Search

Background: Since the emergence of the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019, we still have little knowledge about the mechanisms of pathogenesis of COVID-19. Surprisingly, early studies reported that men are more susceptible to COVID-19 compared to women. These findings raise the question of whether COVID-19 infection can negatively affect male fertility. Since angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, known as the entrance rout of virus into human cells abundantly on testicular cells, it is hypothesized that the virus can also have devastating effects male fertility. Methods: The present study was conducted a narrative review of the literature on male infertility and COVID-19. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar for papers. Full-text journal articles between the years 2019 and 2020 were reviewed for relevant articles. Results: There is emerging finding, which provides support for the susceptibility of male reproduction health to COVID-19 infection. In the current review article, we documented an overview of male reproductive function manifestations and the possible male infertility mechanisms of COVID-19 infection. Certainly, clarifying the mechanism of these findings will lead to the timely management and treatment of infected patients. Conclusion: This review suggests that male counseling about their fertility and the evaluation of their reproductive system function should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intracellular calcium and proton concentrations are important factors for activating human sperm. Calcium ion (Ca2+) enters sperm through voltagedependent calcium channel of sperm (CatSper). Proton was extruded from sperm through voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1). In the present study, the selective inhibitors of the CatSper and Hv1 channels, NNC 55-0396 (NNC) and zinc ion, respectively, were used to investigate functions of these channels. Methods: Normal semen samples (n=24) were washed and diluted to 20×106 sperm/ ml. The diluted sample was divided into 8 groups, containing Ham’s F-10 (the control group), 2 μM NNC, 1 mM ZnCl2 and NNC+Zn. The other 4 groups were the same as above, except that they contained 1 μM progesterone. The computer assisted analysis was done by VT-Sperm 3.1 to determine the percentage of motile sperm and sperm velocity. Acrosomal status was monitored by FITC-PSA and viability assessed by Eosin–Y staining. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. The p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The percentage of viable and motile sperm, curvilinear velocity and other parameters of motility was reduced in all groups containing NNC, zinc and NNC+ zinc. Progesterone–induced acrosome reaction was abolished by each of these inhibitors. The combination effect of NNC plus zinc on motility and progesterone–induced acrosome reaction was not stronger than NNC by itself. Conclusion: CatSper and Hv1 channels play a critical role in human sperm function and viability. It seems that a functional relationship exists between CatSper and Hv1 channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]