Review of Sertoli cell dysfunction caused by COVID-19 that could affect male fertility.
Spermatogenesis is a complex and elaborate differentiation process and is vital for male fertility. Sertoli cells play a major role in fertility and induce spermatogenesis by protecting, nourishing, and supporting germ cells. It has been speculated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could directly affect the male reproductive system, and therefore heredity and fertility. The similarity of SARS-CoV-2 to SARS-CoV could confirm this hypothesis because both viruses use angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) as the receptor to enter human cells. ACE2 is expressed by Sertoli cells and other testicular cells, therefore COVID-19 has the potential to impair fertility by destroying Sertoli cells. This hypothesis should be evaluated and confirmed by monitoring fertility in patients with COVID-19.
['Niazi Tabar|Amirreza|A|', 'Sojoudi|Kiana|K|', 'Henduei|Hannaneh|H|', 'Azizi|Hossein|H|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8246-595X']
Sertoli cells COVID-19 Male fertility Germ cells SARS coronaviruses