Impact of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on assisted reproductive technologies: Potentialities of melatonin in management

Abstract

The world is still grappling with the threat due to the emergence of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by a new variant of coronavirus. The high transmission of the virus among humans has led to a pandemic and there is also emergence of mutant strain of virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 2 Variant VOC 202012/01) within communities. With the uncertainties in the development, efficacy and reach of an effective vaccine among the masses, it has become a mammoth task for human beings to carry on with the dayto-day task and lifestyle. This has severely impacted the health-care services including the fertility treatments. The assisted reproductive technology (ART) services have accordingly molded itself to cater to patients. There are various guidelines and regulations introduced to provide fertility services on the basis of priority of the patients seeking treatments, keeping in compliance to the safety measures for the healthcare staffs and patients. On the other hand, couples wish to pursue their way to parenthood even in the testing times. Melatonin, a neurohormone, is a multipotent molecule associated with male and female reproduction and is being protectively involved in the various reproductive processes. It maintains the circadian rhythmicity of various hormones and has potentials in treating COVID-19 patients. Its use in IVF procedures can be protective and effective measure to deal with the uncertainties of time. Its immune enhancing role can be utilized in fulfilling the patients’ health and achieving fertility goals contributing to the success of ART.