccines. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh any risks. Shared decision-making is necessary when discussing vaccination with patients. Pharmacists play a vital role in dispelling misinformation and disinformation related to the impact of COVID-19 illness and vaccination on reproductive health care.
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21
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Hosseini E, Kohan-Ghadr HR, Bazrafkan M, Amorim CA, Askari M, Zakeri A, Mousavi SN, Kafaeinezhad R, Afradiasbagharani P, Esfandyari S, Nazari M. Rescuing fertility during COVID-19 infection: exploring potential pharmacological and natural therapeutic approaches for comorbidity, by focusing on NLRP3 inflammasome mechanism. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1173-1185. [PMID: 36892705 PMCID: PMC9995769 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02768-1] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory system was primarily considered the only organ affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the pandemic continues, there is an increasing concern from the scientific community about the future effects of the virus on male and female reproductive organs, infertility, and, most significantly, its impact on the future generation. The general presumption is that if the primary clinical symptoms of COVID-19 are not controlled, we will face several challenges, including compromised infertility, infection-exposed cryopreserved germ cells or embryos, and health complications in future generations, likely connected to the COVID-19 infections of parents and ancestors. In this review article, we dedicatedly studied severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virology, its receptors, and the effect of the virus to induce the activation of inflammasome as the main arm of the innate immune response. Among inflammasomes, nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway activation is partly responsible for the inflicted damages in both COVID-19 infection and some reproductive disorders, so the main focus of the discussion is on NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection alongside in the reproductive biology. In addition, the potential effects of the virus on male and female gonad functions were discussed, and we further explored the potential natural and pharmacological therapeutic approaches for comorbidity via NLRP3 inflammasome neutralization to develop a hypothesis for averting the long-term repercussions of COVID-19. Since activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway contributes to the damage caused by COVID-19 infection and some reproductive disorders, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors have a great potential to be considered candidates for alleviating the pathological effects of the COVID-19 infection on the germ cells and reproductive tissues. This would impede the subsequent massive wave of infertility that may threaten the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hosseini
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mousavi Hospital, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI USA
| | - Mahshid Bazrafkan
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christiani A. Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maryam Askari
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Zakeri
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Neda Mousavi
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Raheleh Kafaeinezhad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | | | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Mahboobeh Nazari
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Meng T, Zhang Y, Lv J, Zhu C, Lan L, Zhang T. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's fertility intentions and its policy implications for China and the rest of the world: a perspective essay. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2023; 68:87-100. [PMID: 37309161 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2023.2221842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its social, economic, and health implications have generally reduced women's fertility intentions in different countries. In this article, we aimed to review studies of the impact of COVID-19 infection on women's fertility intentions and interventions to provide a theoretical basis and practical benchmark for the development of effective intervention strategies in China, which lifted its zero COVID system in early December 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Meng
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jiayu Lv
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Chunle Zhu
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lan Lan
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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23
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Gorman CN, Abdalla TE, Sultan Y, Grabois SA, Wood EG. Transient Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Post-COVID-19 Infection. Cureus 2023; 15:e37379. [PMID: 37182044 PMCID: PMC10171879 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-ovarian antibodies (AOAs) have been linked to autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). This report details a case in which a patient experienced transient POI after a COVID-19 infection and tested positive for AOA. After treatment with oral contraceptives and subsequent high-dose oral corticosteroids, the patient underwent fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 23 oocytes were retrieved. Two euploid blastocysts and three untested blastocysts were successfully created. This report hypothesizes the connection between autoimmune POI, AOA, and COVID-19. Conflicting data have been reported linking COVID-19 and ovarian injury. However, it is suggested that COVID-19 transiently impacts the menstrual cycle and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Treatment to overcome poor ovarian response due to AOA has not been adequately determined; however, similar autoimmune conditions have been successfully treated with corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen N Gorman
