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Review
. 2023 Feb 8;21(1):1-16.
doi: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i1.12661. eCollection 2023 Jan.

A review on human reproductive systems encountering with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection

Esmaeil Samadian  1 , Bahman Aghcheli  2 , Roghaye Gharaei  3 , Alijan Tabarraei  2
Affiliations
Review

A review on human reproductive systems encountering with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection

Esmaeil Samadian et al. Int J Reprod Biomed. .

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is the leading cause of the new deadly pneumonia named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This pathogen has different co-receptors on various tissues, resulting in vast pathophysiological circumstances. Here, we present a comprehensive narrative review focusing on the impact of SARS-CoV2 on human reproduction. Evidence-based literature revealed inconsistent results for this virus in the reproductive organs of patients with COVID-19, even in the critical phase. Conversely, numerous satisfactory data represented those different reproductive activities, from gametogenesis to pregnancy, can be targeted by SARS-CoV2. The severity of COVID-19 depends on the differential expression of the host cellular components required to enter SARS-CoV2. The cytokine storm and oxidative stress coming out during COVID-19 are associated with complications in reproductive endocrinopathies. Men are naturally more susceptible to COVID-19, especially accompanied by orchitis and varicocele. Synergistically the interaction of SARS-CoV2 and female reproductive failures (polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis) increases the susceptibility to COVID-19. Thus, pharmaceutical interventions that ameliorate the complications in individuals with reproductive disorders can be helpful to achieve good outcomes in assisted reproductive techniques. Soon, an increase in the infertility rate will likely be an overall impact of SARS-CoV2 in patients who recovered from COVID-19.

Keywords: Human; Reproductive system.; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors do not have any affiliation beside any organization as an indirect or direct financial contribution the subject matter mentioned in the manuscript. All authors have taken part in (1) conception design and conception, or analysis and elucidation of the data; (2) article drafting or revising it in critical manner for significant intellectual content; also (3) approval of the last version. We have not submitted this manuscript yet, furthermore it is not under review with another journal or publishing venue.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
SARS-2 interacts with different organs related to reproductive functions; a pathological mechanism probably proceeded by viremia.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The pathological condition during COVID-19, such as cytokine storm and oxidative stress, affect the reproductive activities as putative pathogeneses of SARS-2.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The interrelations between COVID-19 and human reproductive disorders. The involvement of inflammatory responses, OS, and deregulated endocrine systems in both COVID-19 and reproductive failures can increase the risk of SARS-2 infection and complications in individuals with reproductive abnormalities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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