Is there an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on male fertility? The ACE2 connection

The viral pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), generated by a novel mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has become a serious worldwide public health emergency, evolving exponentially. While the main organ targeted in this disease is the lungs, other vital organs, such as the heart and kidney, may be implicated. The main host receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 is angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a major component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The ACE2 is also involved in testicular male regulation of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. As the SARS-CoV-2 may have the potential to infect the testis via ACE2 and adversely affect male reproductive system, it is essential to commence with targeted studies to learn from the current pandemic, with the possibility of preemptive intervention, depending on the findings and time course of the continuing pandemic.

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Coronavirus Disease 19 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: To More Efficient Control

European Journal of Biology and Biotechnology ◽

10.24018/ejbio.2020.1.3.29 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Otmane El Brini

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Host Defense ◽

Essential Elements ◽

Public Health Emergency ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

The Social ◽

Efficient Control

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by a new coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is considered as a public health emergency of international concern. The only available way, apparently effective, to control this pandemic is the social distancing. However, other possible aspects of infection control may be mentioned. In this review, we highlight certain peculiarities linked to the nature of the virus and its angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, the host defense and the final clinical manifestation of the infection that could be essential elements in strengthening the effectiveness of COVID-19 pandemic control efforts.

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Interpretation of Detection SARS Cov-2 in Semen

Indonesian Andrology and Biomedical Journal ◽

10.20473/iabj.v1i1.28 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 22-26

Author(s):

Cennikon Pakpahan ◽

Agustinus Agustinus ◽

Aucky Hinting

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Human Health ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Reproductive Organs ◽

Male Reproduction ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

High Virulence ◽

Transmembrane Serine Protease

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus with a high virulence which cause SARS-CoV-2, a disease with potentially dangerous implications for human health and pandemic. The involvement of other organs in the spread of this virus is still being debated. Considering the presence of (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in the reproductive organs including male reproduction,the male reproductive system possiblity for spreading SARS-CoV-2 should be studied. Reviews: Five studies were reveal the presence of SARS-CoV2 in semen. The reported results are inconsistent. Some of these studies also used unclear methods and procedures, which led to bias in the final results. Ongoing studies are needed to confirm the definite findings before specific recommendations can be made for further management. Summary: There is no definite interpretation of whether SARS-CoV-2 spreads through semen, but protection is still needed when it comes into contact with the semen.

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Review of Sertoli cell dysfunction caused by COVID-19 that could affect male fertility

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199421000320 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Amirreza Niazi Tabar ◽

Kiana Sojoudi ◽

Hannaneh Henduei ◽

Hossein Azizi

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Germ Cells ◽

Sertoli Cells ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Male Fertility ◽

Differentiation Process ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Cell Dysfunction ◽

Testicular Cells

Abstract Spermatogenesis is a complex and elaborate differentiation process and is vital for male fertility. Sertoli cells play a major role in fertility and induce spermatogenesis by protecting, nourishing, and supporting germ cells. It has been speculated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could directly affect the male reproductive system, and therefore heredity and fertility. The similarity of SARS-CoV-2 to SARS-CoV could confirm this hypothesis because both viruses use angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) as the receptor to enter human cells. ACE2 is expressed by Sertoli cells and other testicular cells, therefore COVID-19 has the potential to impair fertility by destroying Sertoli cells. This hypothesis should be evaluated and confirmed by monitoring fertility in patients with COVID-19.

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Do sex-specific immunobiological factors and differences in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression explain increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in males?

Diagnosis ◽

10.1515/dx-2020-0054 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 385-386 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jens Vikse ◽

Giuseppe Lippi ◽

Brandon Michael Henry

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Lung Injury ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Sars Coronavirus ◽

Immunomodulatory Treatment ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Cytopathic Effects ◽

Severe Lung

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), shares similarities with the former SARS outbreak, which was caused by SARS-CoV-1. SARS was characterized by severe lung injury due to virus-induced cytopathic effects and dysregulated hyperinflammatory state. COVID-19 has a higher mortality rate in men both inside and outside China. In this opinion paper, we describe how sex-specific immunobiological factors and differences in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression may explain the increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in males. We highlight that immunomodulatory treatment must be tailored to the underlying immunobiology at different stages of disease. Moreover, by investigating sex-based immunobiological differences, we may enhance our understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and facilitate improved immunomodulatory strategies.