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Tori E Abdalla
- Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Yasmina Sultan
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Ellen G Wood
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVFMD South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Cooper City, USA
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24
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Pregnancy Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-Positive Patients: A 20-Month Retrospective Analysis of Delivery Cases. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020341. [PMID: 36837541 PMCID: PMC9968024 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 infection brings supplemental risks for pregnant women. Due to controversial hesitancy, their vaccination rate was lower in 2021 compared to the general population. In addition, access to maternal care was reduced during the pandemic. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the health records data over 20 months (1 April 2020 to 20 November 2021) aiming to explore the outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-positive cases referred for delivery to a tertiary public hospital in Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed for the first time at the moment of birth who delivered singletons after 24 weeks of gestation, and had a clear immunization status were included in the analysis. Results: Out of the 97 patients included in the study, 35 (36%) had undergone ARN-based vaccination. Five cases of maternal death were recorded (all unvaccinated). Our retrospective exploratory analysis showed that the presence of COVID-19 symptoms in the SARS-CoV-2-positive patients made a significant impact on the delivery hospitalization, with a median hospital stay increase from 5 to 9 days (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.014): longer hospitalization was recorded in the symptomatic cases irrespective of their vaccination status. No other adverse outcomes, such as gestational age at delivery, C-section rate, 5 min Apgar index, or birth weight were associated with the presence of symptoms. Conclusions: Our clinic maintained safe maternal care for the COVID-19 patients during the analyzed period. Vaccination of the expectant women was beneficial in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients by lowering the risk of COVID-19 symptoms, with subsequent implications on the newborns' health and maternal attachment.
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25
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Batinović E, Papazovska Cherepnalkovski A, Lozić B, Brajković L, Zanchi I, Pavlov V, Bucat M. First Croatian Case of Double Aneuploidy: A Child With Klinefelter and Edwards Syndrome (48,XXY,+18) - Possible Causes and Contributing Factors. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRALOVE) 2023; 66:32-36. [PMID: 37384808 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2023.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of double aneuploidy in a preterm male newborn with karyotype 48,XXY,+18 whose mother was of advanced age and infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the early stages of her pregnancy. The clinical features observed in the newborn included intrauterine growth retardation, dysmorphic facial features, overlapping fingers on both hands, respiratory distress syndrome, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and bilateral clubfoot, a phenotype that mainly correlates with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18). To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of double aneuploidy in Croatia. This paper provides a detailed description of the clinical presentation and treatment strategies used, with the aim of providing valuable data for future recognition and management of similar cases. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms of nondisjunction that might account for this rare form of aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ena Batinović
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia.
| | - Anet Papazovska Cherepnalkovski
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
- University of Split, University Department of Health Studies, Split, Croatia
| | - Bernarda Lozić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
- University of Split, School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Luka Brajković
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Zanchi
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Vesna Pavlov
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Marija Bucat
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
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26
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Molina-López A, Ocón Hernández O, Baena García L. [Association of SARS-CoV-2 infection and administration of COVID-19 vaccines with alterations in the menstrual cycle. Literature review]. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN GINECOLOGIA Y OBSTETRICIA 2023; 50:100822. [PMID: 36337070 PMCID: PMC9618423 DOI: 10.1016/j.gine.2022.100822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A number of factors can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, including diseases or drugs, such as COVID-19 disease and vaccinations. The aim of this review is to explore the studies published to date that have studied the presence of alterations that may be related to COVID-19 or vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.We conducted a review in the PubMed database, selecting 10 articles in which the menstrual cycle of adult women of childbearing age was studied, 3 of them in which the participants had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 7 in which the participants had been vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Regarding COVID-19-related disturbances, 16%-47.2% of the participants presented a prolongation of their cycle, which was more frequent in those who reported more COVID-19 symptoms, and which normalised after 1-2 cycles.Regarding the alterations described after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, 45%-78% of participants reported menstrual cycle alterations, with disparate results for the different parameters analysed, except that the alterations resolved in about 2 months.Both COVID-19 disease and vaccination appear to be associated with the occurrence of menstrual disturbances, which are limited in time and not severe. However, studies are scarce to date, and it is important to continue to develop studies that provide scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Molina-López
- UGC Ginecología y Obstetricia Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, España
| | - O. Ocón Hernández
- UGC Ginecología y Obstetricia Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, España,Autor para correspondencia
| | - L. Baena García
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, España,Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Ceuta, España
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27
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Carvajal J, Casanello P, Toso A, Farías M, Carrasco-Negue K, Araujo K, Valero P, Fuenzalida J, Solari C, Sobrevia L. Functional consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, fetoplacental unit, and neonate. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166582. [PMID: 36273675 PMCID: PMC9581789 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19 disease, characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, bilateral pneumonia, and organ failure. The consequences of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection for the pregnant woman, fetus, and neonate are controversial. Thus, it is required to determine whether there is viral and non-viral vertical transmission in COVID-19. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 leads to functional alterations in asymptomatic and symptomatic pregnant women, the fetoplacental unit and the neonate. Several diseases of pregnancy, including COVID-19, affect the fetoplacental function, which causes in utero programming for young and adult diseases. A generalized inflammatory state and a higher risk of infection are seen in pregnant women with COVID-19. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension may increase the vulnerability of pregnant women to infection by SARS-CoV-2. Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 show specific mutations that seem to increase the capacity of the virus to infect the pregnant woman, likely due to increasing its interaction via the virus S protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. This review shows the literature addressing to what extent COVID-19 in pregnancy affects the pregnant woman, fetoplacental unit, and neonate. Prospective studies that are key in managing SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Carvajal
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile.
| | - Paola Casanello
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile,Department of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alberto Toso
- Department of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Marcelo Farías
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Karina Carrasco-Negue
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Kenny Araujo
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Paola Valero
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile,Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Javiera Fuenzalida
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Caterina Solari
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Medical School (Faculty of Medicine), Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain; University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston 4029, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Eutra, The Institute for Obesity Research (IOR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
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28
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de Miguel-Gómez L, Sebastián-León P, Romeu M, Pellicer N, Faus A, Pellicer A, Díaz-Gimeno P, Cervelló I. Endometrial gene expression differences in women with coronavirus disease 2019. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:1159-1169. [PMID: 36333264 PMCID: PMC9624514 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the potential effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the endometrial transcriptome of affected, symptomatic women for the detection of altered gene expression. DESIGN Pilot study of the endometrial transcriptomes of women manifesting COVID-19 compared with those of women without COVID-19 undergoing hysteroscopic procedures for benign gynecologic disorders using RNA sequencing. SETTING Hospital and university laboratories. PATIENT(S) Women with (n = 14) and without a COVID-19 (n = 10) diagnosis based on a nasopharyngeal swab analysis using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The endometrium of the patients with COVID-19 had previously been tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, revealing the absence of the virus in this tissue. INTERVENTION(S) Endometrial biopsy sample collection. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S) Endometrial gene expression and functional analysis of symptomatic patients with COVID-19 vs. individuals without the infection. RESULT(S) The systemic disease COVID-19 altered endometrial gene expression in 75% of the women, with the patients exhibiting a preponderance of 163 up-regulated (e.g., UTS2, IFI6, IFIH1, and BNIP3) and 72 down-regulated genes (e.g., CPZ, CDH3, and IRF4) (false discovery rate<0.05). A total of 161 dysregulated functions (36 up-regulated and 125 down-regulated) were typically enriched in the endometria of the patients with COVID-19, including up-regulation in pathways involved in the development of immune responses to viruses and cytokine inflammation, reflecting elicitation of a COVID-19 response pathway. CONCLUSION(S) Coronavirus disease 2019 affects endometrial gene expression despite the absence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA in endometrial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- IVI Foundation, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain, bReproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Sebastián-León
