Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 virus effects on prostate tissues, including associations with patient hormonal state and postvaccination reactions

Abstract

Nowadays, the most notable negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 are the pulmonary manifestations as well as cardiovascular system damage. Evaluation of postvaccination changes in the male reproductive system and analysis of their mechanisms seem to be important because of their direct effect on fertility. Thus, it may play a significant role in perspective. Studies based on the application of fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that most acini epithelial cells, as well as some mesenchymal and endothelial cells were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. As for co-expression of the ACE2 cell receptor and the serine protease TMPRSS2, which the virus uses to enter cells, it was also detected in most prostate epithelial and stromal cells. The mechanism of prostate damage in COVID-19 may also be related to dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Increased levels of angiotensin-2 secretion in the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia may increase the effect of the virus directly on the cells of the organ. These mechanisms may explain the elevated serum prostatic specific antigen levels in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia during the active period of COVID-19. Non-specific mechanism of prostate damage is connected with coagulopathy development – thrombosis of venous plexus and hemodynamic disturbances, which can cause secondary damage of parenchyma. There is a definite relationship between the hormonal status of the patient and the severity of the infection – low levels of both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone contribute to the development of severe complications in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The possibility of using testosterone drugs in patients with hypogonadism and COVID-19 as an alternative treatment option – to suppress the cytokine storm phenomenon – is being considered. Patients with a history of prostate cancer, with localized prostate cancer in the absence of metastases participated in vaccine studies – among the side effects of vaccination in several cases only regional lymphadenopathy on the injection side of the drug was noted.