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ACE2 the Janus-faced protein – from cardiovascular protection to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus and COVID-19

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20200363 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (7) ◽

pp. 747-750 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Rhian M. Touyz ◽

Hongliang Li ◽

Christian Delles

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Basic Science ◽

Physiological Role ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Sars Coronavirus ◽

Multifunctional Protein ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2

Abstract Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the major enzyme responsible for conversion of Ang II into Ang-(1-7). It also acts as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV)-2, which causes Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19. In recognition of the importance of ACE2 and to celebrate 20 years since its discovery, the journal will publish a focused issue on the basic science and (patho)physiological role of this multifunctional protein.

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The Use of Fabric Masks in Prevention of Community Transmission of COVID-19

JIMKI: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Kedokteran Indonesia ◽

10.53366/jimki.v8i2.146 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 168-175

Author(s):

Rudi Saputra

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Medical Personnel ◽

New Disease ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Public Discussion ◽

The Public ◽

Community Transmission

Introduction: COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a new disease due to SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2) which can be transmitted through droplets. One effort to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is to use a mask. Medical masks are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19, but their numbers are very limited and are very much needed by medical personnel when treating COVID-19 patients. Therefore, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 more broadly, alternative medical masks are needed, namely by using cloth masks which have not been discussed much about the purpose of their use to the public. Discussion: SARS-CoV-2 is a cause of COVID-19 and infects the respiratory tract, especially in the lungs (pulmo) through the ACE2 receptor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2). SARS-CoV-2 has a diameter of around 120 nm. Cloth masks as an alternative to the scarcity of medical masks are recommended for public use. The recommended cloth masks are made of cotton or a cloth towel. A cloth mask is able to hold large droplets (> 5 μm), but not small droplets. Conclusion: Cloth masks can be used by the community in an effort to minimize transmission of COVID-19 by holding large droplets, but it is not effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 because it can still be passed by SARS-CoV-2. Suggestion: Cloth masks can be optimized using nanoparticles to resist SARS-CoV-2.

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Mutations from bat ACE2 orthologs markedly enhance ACE2-Fc neutralization of SARS-CoV-2

10.1101/2020.06.29.178459 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Huihui Mou ◽

Brian D. Quinlan ◽

Haiyong Peng ◽

Yan Guo ◽

Shoujiao Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Viral Receptor ◽

S Protein ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Binding Domains ◽

Protein Receptor ◽

Horseshoe Bat ◽

Horseshoe Bats

SUMMARYThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein mediates infection of cells expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is also the viral receptor of SARS-CoV (SARS-CoV-1), a related coronavirus that emerged in 2002-2003. Horseshoe bats (genus Rhinolophus) are presumed to be the original reservoir of both viruses, and a SARS-like coronavirus, RaTG13, closely related SARS-CoV-2, has been isolated from one horseshoe-bat species. Here we characterize the ability of S-protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and RaTG13 to bind a range of ACE2 orthologs. We observed that the SARS-CoV-2 RBD bound human, pangolin, and horseshoe bat (R. macrotis) ACE2 more efficiently than the SARS-CoV-1 or RaTG13 RBD. Only the RaTG13 RBD bound rodent ACE2 orthologs efficiently. Five mutations drawn from ACE2 orthologs of nine Rhinolophus species enhanced human ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by an immunoadhesin form of human ACE2 (ACE2-Fc). Two of these mutations impaired neutralization of SARS-CoV-1. An ACE2-Fc variant bearing all five mutations neutralized SARS-CoV-2 five-fold more efficiently than human ACE2-Fc. These data narrow the potential SARS-CoV-2 reservoir, suggest that SARS-CoV-1 and -2 originate from distinct bat species, and identify a more potently neutralizing form of ACE2-Fc.