- IVI Foundation, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain, bReproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Romeu
- La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain,Women's Health Area, Human Reproduction Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain,Women's Health Area, Human Reproduction Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- IVI Foundation, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain, bReproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Women's Health Area, Human Reproduction Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain,Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology Department, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Díaz-Gimeno
- IVI Foundation, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain, bReproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVI Foundation, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain, bReproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain,Correspondence: Irene Cervelló, Ph.D., IVI Foundation, La Fe Health Research Institute, 106 Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue. La Fe University Hospital, Biopolo, 1st floor, Valencia 46026
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29
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Zaçe D, La Gatta E, Petrella L, Di Pietro ML. The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on fertility-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2022; 40:6023-6034. [PMID: 36137903 PMCID: PMC9464596 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite literature’s evidence about COVID-19 vaccines' safety, concerns have arisen regarding adverse events, including the possible impact on fertility, accentuated by misinformation and anti-vaccine campaigns. The present study aims to answer the question: Is there any impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the fertility of men and women of reproductive age? Methods PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies until June 8th, 2022. The search was restricted to articles regarding humans, published in any languages, without additional restrictions. Studies’ quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa and the Before and After Quality Assessment scales for cohort and pre-post studies, respectively. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed for parameters considered in ≥ 2 studies, calculating means, p-values and 95 % Confidence Intervals (CIs). Results Out of 1406 studies screened, 29 were included in the systematic review. These studies, conducted in Israel (34.5 %), USA (24.1 %), Russia (20.7 %) China (10.3 %), Italy (3.5 %), North America (3.5%) and Turkey (3.5 %) were of poor (34.5 %), moderate (58.6 %) and good (6.9 %) quality. Meta-analyses were performed for pre- and post-vaccination sperm progressive motility (44 %, 95 % CI 42 %-62 % vs 43 %, 95 % CI 31 %-59 % p = 0.07) and concentration (50.6 mln/ml, 95 % CI 35.1–72.8 vs 55.4 mln/ml, 95 % CI 37.4–82.2p = 0.12). Biochemical (0.51, 95 % CI 0.40–0.66 vs 0.60, 95 % CI 0.53–0.68p = 0.45) and clinical (0.45, 95 % CI 0.37–0.54 vs 0.47, 95 % CI 0.40–0.55 p = 0.31) pregnancy rate did not differ among vaccinated and not vaccinated groups. Subgroup meta-analyses based on the type of vaccine showed no significant difference: between vaccinated with mRNA vaccines and non-vaccinated regarding biochemical pregnancy rates; pre- and post-vaccination with Gam-COVID-Vac regarding testosterone, FSH and LH levels; pre- and post-vaccination with BNT162b2 vaccines regarding sperm volumes. Conclusion Based on the studies published so far, there is no scientific proof of any association between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility impairment in men or women.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zaçe
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito, 00168 Rome, Italy; Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - E La Gatta
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - L Petrella
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - M L Di Pietro
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito, 00168 Rome, Italy
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30
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Bhayana DP, Raja KA, Chitra J, Sonu B. Failure to Detect Viral Ribonucleic Acid in Follicular Fluid of a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2-Infected Female - A Report from the Indian Subcontinent. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:396-398. [PMID: 37033137 PMCID: PMC10077745 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_156_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Till today, we are still not clear about the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on reproductive tissues and its vertical transmission through the gametes and embryos. There are few case reports that aim to detect the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the follicular fluid of the infected females. We hereby present the case report of a 33-year-old woman who was undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular sperm aspiration and was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The follicular fluid analysis failed to detect the presence of viral RNA in the sample. Ours is the first case report from India trying to detect the viral RNA from the follicular fluid of a female with SARS-CoV-2 positive status.
