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Effects of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on the Female Reproductive System: A Narrative Review.Balkan Medical Journal May 2023Several studies and research papers have been published to elucidate and understand the mechanism of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its long-term... (Review)
Review
Several studies and research papers have been published to elucidate and understand the mechanism of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its long-term effects on the human body. COVID-19 affects a number of organs, including the female reproductive system. However, less attention has been given to the effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system due to their low morbidity. The results of studies investigating the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ovarian function in women of reproductive age have shown the harmless involvement of COVID-19 infection. Several studies have reported the involvement of COVID-19 infection in oocyte quality, ovarian function, and dysfunctions in the uterine endometrium and the menstrual cycle. The findings of these studies indicate that COVID-19 infection negatively affects the follicular microenvironment and dysregulate ovarian function. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and female reproductive health have been studied in humans and animals, very few studies have examined how COVID-19 affects the female reproductive system. The objective of this review is to summarize the current literature and categorize the effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, and hormonal profiles. The effects on oocyte maturation, oxidative stress, which causes chromosomal instability and apoptosis in ovaries, in vitro fertilization cycle, high-quality embryos, premature ovarian insufficiency, ovarian vein thrombosis, hypercoagulable state, women’s menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis, and sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and the anti-Müllerian hormone, are discussed in particular.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Pandemics; COVID-19; Ovary; Progesterone; Vaccination
PubMed: 37114907
DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2023.2023-3-4 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Feb 2021Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide is a major public health concern. Cancer... (Review)
Review
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide is a major public health concern. Cancer patients are considered a vulnerable population to SARS-CoV-2 infection and may develop several COVID-19 symptoms. The heightened immunocompromised state, prolonged chronic pro-inflammatory milieu coupled with comorbid conditions are shared in both disease conditions and may influence patient outcome. Although ovarian cancer (OC) and COVID-19 are diseases of entirely different primary organs, both diseases share similar molecular and cellular characteristics in their microenvironment suggesting a potential cooperativity leading to poor outcome. In COVID-19 related cases, hospitalizations and deaths worldwide are lower in women than in males; however, comorbidities associated with OC may increase the COVID-19 risk in women. The women at the age of 50-60 years are at greater risk of developing OC as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased levels of gonadotropin and androgen, dysregulated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), hyper-coagulation and chronic inflammation are common conditions observed among OC and severe cases of COVID-19. The upregulation of common inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), among others in the sera of COVID-19 and OC subjects suggests potentially similar mechanism(s) involved in the hyper-inflammatory condition observed in both disease states. Thus, it is conceivable that the pathogenesis of OC may significantly contribute to the potential infection by SARS-CoV-2. Our understanding of the influence and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection on OC is at an early stage and in this article, we review the underlying pathogenesis presented by various comorbidities of OC and correlate their influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Topics: COVID-19; Comorbidity; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Renin-Angiotensin System; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 33632295
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00787-z -
Hormone and Metabolic Research =... Aug 2022COVID-19 may influence human fertility and sexuality in several ways. Different cell types in gonads show a constitutive expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2... (Review)
Review
COVID-19 may influence human fertility and sexuality in several ways. Different cell types in gonads show a constitutive expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), which provide potential entry pathways for SARS-CoV-2. In addition to the biological effects of a COVID-19 infection on the gonads, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on mental health issues and sexual behavior may affect reproduction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the influence of COVID-19 on the gonads and discusses possible consequences on human fertility. In this context, the close interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in response to COVID-19-related stress is discussed. Some women noticed changes in their menstrual cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be due to psychological stress, for example. In addition, occasional cases of reduced oocyte quality and ovarian function are described after COVID-19 infection. In men, COVID-19 may cause a short-term decrease in fertility by damaging testicular tissue and/or impairing spermatogenesis. Moreover, decreased ratio testosterone/LH and FSH/LH in COVID-19 compared to aged-matched healthy men has been reported. Available data do not suggest any effect of the available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on fertility. The effects of long COVID on human fertility have been reported and include cases with premature ovarian failure and oligomenorrhoea in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Despite the increasing knowledge about the effects of COVID-19 infections on human gonads and fertility, the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot yet be assessed in this context.
