COVID-19 and Male Infertility: Is There a Role for Antioxidants?

Kalfas, Thomas; Kaltsas, Aris; Symeonidis, Evangelos; Symeonidis, Asterios; Zikopoulos, Athanasios; Moustakli, Efthalia; Tsiampali, Chara; Tsampoukas, Georgios; Palapela, Natalia; Zachariou, Athanasios; Sofikitis, Nikolaos; Dimitriadis, Fotios

doi:10.3390/antiox12081483

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 156 publications

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“…Not surprisingly, SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to decreased testosterone and sperm production, as ACE2 is expressed in numerous tissues, including the testis. There is evidence that the virus can cause a localized, intense inflammatory response in the testis, which can then promote the development of viral orchitis and lead to vasculitis or an autoimmune response, both of which can damage the testis and impair testosterone production [135].…”

Section: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadismmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It cannot be ruled out that low testosterone in the acute phase of viral infection may represent an adaptive and resilient mechanism to mitigate external impairments by eliminating testosterone-dependent functions such as reproduction and/or physical and sexual activity that are not needed when the physical state deteriorates [136][137][138][139][140]. Men who have recovered from SARS-CoV2 infection should be carefully monitored to rule out the possibility of long-term andrological effects such as decreased sperm count or testosterone levels [135,141].…”

Section: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadismmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Care by Reproductive Urologists in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Kaltsas,

Dimitriadis,

Zachariou

et al. 2023

Medicina

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Infertility is a global health concern, with male factors playing an especially large role. Unfortunately, however, the contributions made by reproductive urologists in managing male infertility under assisted reproductive technology (ART) often go undervalued. This narrative review highlights the important role played by reproductive urologists in diagnosing and treating male infertility as well as any barriers they face when providing services. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of reproductive urologists’ role in managing male infertility, outlining their expertise in diagnosing and managing male infertility as well as reversible causes and performing surgical techniques such as sperm retrieval. This manuscript investigates the barriers limiting urologist involvement such as limited availability, awareness among healthcare professionals, and financial constraints. This study highlights a decrease in male fertility due to lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, obesity, and substance abuse. It stresses the significance of conducting an evaluation process involving both male and female partners to identify any underlying factors contributing to infertility and to identify patients who do not require any interventions beyond ART. We conclude that engaging urologists more effectively in infertility management is key to optimizing fertility outcomes among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments and requires greater education among healthcare providers regarding the role urologists and lifestyle factors that could have an effect on male fertility.

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Section: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadismmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Care by Reproductive Urologists in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Kaltsas,

Dimitriadis,

Zachariou

et al. 2023

Medicina

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The influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproduction and men's health

Ali,

Abdlwahid,

Ali

et al. 2023

Eur J Clin Investigation

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BackgroundSARS‐CoV‐2, the virus responsible for COVID‐19, primarily affects the respiratory system by targeting the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2. However, these receptors are also present in other organs, including the testes, where a higher concentration of ACE2 receptors has been observed. This raises concerns about the potential impact of the virus on male fertility.AimsIn this study, we aimed to assess the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on semen parameters by comparing samples during and after infection in the same patients.Materials & MethodThe study enrolled 51 individuals who had contracted COVID‐19 and analysed various parameters related to sperm quality and quantity, including C‐reactive protein, testosterone levels, total sperm concentration, motility and morphology. A comparison was made between these parameters during the initial infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 and after a 2‐ and 5‐month recovery period.ResultsThe results indicated that all of the mentioned parameters were significantly affected during COVID‐19 infection (PCR‐ct, CRP, WBCs LH, FSH and testosterone levels, p‐value = .0001). Furthermore, the study assessed TC, TM and sperm morphology in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and found that these parameters were also significantly influenced during the infection, (p‐value = .0001; Morphology, p‐value = .0004). We observed significant alterations in sperm count and morphology during infection, suggesting a potential negative impact on sperm quality. Additionally, lower hormone levels were observed during COVID‐19 infection, possibly due to increased inflammatory cytokines. However, both hormones and inflammation markers returned to normal following recovery. Our findings indicate a statistically significant change in total sperm count, motility and morphology post‐infection, which aligns with previous studies. Discussion, COVID‐19 have a transient impact on sperm parameters and fertility, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into the long‐term implications.

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Beta-Thalassemia and Male Infertility: Unraveling the Oxidative Stress Connection—An Up-to-Date Review

Roidos,

Batakoias,

Symeonidis

et al. 2024

Diagnostics

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Background/Objectives: Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a genetic disorder resulting from beta-globin gene mutations, affects over 1.5 million people globally. The disorder’s multifactorial impact on male fertility, particularly through oxidative stress (OS), warrants focused study. This review examines the mechanisms of OS in TM, its implications for male infertility, and the potential of antioxidant therapies to mitigate fertility challenges. Methods: A non-systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Medscape databases, focusing on studies on beta-thalassemia (BTH), erectile dysfunction (ED), hormonal alterations, and OS. Studies were screened based on relevance, language, and topic, with 71 articles meeting the inclusion criteria after removing duplicates. Results: The findings reveal that OS, exacerbated by iron overload from regular blood transfusions, is significantly associated with impaired sperm quality and fertility in patients with TM. Iron toxicity affects gonadotropin levels, reduces sperm quality, and contributes to hypogonadism. Additionally, antioxidant therapies show promise in reducing OS-induced sperm damage, though efficacy is limited by a lack of robust clinical trials. Conclusions: OS plays a considerable role in male infertility among patients with TM, primarily through iron-induced sperm damage and hormonal disruptions. While antioxidant therapies may offer a partial remedy, further research is necessary to understand OS’s mechanisms in TM and develop effective fertility treatments. This review highlights the need for personalized antioxidant approaches to improve reproductive outcomes in this population.

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COVID-19 and Male Infertility: Is There a Role for Antioxidants?

Cited by 3 publications

References 156 publications

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Care by Reproductive Urologists in Assisted Reproductive Technology

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Care by Reproductive Urologists in Assisted Reproductive Technology

The influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproduction and men's health

Beta-Thalassemia and Male Infertility: Unraveling the Oxidative Stress Connection—An Up-to-Date Review

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