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31
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Kabalkin Y, Bentov Y, Gil M, Beharier O, Jaber S, Moav-Zafrir A, Khwies D, Ben-Meir A, Esh Broder E, Walfisch A, Holzer HEG, Hershko Klement A. Mild COVID-19 Was Not Associated with Impaired IVF Outcomes or Early Pregnancy Loss in IVF Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185265. [PMID: 36142911 PMCID: PMC9505769 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185265] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Data collection regarding the effects of COVID-19 on reproduction is ongoing. This study examined the effect of COVID-19 on IVF cycle parameters and early pregnancy outcomes. It included two arms: the first compared non-exposed cycles to post-SARS-CoV-2 IVF cycles. Sperm parameters were also compared. The second, prospective arm compared pregnancy outcomes among IVF patients who contracted COVID-19 during early pregnancy to those who did not. None of the patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The first arm included 60 treatment cycles of women with confirmed COVID-19, compared to 60 non-exposed cycles (either the same patient before exposure or matched non-exposed patients). The outcomes of the treatment cycles did not differ significantly between exposed and non-exposed groups, including number of oocytes, endometrial thickness, fertilization rate and number of top-quality embryos. In 11 cycles, the male partner had also recently recovered: sperm concentration was lower post-exposure: 6.27 million/mL vs. 16.5 pre-exposure (p = 0.008). In 189 patients with IVF-achieved pregnancies, pregnancy loss and hospital admissions did not differ between exposed and non-exposed groups. IVF treatment outcomes and the rate of early pregnancy loss appears to be unaffected by SARS-CoV-2 disease, despite a minor decline in sperm concentration among recent recoverees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossef Kabalkin
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yaakov Bentov
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Moran Gil
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Ein Kerem-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Sireen Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Arbel Moav-Zafrir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Dua’ Khwies
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Ein Kerem-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Efrat Esh Broder
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Asnat Walfisch
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Hananel E. G. Holzer
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Anat Hershko Klement
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
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Issa R, Kharaba ZJ, Azzi V, Obeid S, Sawma T, Said ASA, Ahmad MMA, Alfoteih Y, Malaeb D, Hallit S. Menstrual symptoms variation among Lebanese women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2699. [PMID: 36733514 PMCID: PMC9851823 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.3.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Pandemic diseases and the confinement measures due to COVID-19 infection have introduced acute and persistent psychosocial stressors for different individuals with a greater influence on females manifested through changes in the menstrual cycle. The objective of this study was to assess Lebanese female of reproductive age about their menstrual cycle, their mental health, and their lifestyle, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Beirut blast, and the economic crises. Methods A cross-sectional online study conducted between October and December 2021, enrolled 398 Lebanese women using the snowball technique. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to assess menstrual symptoms. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess factors associated with the variation in MSQ scores after vs before the pandemic. Results Our results showed that a significantly higher number of days of menses, number of pads per day and total MSQ score were significantly found after the pandemic compared to before it. More distress (Beta=0.68), more post-traumatic stress disorder due to COVID-19 (Beta=0.19), a higher number of waterpipes smoked per week (Beta=1.20) and being infected by COVID-19 compared to not (Beta=3.98) were significantly associated with an increase in the MSQ score after the pandemic compared to before it. Conclusion Our main findings indicate that females had irregular menstrual cycles, unpredictable bleeding pattern, and intense symptoms severity post COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, stress post COVID-19 and Beirut blast tended to be associated with increased menstrual symptoms. Thus, vulnerable women should be identified and offered appropriate care, information, and awareness regarding their menstrual period during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Issa
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
| | - Zelal Jaber Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Honorary Associate lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Vanessa Azzi
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
| | - Toni Sawma
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah 21478, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Amira S A Said
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Mohammad M Al Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon, Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah 21478, Saudi Arabia, Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
