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Matzkin ME, Beguerie C, De Zuñiga I, Martinez G, Frungieri MB. Impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality and the prostaglandin and polyamine systems in the seminal fluid. Andrology 2024; 12:1078-1095. [PMID: 37873918 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13548] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility remain largely unknown. Besides their well-known pro- and anti-inflammatory actions, prostaglandins and polyamines are present in semen, where they play key roles in sperm quality. OBJECTIVES To analyze semen parameters, oxidative profile and the seminal fluid prostaglandin and polyamine systems in samples collected from individuals without coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis and men who recovered from coronavirus disease 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study compared semen collected from men without positive coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis with samples obtained from individuals 1-6 months and 7-30 months post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Semen parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, cyclooxygenase 2 expression by fluorescence immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting, prostaglandin levels by enzyme immunoassay, ornithine decarboxylase activity by a radioactive assay, and polyamine and acetylated polyamine levels by thin-layer chromatography were assessed. RESULTS In both groups of semen samples from coronavirus disease 2019 recovered men, sperm vitality, total and progressive sperm motility, and putrescine levels were significantly decreased when compared with samples from the uninfected group. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, leukocyte-associated cyclooxygenase 2 expression, and prostaglandin D2 levels were higher in semen from coronavirus disease 2019 recovered men than in samples from uninfected individuals. While sperm concentration and morphology, ornithine decarboxylase activity, and N-acetylputrescine levels were statistically diminished in semen obtained up to 6 months after coronavirus disease 2019 recovery, these parameters remained unchanged when samples were collected 7-30 months after coronavirus disease 2019 recovery. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination did not show negative effects on any of the parameters evaluated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our work provides insights into the detrimental impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on several sperm parameters, in some cases, even more than a year after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which would be accompanied by alterations in the seminal fluid prostaglandin and polyamine profiles. Therefore, future treatments targeting the prostaglandin and polyamine pathways in coronavirus disease 2019 recovered men could lead to a successful reinstatement of semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Matzkin
- Laboratorio de Neuro-inmuno-endocrinología testicular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra 1, Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celina Beguerie
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Gustavo Martinez
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Beatriz Frungieri
- Laboratorio de Neuro-inmuno-endocrinología testicular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Li JZ, Wu H, Wang L, Wang YS, Kong F, Cao LQ, Liang M, Wang X, Yuan MZ. Male reproductive function before and after the adjustment of the COVID-19 prevention policy: a multicenter study in China. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:308-314. [PMID: 38639721 PMCID: PMC11156448 DOI: 10.4103/aja202388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
At the end of 2022, the adjustment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic control policy in China resulted in a large-scale increase in public infection. To compare the fertility parameters of male patients before and after the adjustments of the COVID-19 pandemic control policy in China, we collected data on patients' medical histories and laboratory examinations on their first visits between June 2022 and March 2023 in five different hospitals. Data were divided into five groups according to the timeline of the policy adjustment. The data we collected from male patients included semen quality and serum reproductive hormone levels, and intergroup comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests. In total, 16 784 cases underwent regular semen analysis, 11 180 had sperm morphology assessments, and 7200 had reproductive hormone analyses. The data showed declining trends in semen volume, sperm motility, and the progressive sperm motility rate after the policy adjustment. Subgroup comparison revealed an initial decrease and gradual recovery in progressive motility rate. Sperm morphology analysis showed increased neck and tail abnormalities after the policy adjustment. No significant change in hormone levels was observed. Following the adjustment of the COVID-19 prevention policy in China, a decline in sperm motility and morphology was observed. This trend may gradually recover over 2 months. After the policy adjustment, reproductive hormone levels were relatively stable throughout, except for an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH). These changes in semen parameters suggest that the policy adjustment had a short- to medium-term impact on male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Zheng Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Han Wu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yun-Shan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Feng Kong
- Engineering Laboratory of Urinary Organ and Functional Reconstruction of Shandong Province, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Long-Qiao Cao
- The First People’s Hospital of Jining, Jining 272000, China
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Ming-Zhen Yuan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Zhang QF, Zhang YJ, Wang S, Wei Y, Zhang H, Li F, Deng YQ. Does COVID-19 affect sperm quality in males? the answer may be yes, but only temporarily. Virol J 2024; 21:24. [PMID: 38263068 PMCID: PMC10804479 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02290-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on male reproductive health. However, the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the short-term and relatively long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on sperm quality. METHODS A total of 85 males with fertility requirements, who underwent semen evaluation at Guilin People's Hospital between June 2022 and July 2023, were included in the study. Changes in semen parameters were analyzed across three specific timeframes: within 6 months before COVID-19 infection, within 3 months after COVID-19 infection, and 3-6 months after COVID-19 recovery. RESULTS The results revealed that the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after infection compared to before, while in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased. Comparing the three periods, the most significant difference was observed in sperm concentration, which exhibited a significant decrease after infection but returned to normal levels after recovery from COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that COVID-19 may exert some impact on sperm quality, particularly evidenced by decreased sperm concentration post-infection. Fortunately, these effects on semen parameters appear to be temporary, with gradual restoration of semen parameters within 3-6 months after recovery. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of these observed changes in semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Guilin People's Hospital, 541002, Guilin, China.
