Testis and blood-testis barrier in Covid-19 infestation: role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in male infertility.
Olugbemi Tope OlaniyanAyobami DareGloria E OkotieCharles O AdetunjiBabatunde O IbitoyeOkoli J BamideleOlugbenga O EweoyaPublished in: Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology (2020)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 infections penetrates body cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors. Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the urogenital tract. Hence, it should be given serious attention when treating COVID-19-infected male patients of reproductive age group. Other viruses like HIV, mumps, papilloma and Epstein-Barr can induce viral orchitis, germ cell apoptosis, inflammation and germ cell destruction with attending infertility and tumors. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) and blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) are essential physical barricades in the male reproductive tract located between the blood vessel and seminiferous tubules in the testes. Despite the significant role of these barriers in male reproductive function, studies have shown that a wide range of viruses can still penetrate the barriers and induce testicular dysfunctions. Therefore, this mini-review highlights the role of ACE2 receptors in promoting SARS-CoV-2-induced blood-testis/epididymal barrier infiltration and testicular dysfunction.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- germ cell
- angiotensin ii
- coronavirus disease
- newly diagnosed
- oxidative stress
- human immunodeficiency virus
- end stage renal disease
- mental health
- induced apoptosis
- physical activity
- antiretroviral therapy
- diabetic rats
- high glucose
- cell cycle arrest
- endoplasmic reticulum stress
- chronic kidney disease
- cell death
- embryonic stem cells