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Galasinska K, Szymkow A. Enhanced Originality of Ideas in Women During Ovulation: A Within-Subject Design Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:859108. [PMID: 35756251 PMCID: PMC9222335 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.859108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The signaling theory suggests that creativity may have evolved as a signal for mates. Indeed, its aesthetic value might not have been necessary for survival, but it could have helped to attract a mate, fostering childbearing. If we consider creativity as such a signal, we should expect it will be enhanced in the context related to sexual selection. This hypothesis was tested mainly for men. However, both men and women display physical and mental traits that can attract a mate. Previous studies showed that women can be more creative during their peak fertility. We advanced these findings in the present study, applying reliable measures of menstrual cycle phases (examining saliva and urine samples) and the highly recommended within-subject design. We also introduced and tested possible mediators of the effect. We found women’s ideas to be more original during ovulation compared to non-fertile phases of the ovulatory cycle. The results are discussed in the context of signaling theory and alternative explanations are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Galasinska
- Center for Research on Biological Basis of Social Behavior, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szymkow
- Center for Research on Biological Basis of Social Behavior, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
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Muharam R, Agiananda F, Budiman YF, Harahap JS, Prabowo KA, Azyati M, Putri YI, Pratama G, Sumapraja K. Menstrual cycle changes and mental health states of women hospitalized due to COVID-19. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270658. [PMID: 35749547 PMCID: PMC9231764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Many studies have evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s mental health and menstrual changes. However, most of these studies only included nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients, while information on hospitalized women is very limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the mental health status and menstrual changes in hospitalized female COVID-19 patients.
Methods
A survey was administered to female COVID-19 patients in the isolation ward of a national referral hospital in Indonesia between January and August 2021, and the women were followed up 3 months after discharge. The survey evaluated menstrual patterns and mental health using the Self Reporting Questionnaire-29 (SRQ-29).
Results
The study enrolled 158 female patients. There was an increase in patients who had a cycle length of > 32 or < 24 days, and significant increases in menstrual irregularity and heavy menstrual bleeding were noted. Overall, 37.3% of the patients reported a change in menstrual pattern after infection with COVID-19. Based on SRQ-29 scores, 32.3% of the women had neurotic symptoms, 12.7% had psychotic symptoms, and 38.0% had symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Patients with symptoms of mental health disorders were twice as likely to report a menstrual change (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.12–4.22; p = 0.021).
Conclusion
Menstrual changes and increased symptoms of mental health disorders occur in hospitalized female COVID-19 patients. The length of isolation was the key factor affecting overall menstrual changes and mental health in hospitalized female COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Muharam
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Division of Reproductive Immunoendocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
- * E-mail:
| | - Feranindhya Agiananda
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Division of Consultant Liaison Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yuri Fitri Budiman
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Juliana Sari Harahap
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kevin Ardito Prabowo
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mazaya Azyati
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yuannita Ika Putri
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Gita Pratama
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Division of Reproductive Immunoendocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kanadi Sumapraja
- Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia–Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Division of Reproductive Immunoendocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jakarta, Indonesia
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SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Ovarian Cells: A Potential Negative Impact on Female Fertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091431. [PMID: 35563737 PMCID: PMC9105548 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091431] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect female reproductive health. Here, we investigated the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the follicular microenvironment, in particular granulosa (GCs) and cumulus cells (CCs), thus providing evidence for a productive infection. GCs and CCs were recovered from women (n = 25) who underwent in vitro fertilization at the Assisted Reproductive Unit, Siena University Hospital. Follicular ovarian cells were co-cultured with SARS-CoV-2 and then analyzed by qPCR, immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, cell culture supernatant was used to infect VERO6 cells. We demonstrated the expression of cell host factors ACE2, TRPMSS2, BSG and CTSL, which are pivotal for the virus life cycle. Cultured GCs and CCs incubated with SARS-CoV-2 revealed productive SARS-CoV-2 infection at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-adsorption. Indeed, SARS-CoV-2 RNA, spike and nucleocapsid proteins were detected in GCs and CCs, and their cell culture supernatant successfully infected the standard VERO E6 cells. Finally, TEM showed full-size virions attached to the membrane and located inside the cytoplasm. This in vitro study reveals the susceptibility of human ovarian cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting a potential detrimental effect of COVID-19 infection on female human fertility.
