Determining the Reproductive Health of Men Post-COVID-19 Infection
Ключови думи
Резюме
Описание
Male infertility results from impaired sperm function, and account for half of all infertility. Fertility services have been reported to cost £325M annually in the UK(4) (REF). Testosterone deficiency is one of the most common hormonal problems affecting men, leading to osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity and depression(5).
Concerns have been raised about the potential effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive dysfunction (male infertility and testosterone deficiency). A recent study has suggested that COVID-19 may enter human cells by binding to receptors (special gates on cells that recognise a specific molecule) for angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)(6) . ACE2 receptors are found at very high levels in the testes. Within the testes, ACE2 is found on developing sperm, the 'nurse cells' that help the sperm grow (Sertoli cells), and also on Leydig cells which are needed to make the male sex hormone testosterone. In summary, this evidence suggests that there is a plausible link why COVID-19 would cause male infertility and testosterone deficiency.
All fertility treatment in the UK is regulated by the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The HFEA has prohibited on all non-cancer fertility treatment in the UK between April 15th and May 12th 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic. It is important to rapidly screen and report whether COVID-19 has any obvious effects in causing male infertility and testosterone deficiency. It must be noted that a recent study(1) reported that COVID-19 is not spread by human semen and therefore, semen processing should not risk staff to COVID-19 infection.
Дати
Последна проверка: | 05/31/2020 |
Първо изпратено: | 05/28/2020 |
Очаквано записване подадено: | 06/01/2020 |
Първо публикувано: | 06/03/2020 |
Изпратена последна актуализация: | 06/01/2020 |
Последна актуализация публикувана: | 06/03/2020 |
Действителна начална дата на проучването: | 06/09/2020 |
Приблизителна дата на първично завършване: | 05/13/2021 |
Очаквана дата на завършване на проучването: | 05/13/2021 |
Състояние или заболяване
Интервенция / лечение
Other: Case group
Фаза
Групи за ръце
Arm | Интервенция / лечение |
---|---|
Case group Men 18-50 years of age
Already attending hospital for another reason
High risk of prior COVID-19 infection:
EITHER Prior positive COVID-19 PCR test result
OR history suggestive of COVID-19 illness | Other: Case group Previous history of COVID-19 infection. |
Control Group Men 18-50 years of age
Already attending hospital for another reason
Low risk of prior COVID-19 infection:
EITHER Negative positive COVID-19 PCR test result within last 4 weeks
OR no history suggestive of COVID-19 illness |
Критерии за допустимост
Възрасти, отговарящи на условията за проучване | 18 Years Да се 18 Years |
Полове, допустими за проучване | Male |
Метод за вземане на проби | Non-Probability Sample |
Приема здрави доброволци | Не |
Критерии | Inclusion Criteria: - