Viral Infection of the Reproductive System in Times of COVID-19

2022 ◽  
pp. 176-196
Author(s):  
Khaled Kahloula ◽  
Djallal Eddine Houari Adli ◽  
Nadia Zouhairi ◽  
Kaddour Ziani ◽  
Miloud Slimani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Fetal Distress ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Direct Damage ◽  
Testicular Cells ◽  
Women Literature ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

Coronavirus (SARS-COV2) caused several deaths worldwide. This virus infects the target cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzymes 2 (ACE2) receptor through its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and replicates. Thus, a high level of ACE2 expression is detected in the testicular cells so that the testis is believed to count as a potential target for direct damage by COVID-19. Moreover, the possibility of testicular damage may be caused by either direct viral invasion through interaction with ACE2 receptors or because of inflammatory response. Similarly, in women, literature reported the distribution and function of ACE2 in the female reproductive system, which is widely expressed in the ovary, uterus, vagina, and placenta. It regulates follicular development and ovulation, modulates luteal angiogenesis and degeneration, and influences regular changes in endometrial tissue and embryo development. Taking these functions into account, COVID-19 may disturb the female reproductive functions through regulating ACE2, resulting in infertility, menstrual disorder, and fetal distress.

scholarly journals The Role of BMP Signaling in Female Reproductive System Development and Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11927
Author(s):  
Esmeralda Magro-Lopez ◽  
María Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
System Development ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
And Function

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of multifunctional growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins. Originally identified by their ability to induce bone formation, they are now known as essential signaling molecules that regulate the development and function of the female reproductive system (FRS). Several BMPs play key roles in aspects of reproductive system development. BMPs have also been described to be involved in the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into reproductive system tissues or organoids. The role of BMPs in the reproductive system is still poorly understood and the use of FRS tissue or organoids generated from hPSCs would provide a powerful tool for the study of FRS development and the generation of new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of FRS diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about BMP signaling in FRS development and function.

scholarly journals Early-life nutritional effects on the female reproductive system

2014 ◽  
Vol 224 (2) ◽  
pp. R45-R62 ◽  
Author(s):  
K A Chan ◽  
M W Tsoulis ◽  
D M Sloboda
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Developmental Trajectory ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Postnatal Environment ◽  
And Function ◽  
Early Life Events

There is now considerable epidemiological and experimental evidence indicating that early-life environmental conditions, including nutrition, affect subsequent development in later life. These conditions induce highly integrated responses in endocrine-related homeostasis, resulting in persistent changes in the developmental trajectory producing an altered adult phenotype. Early-life events trigger processes that prepare the individual for particular circumstances that are anticipated in the postnatal environment. However, where the intrauterine and postnatal environments differ markedly, such modifications to the developmental trajectory may prove maladaptive in later life. Reproductive maturation and function are similarly influenced by early-life events. This should not be surprising, because the primordial follicle pool is established early in life and is thus vulnerable to early-life events. Results of clinical and experimental studies have indicated that early-life adversity is associated with a decline in ovarian follicular reserve, changes in ovulation rates, and altered age at onset of puberty. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the relationship between the early-life developmental environment and postnatal reproductive development and function are unclear. This review examines the evidence linking early-life nutrition and effects on the female reproductive system, bringing together clinical observations in humans and experimental data from targeted animal models.

scholarly journals Potential influence of COVID-19/ACE2 on the female reproductive system

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 367-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Jing ◽  
Li Run-Qian ◽  
Wang Hao-Ran ◽  
Chen Hao-Ran ◽  
Liu Ya-Bin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Contact Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
And Function ◽  
Mother To Child

Abstract The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) appeared in December 2019 and then spread throughout the world rapidly. The virus invades the target cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 and modulates the expression of ACE2 in host cells. ACE2, a pivotal component of the renin-angiotensin system, exerts its physiological functions by modulating the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7). We reviewed the literature that reported the distribution and function of ACE2 in the female reproductive system, hoping to clarify the potential harm of 2019-nCoV to female fertility. The available evidence suggests that ACE2 is widely expressed in the ovary, uterus, vagina and placenta. Therefore, we believe that apart from droplets and contact transmission, the possibility of mother-to-child and sexual transmission also exists. Ang II, ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) regulate follicle development and ovulation, modulate luteal angiogenesis and degeneration, and also influence the regular changes in endometrial tissue and embryo development. Taking these functions into account, 2019-nCoV may disturb the female reproductive functions through regulating ACE2.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document