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Săndulescu MS, Văduva CC, Siminel MA, Dijmărescu AL, Vrabie SC, Camen IV, Tache DE, Neamţu SD, Nagy RD, Carp-Velişcu A, Manolea MM. Impact of COVID-19 on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART): a systematic review. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2022; 63:503-510. [PMID: 36588488 PMCID: PMC9926143 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.63.3.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a major obstacle for the performing of current medical activities throughout the world. COVID-19 has affected humanity in many ways, thus causing a great medical, social, economic, and political instability. The aim of this study was to make an analysis of the scientific data obtained by so far to highlight the impact that COVID-19 has had on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Infection with SARS-CoV-2 alters the normal immune response by local and systemic damage to tissues and organs. After the virus enters the body, the first lesions are produced in the respiratory tract. Extrapulmonary lesions specific to COVID-19 include acute renal lesions/acute kidney damage, hepatocellular lesions, neurological diseases, myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmia, gastrointestinal diseases but also genital impairment. The possible impairment of the male reproductive system is because angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors are in an increased number in the testes, seminiferous duct cells, spermatogonia, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. Many published studies to date have pointed out that COVID-19 could also affect female fertility and disrupt the functions of the female reproductive system. The theory that this virus can also be transmitted sexually and can cause infertility or testicular damage is supported by the fact that the virus can be isolated in the semen of COVID-19 patients but only during the disease. Choosing the best method of treating infertility during the COVID-19 pandemic is multifactorial, but the risk of infection and compliance with specific ART hygiene protocols must always be considered. Currently, there is no scientific basis regarding the fact that the COVID-19 vaccination would influence fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sidonia Săndulescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Constantin-Cristian Văduva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Mirela Anişoara Siminel
- Department of Neonatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania , Department of Neonatology, Filantropia Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Anda Lorena Dijmărescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sidonia Cătălina Vrabie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ioana Victoria Camen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania , PhD Student, Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Elise Tache
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Simona Daniela Neamţu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Rodica Daniela Nagy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea Carp-Velişcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania , Department of In Vitro Fertilization, Prof. Dr. Panait Sîrbu Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Magdalena Manolea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania
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Barabás K, Makkai B, Farkas N, Horváth HR, Nagy Z, Váradi K, Zelena D. Influence of COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination on the menstrual cycle: A retrospective study in Hungary. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:974788. [PMID: 36387878 PMCID: PMC9646704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.974788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Observations of women and clinicians indicated that the prevalence of menstrual cycle problems has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was not clear whether the observed menstrual cycle changes were related to vaccination, the disease itself or the COVID-19 pandemic-induced psychological alterations. To systematically analyze this question, we conducted a human online survey in women aged between 18 and 65 in Hungary. The menstrual cycle of 1563 individuals were analyzed in our study in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination, the COVID-19 infection, the pandemic itself and the mental health. We found no association between the COVID-19 vaccination, the vaccine types or the COVID-19 infection and the menstrual cycle changes. We also evaluated the menstrual cycle alterations focusing on three parameters of the menstrual cycle including the cycle length, the menses length and the cycle regularity in three pandemic phases: the pre-peak, the peak and the post-peak period in Hungary. Our finding was that the length of the menstrual cycle did not change in any of the periods. However, the menses length increased, while the regularity of the menstrual cycle decreased significantly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when comparing to the pre- and post-peak periods. In addition, we exhibited that the length and the regularity of the menstrual cycle both correlated with the severity of depression during the post-peak period, therefore we concluded that the reported menstrual cycle abnormalities during the peak of COVID-19 in Hungary might be the result of elevated depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Barabás
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Makkai
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nelli Farkas
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Hanga Réka Horváth
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kata Váradi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Dóra Zelena,
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