Topics: Aged; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Female; Fertility; Gonads; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Pandemics; Pituitary-Adrenal System; SARS-CoV-2; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 35853464
DOI: 10.1055/a-1891-6621 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2022Primary microglial leukodystrophy or leukoencephalopathy are disorders in which a genetic defect linked to microglia causes cerebral white matter damage. Pigmented... (Review)
Review
Primary microglial leukodystrophy or leukoencephalopathy are disorders in which a genetic defect linked to microglia causes cerebral white matter damage. Pigmented orthochromatic leukodystrophy, adult-onset orthochromatic leukodystrophy associated with pigmented macrophages, hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with (axonal) spheroids, and adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP) are different terms apparently used to designate the same disease. However, ALSP linked to dominantly inherited mutations in (colony stimulating factor receptor 1) cause CSF-1R-related leukoencephalopathy (CRP). Yet, recessive ALSP with ovarian failure linked to (alanyl-transfer (t)RNA synthase 2) mutations (LKENP) is a mitochondrial disease and not a primary microglial leukoencephalopathy. Polycystic membranous lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL; Nasu-Hakola disease: NHD) is a systemic disease affecting bones, cerebral white matter, selected grey nuclei, and adipose tissue The disease is caused by mutations of one of the two genes or , identified as PLOSL1 and PLOSL2, respectively. TYROBP associates with receptors expressed in NK cells, B and T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, and microglia. encodes the protein TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2), which forms a receptor signalling complex with TYROBP in macrophages and dendritic cells. Rather than pure microglial leukoencephalopathy, NHD can be considered a multisystemic "immunological" disease.
Topics: Adult; Demyelinating Diseases; Humans; Leukoencephalopathies; Lipodystrophy; Microglia; Osteochondrodysplasias; Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
PubMed: 35683020
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116341 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Dec 2023Many cancers harbor homologous recombination defects (HRDs). A HRD is a therapeutic target that is being successfully utilized in treatment of breast/ovarian cancer via...
Many cancers harbor homologous recombination defects (HRDs). A HRD is a therapeutic target that is being successfully utilized in treatment of breast/ovarian cancer via synthetic lethality. However, canonical HRD caused by BRCAness mutations do not prevail in liver cancer. Here we report a subtype of HRD caused by the perturbation of a proteasome variant (CDW19S) in hepatitis B virus-bearing (HBV-bearing) cells. This amalgamate protein complex contained the 19S proteasome decorated with CRL4WDR70 ubiquitin ligase, and assembled at broken chromatin in a PSMD4Rpn10- and ATM-MDC1-RNF8-dependent manner. CDW19S promoted DNA end processing via segregated modules that promote nuclease activities of MRE11 and EXO1. Contrarily, a proteasomal component, ADRM1Rpn13, inhibited resection and was removed by CRL4WDR70-catalyzed ubiquitination upon commitment of extensive resection. HBx interfered with ADRM1Rpn13 degradation, leading to the imposition of ADRM1Rpn13-dependent resection barrier and consequent viral HRD subtype distinguishable from that caused by BRCA1 defect. Finally, we demonstrated that viral HRD in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma can be exploited to restrict tumor progression. Our work clarifies the underlying mechanism of a virus-induced HRD subtype.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hepatitis B virus; Liver Neoplasms; Trans-Activators; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Transcription Factors; Hepatitis B; Homologous Recombination; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
PubMed: 37815873
DOI: 10.1172/JCI171533 -
Gynecologic Oncology Jul 2020• The pandemic COVID-19 requires alternative methods and thinking to keep healthcare professionals and patients safe. • In COVID-19 hot spots, oral therapies may be...
• The pandemic COVID-19 requires alternative methods and thinking to keep healthcare professionals and patients safe. • In COVID-19 hot spots, oral therapies may be viable alternatives to intravenous therapies for treatment of ovarian cancer. • Minimizing patient visits to hospitals and cancer clinics may help mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Organoplatinum Compounds; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 32370991
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.04.703 -
JAMA Oncology Aug 2023While the characteristics of COVID-19 infection and mortality among patients with a malignant neoplasm have previously been examined, little data are available for...
IMPORTANCE
While the characteristics of COVID-19 infection and mortality among patients with a malignant neoplasm have previously been examined, little data are available for gender-specific COVID-19 mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the gender-specific COVID-19 case fatality risks among patients with a malignant neoplasm.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
In this cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample, patients admitted to the hospital from April to December 2020 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection were identified by the World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision code U07.1. Data analysis was performed from November 2022 to January 2023.
EXPOSURE
Diagnosis of malignant neoplasm, identified and classified according to the National Cancer Institute's definition.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE
COVID-19 in-hospital case fatality rate, defined as the number of deaths that occurred during index hospital admissions.
