Zinc as a Possible Critical Element to Prevent Harmful Effects of COVID-19 on Testicular Function: a Narrative Review.
Marouane ChemekAmmar KadiFatimah Kadhim Ibrahim Al-MahdawiIrina PotorokoPublished in: Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) (2024)
Research into innovative non-pharmacological therapeutic routes via the utilization of natural elements like zinc (Zn) has been motivated by the discovery of new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) variants and the ineffectiveness of certain vaccination treatments during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, research on SARS-COV-2's viral cellular entry and infection mechanism has shown that it may seriously harm reproductive system cells and impair testicular function in young men and adolescents, which may lead to male infertility over time. In this context, we conducted a narrative review to give an overview of the data pertaining to Zn's critical role in testicular tissue, the therapeutic use of such micronutrients to enhance male fertility, as well as in the potential mitigation of COVID-19, with the ultimate goal of elucidating the hypothesis of the potential use of Zn supplements to prevent the possible harmful effects of SARS-COV2 infection on testis physiological function, and subsequently, on male fertility.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- germ cell
- heavy metals
- coronavirus disease
- young adults
- induced apoptosis
- climate change
- small molecule
- type diabetes
- physical activity
- middle aged
- high throughput
- electronic health record
- big data
- human health
- adipose tissue
- signaling pathway
- gene expression
- case report
- risk assessment
- dna methylation
- childhood cancer
- respiratory tract
- artificial intelligence
- drug induced
- pi k akt