Sharma Indu, Kumari Priti, Sharma Anuradha, Saha Subhas Chandra
Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014 India.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012 India.
Middle East Fertil Soc J. 2021;26(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s43043-020-00046-z. Epub 2021 Jan 7.
COVID-19 is the most recent zoonotic outbreak of coronaviruses. Mostly, it invades the cells of the respiratory system by binding to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is also present in other organs like the kidney, testis, ovaries, breast, heart, and intestine, rendering them prone to be infected. The reproductive potential is a must for the sustenance of any species and it is our prime duty to safeguard the reproductive system of the present generation from such a deadly virus. The previously reported coronaviruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) had a detrimental impact on reproductive organs. There is a dearth of sufficient research to provide substantial evidence for the harmful effects of this novel virus on the reproductive system. Hence, our review compiles the knowledge available until now to boost research in this regard and to take the necessary steps in time.
Here we tried to compile all the data available on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the reproductive system as well as vertical transmission of the virus. All related articles published from February to August 2020 were reviewed and thoroughly analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to affect the sperm concentration and motility, thus degrading the fertility of males. In females, it is suspected that this virus affects the oocyte quality and ovarian function, resulting in infertility or miscarriage. Traces of SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been found in the breast milk of the infected mothers and the semen of infected males. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported in some cases.
Based on the literature review, SARS-CoV-2 seems to have the potential of affecting both male and female reproductive tracts. This review brings together the findings and observations made in the area of reproductive health during the current pandemic. The reproductive system of the young population is preordained for subsequent disorders, infertility, reduced sperm count, and motility. Therefore, the research and medical practices should focus on possible vulnerability being posed by SARS-CoV-2 to the gametes and future generations. We, hereby, recommend close monitoring of young and pregnant COVID-19 patients concerning reproductive health with utmost priority.
新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）是最近出现的人畜共患冠状病毒疫情。该病毒主要通过与血管紧张素转换酶2（ACE2）受体结合侵入呼吸系统细胞，而ACE2在肾脏、睾丸、卵巢、乳腺、心脏和肠道等其他器官中也有表达，这使得这些器官易于受到感染。繁殖潜力是任何物种生存的必要条件，保护当代人的生殖系统免受这种致命病毒的侵害是我们的首要责任。此前报道的冠状病毒，如严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒（SARS-CoV），对生殖器官有不利影响。目前缺乏足够的研究来为这种新型病毒对生殖系统的有害影响提供实质性证据。因此，我们的综述汇编了目前已有的知识，以推动这方面的研究并及时采取必要措施。
在此，我们试图汇编所有关于严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）对生殖系统影响以及该病毒垂直传播的现有数据。对2020年2月至8月发表的所有相关文章进行了综述和深入分析。已发现SARS-CoV-2会影响精子浓度和活力，从而降低男性生育能力。在女性中，怀疑这种病毒会影响卵母细胞质量和卵巢功能，导致不孕或流产。在感染母亲的母乳和感染男性的精液中也发现了SARS-CoV-2病毒痕迹。在某些情况下也报道了SARS-CoV-2的垂直传播。
基于文献综述，SARS-CoV-2似乎有可能影响男性和女性生殖道。本综述汇集了当前疫情期间生殖健康领域的研究结果和观察情况。年轻人群的生殖系统注定会出现后续疾病、不孕、精子数量减少和活力下降等问题。因此，研究和医疗实践应关注SARS-CoV-2对配子和后代可能造成的易损性。在此，我们建议将密切监测新型冠状病毒肺炎年轻患者和孕妇的生殖健康作为重中之重。