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A framework for predicting potential host ranges of pathogenic viruses based on receptor ortholog analysis

10.1101/2020.12.07.414292 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Guifang Du ◽

Yang Ding ◽

Hao Li ◽

Xuejun Wang ◽

Junting Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Diverse Species ◽

Current Scenario ◽

Pathogenic Viruses ◽

Key Residues ◽

Infection Experiments

AbstractViral zoonoses are a serious threat to public health and global security, as reflected by the current scenario of the growing number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases. However, as pathogenic viruses are highly diverse, identification of their host ranges remains a major challenge. Here, we present a combined computational and experimental framework, called REceptor ortholog-based POtential virus hoST prediction (REPOST), for the prediction of potential virus hosts. REPOST first selects orthologs from a diverse species by identity and phylogenetic analyses. Secondly, these orthologs is classified preliminarily as permissive or non-permissive type by infection experiments. Then, key residues are identified by comparing permissive and non-permissive orthologs. Finally, potential virus hosts are predicted by a key residue–specific weighted module. We performed REPOST on SARS-CoV-2 by studying angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 orthologs from 287 vertebrate animals. REPOST efficiently narrowed the range of potential virus host species (with 95.74% accuracy).

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METFORMIN USE IN DIABETES PRIOR TO HOSPITALIZATION: EFFECTS ON MORTALITY IN COVID-19

Endocrine Practice ◽

10.4158/ep-2020-0466 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (10) ◽

pp. 1166-1172

Author(s):

Jinghong Li ◽

Qi Wei ◽

Willis X. Li ◽

Karen C. McCowen ◽

Wei Xiong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Clinical Data ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2

Objective: Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported as a risk factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the effect of pharmacologic agents used to treat T2DM, such as metformin, on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. Metformin increases the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2, a known receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Data from people with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 were used to test the hypothesis that metformin use is associated with improved survival in this population. Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed on de-identified clinical data from a major hospital in Wuhan, China, that included patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 during the recent epidemic. One hundred and thirty-one patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and T2DM were used in this study. The primary outcome was mortality. Demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory data, diabetes medications, and respiratory therapy data were also included in the analysis. Results: Of these 131 patients, 37 used metformin with or without other antidiabetes medications. Among the 37 metformin-taking patients, 35 (94.6%) survived and 2 (5.4%) did not survive. The mortality rates in the metformin-taking group versus the non-metformin group were 5.4% (2/37) versus 22.3% (21/94). Using multivariate analysis, metformin was found to be an independent predictor of survival in this cohort ( P = .02). Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between metformin use and survival in people with T2DM diagnosed with COVID-19. These clinical data are consistent with potential benefits of the use of metformin for COVID-19 patients with T2DM. Abbreviations: ACE2 = angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; AMPK = AMP-activated protein kinase; BMI = body mass index; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; SARSCoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus

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Identification of the interaction between Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Residues and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612827666210302151434 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

Author(s):

Youness Kadil ◽

Mohammed Mouhcine ◽

Imane Rahmoune ◽

Houda Filali

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Receptor Binding Domain ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Methodological Study ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Enveloped Virus ◽

Positive Sense ◽

Contact Residues ◽

Cell Membrane Protein

Introduction: Coronaviruses are an enveloped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. It has been shown that the viral spike S glycoprotein binds to the cell membrane protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as an invasive process of the virus. The aim of this research is the application of a computational approach in the identification of the interaction residues ACE2 with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2. A methodological study to understand the interactions between SARS CoV2 and ACE2, which is essential for the development of a vaccine and an antiviral. Methods: The S protein is cleaved into two subunits, S1 and S2. S1 contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD) which allows the virus to bind directly to the peptidase domain of ACE2. Results: Our results present the overall differences in contact residues between the different chains, and an alignment between the two SARS Viruses, along with a presentation of similarity between them.Then S2 likely plays a role in membrane fusion. Conclusions : The synthesis of our results appears to provide potentially a rational set of objectives that can help in the development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

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