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Review
. 2020 Oct;47(5):335-340.
doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2020.06.002. Epub 2020 Jun 17.

Are sex discordant outcomes in COVID-19 related to sex hormones?

Jonathan D Strope  1 , Cindy H Chau  1 , William D Figg  2
Affiliations
Review

Are sex discordant outcomes in COVID-19 related to sex hormones?

Jonathan D Strope et al. Semin Oncol. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

COVID-19 has a clear sex disparity in clinical outcome. Globally, infection rates between men and women are similar; however, men are more likely to have more severe disease and are more likely to die. The causes for this disparity are currently under investigation and are most likely multifactorial. Sex hormones play an important role in the immune response with estrogen seen as immune boosting and testosterone as immunosuppressing. Additionally, an important protease involved in viral entry, TMPRSS2, is regulated by androgens. Many observational and prospective studies are ongoing or initiating to further examine the role of sex hormones in SARS-CoV-2 infection and if modulation of them is a realistic treatment option.

Keywords: ACE; Androgens; COVID-19; Coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; TMPRSS2.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Indicated locations of expression for co-expression ACE2 and TMPRSS2. These locations may provide insight into SARS-CoV-2 infection profile and clinical manifestations. Figure produced using Biorender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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