Insights into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity

Abstract

COVID-19 has become a significant public health concern that has catastrophic consequences for society. Some preliminary evidence suggests that the male reproductive system may be an infection target for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually, according to preliminary research. Testicular cells exhibit a high level of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which enhances the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Some instances of COVID-19 have been documented to exhibit hypogonadism during the acute stage. Furthermore, systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown to have profoundly deleterious consequences on testicular functioning. This work gives a clear picture of how COVID-19 may affect male reproductive systems and calls attention to the many unanswered questions about the mechanisms by which this virus can be linked to men's health and fertility.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; immunology; male infertility; reproductive toxicity.

Figure 1

This figure gives an overview of the RAAS system pathway.

Figure 2

This figure demonstrates the action of SARS-CoV-2 on various organs such as the brain, prostate, and other organs leading to infertility. This diagram also describes that SARS-CoV-2 results in an imbalance of the RAAS system, orchitis, vasculitis, azoospermia, cryptozoospermia, semen contamination, disrupted spermatogenesis, erectile dysfunction, and oxidative stress, all culminating into infertility.