Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Mahboubi N. The probable mechanism of reduced androgen level in COVID-19 patients.
Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2021;
43:hmbci-2021-0052. [PMID:
34674407 DOI:
10.1515/hmbci-2021-0052]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has challenged the health care systems of the world. Although the pulmonary complications of the infection have received extensive attention, addressing the other complications (e.g., changes in androgen levels) could further provide a more efficient understanding of the disease, which might aid in combating it. Since the association between androgens and the expression and activity of SARS-CoV-2 receptors has been proven and anti-androgen-based therapies have been considered in this regard, addressing various aspects of androgen level changes can be constructive. The present paper examines the possible mechanisms of changes in androgen levels by the virus. It seems that the infection of the gonads by the SARS-CoV-2 could reduce the androgen levels by affecting different cellular pathways.
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