RESULTS
There were 1 622 755 patients who were admitted to the hospital from April 1 to December 31, 2020, with a diagnosis of COVID-19. The cohort-level COVID-19 in-hospital case fatality rate was 12.9% with a median time to death of 5 days (IQR, 2-11 days). Frequently reported morbidities among the patients with COVID-19 included pneumonia (74.3%), respiratory failure (52.9%), cardiac arrythmia or cardiac arrest (29.3%), acute kidney injury (28.0%), sepsis (24.6%), shock (8.6%), cerebrovascular accident (5.2%), and venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism (5.0%). In a multivariable analysis, gender (male vs female, 14.5% vs 11.2%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.27-1.30) and malignant neoplasm (17.9% vs 12.7%; aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.27-1.32) were both associated with increased COVID-19 in-hospital case fatality risk at the cohort level. Among the group of female patients, there were 5 malignant neoplasms in which the COVID-19 in-hospital case fatality risk was greater than 2-fold higher. These included anal cancer (23.8%; aOR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.84-4.69), Hodgkin lymphoma (19.5%; aOR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.90-4.08), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (22.4%; aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 2.02-2.47), lung cancer (24.3%; aOR, 2.21; 95% CI, 2.03-2.39), and ovarian cancer (19.4%; aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.79-2.59). Among the group of male patients, Kaposi sarcoma (33.3%; aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.18-3.66) and malignant neoplasm in the small intestine (28.6%; aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.18-3.53) had a greater than 2-fold increased COVID-19 in-hospital case mortality risk.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results of this cohort study confirmed the substantial case fatality rate among patients with COVID-19 in the early pandemic experience in 2020 in the US. While COVID-19 in-hospital case fatality risks were lower among women compared with men, the associations of a concurrent malignant neoplasm with the COVID-19 case fatality were overall more substantial for women than for men.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; COVID-19; Cohort Studies; Retrospective Studies; Hospitalization; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37103920
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.0768 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... Feb 2022To analyze the existing scientific literature to find out if the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an effect on gynecological health. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the existing scientific literature to find out if the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an effect on gynecological health.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We performed an integrative review of articles published between April 2020 and April 2021 on the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using and the following relevant terms: ; ; ; ; ; ; and .
SELECTION CRITERIA
Among the eligible studies found, editorials and primary research articles, which describe the dynamics between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection (the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic) and gynecological health, were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Through qualitative synthesis, data were extracted from the included publications and from guidelines of national and international societies of gynecology.
MAIN RESULTS
The 34 publications included in the present study showed that some factors of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and, consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic, might be associated with menstrual abnormalities, effects on contraception, alterations in steroid hormones, changes in urogynecological care, effects on women's mental health, and negative impact on violence against women.
CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health of women. The scientific community encourages the development of recommendations for specialized care for women and strategies to prevent and respond to violence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: COVID-19; Female; Gynecology; Humans; Mental Health; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35213918
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742294 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2022In recent years, many studies have highlighted the possible close correlation between human diseases and definite patterns of microbial organisms colonizing various...
In recent years, many studies have highlighted the possible close correlation between human diseases and definite patterns of microbial organisms colonizing various organs. Even at sites traditionally considered sterile, such as the upper female reproductive tract (FRT), it is now well-recognized as hosting a low biomass of different bacterial phyla. Additionally, the data from recent studies highlight a possible link between lower and upper FRT dysbiosis with a potential predisposition to cervical and ovarian cancer. Acinetobacter, chlamydia, increased mycoplasma, and lactobacillary scarcity in the upper FRT have all been linked to a predisposition to ovarian cancer. Additionally, a high-diversity vaginal community state type (CST) is linked to the presence and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), resulting in decreased cellular p53 activity and a reduction in the immune activity of T lymphocytes, resulting in cervical and ovarian cancer predisposition. While these findings are still far from being clarified in all aspects, in patients with multiple risk factors for ovarian cancer, a treatment with a product with a proven ability to restore a favorable CST should be considered as an add-on therapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Papillomavirus Infections; Vagina; Microbiota; Ovarian Neoplasms; Cervix Uteri; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 36555661
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416019 -
Biochemia Medica Oct 2023Carbohydrate sulfotransferases (CHST) catalyse the biosynthesis of proteoglycans that enable physical interactions and signalling between different neighbouring cells in... (Review)
Review
Carbohydrate sulfotransferases (CHST) catalyse the biosynthesis of proteoglycans that enable physical interactions and signalling between different neighbouring cells in physiological and pathological states. The study aim was to provide an overview of emerging diagnostic and prognostic applications of CHST. PubMed database search was conducted using the keywords "carbohydrate sulfotransferase" together with appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, whereby 41 publications were selected. Additionally, 40 records on CHST genetic and biochemical properties were hand-picked from UniProt, GeneCards, InterPro, and neXtProt databases. Carbohydrate sulfotransferases have been applied mainly in diagnostics of connective tissue disorders, cancer and inflammations. The lack of CHST activity was found in congenital connective tissue disorders while CHST overexpression was detected in different malignancies. Mutations of gene cause skeletal dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, and autosomal recessive multiple joint dislocations while increased tissue expression of , and is an unfavourable prognostic factor in ovarian cancer, glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Recently, and overexpression in the vascular smooth muscle cells was linked to the severe lung pathology in COVID-19 patients. Promising CHST diagnostic and prognostic applications have been described but larger clinical studies and robust analytical procedures are required for the more reliable diagnostic performance estimations.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; COVID-19; Sulfotransferases; Mutation; COVID-19 Testing
PubMed: 37545696
DOI: 10.11613/BM.2023.030503