| | - Yu-Ji Zhang
- Department of Medical Record Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, 571137, Haikou, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People's Hospital, 541002, Guilin, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Urology, Guilin People's Hospital, 541002, Guilin, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People's Hospital, 541002, Guilin, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Urology, Guilin People's Hospital, 541002, Guilin, China
| | - Yong-Quan Deng
- Department of Urology, Guilin People's Hospital, 541002, Guilin, China
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Kumar Y, Kumari A, Kumar T, Jha K, Zabihullah M. Role of Hematological Parameters in the Grading of COVID-19 and a Model to Predict the Outcome in Inpatients. Cureus 2023; 15:e45276. [PMID: 37846240 PMCID: PMC10576849 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45276] [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: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human coronaviruses, identified in the 1960s, are known culprits of respiratory infections. Classified into alpha, beta, gamma, and delta subgroups, these viruses have the capacity to transition from animal reservoirs to causing severe respiratory ailments in humans. Notable outbreaks like the 2003 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) epidemic and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic underscore the recurring emergence of novel coronaviruses with severe human infection potential. COVID-19, driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly become a leading global cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Immune system disruptions and cytokine imbalances contribute to severe cases, necessitating early diagnosis and precise severity assessment. Methodology This retrospective cross-sectional study encompassed 211 COVID-19 patients admitted to AIIMS Patna from May to July 2020. Clinical and hematological parameters, including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, red and white blood cell counts, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin, and d-dimer, were meticulously recorded. Patients were categorized into non-severe and severe groups using the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2. Results Our findings underscore the pivotal role of hematological markers in gauging COVID-19 severity. Notably, markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR, lymphocyte monocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio, d-dimer, CRP, and serum ferritin exhibited notable elevation in severe cases. Survival analysis further established the predictive potential of these markers in assessing disease progression and mortality risk. We advocate for the integration of these markers into existing severity assessment frameworks to foster objective clinical evaluations. Conclusion In conclusion, our study unravels the intricate connection between COVID-19 severity and hematological parameters. We emphasize the early warning capabilities of NLR, derived NLR, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and other markers in predicting disease progression. This research underscores the imperative need to incorporate hematological markers into the evaluation of COVID-19 severity, thereby providing invaluable insights for enhancing clinical practice and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Kumar
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Patna, IND
| | - Amita Kumari
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Tribhuwan Kumar
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Patna, IND
| | - Kamlesh Jha
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Patna, IND
| | - Md Zabihullah
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Patna, IND
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Zabihullah M, Kumar T, Jha K, Siddharth K, Ganguly A, Kumar Y, Mannan R. The Effect of Age on Semen Quality Among Male Partners of Infertile Couples: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Center in Eastern India. Cureus 2023; 15:e42882. [PMID: 37664284 PMCID: PMC10474524 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42882] [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: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility contributes to a significant proportion of infertility cases, and advanced paternal age has been suggested to affect semen quality and fertility. However, the relationship between age and semen quality remains inconclusive, with conflicting findings reported in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age on semen quality among male partners of infertile couples in a tertiary care center in eastern India. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, involving 390 male participants aged 21-50 years, who were referred to the andrology laboratory for semen analysis between January 2019 and December 2022. Participants were categorized into three age groups (21-30, 31-40, and 41-50 years). Semen parameters, including sperm concentration, semen volume, motility, and morphology, were assessed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. RESULTS Among the participants, no significant differences were observed in semen volume, motility, and morphology across different age groups. However, a statistically significant difference in sperm concentration among the three age groups was observed (p = 0.022). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between age and sperm concentration (r = 0.124, p = 0.013) as well as total sperm count (r = 0.10, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION In this study, no significant decline in semen quality with age was found among male partners of infertile couples aged 21-50 years. These findings highlight the complex relationship between age and semen quality and emphasize the need for further research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and provide more conclusive evidence regarding the impact of age on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zabihullah
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
| | - Tribhuwan Kumar
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
| | - Kamlesh Jha
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
| | - Kumar Siddharth
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
| | - Abhimanyu Ganguly
- Physiology, Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital (NSMCH), Patna, IND
| | - Yogesh Kumar
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
| | - Raihan Mannan
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
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