Testis and blood-testis barrier in Covid-19 infestation: role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in male infertility
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Date
2020
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J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2020 - DE GRUYTER
Abstract
Abstract: Severeacuterespiratorysyndromecoronavirus2
(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 repro
ductive tract located between the blood vessel and semi
niferous tubulesinthetestes.Despitethesignificantroleof
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 pro
moting SARS-CoV-2-induced blood-testis/epididymal bar
rier infiltration and testicular dysfunction.
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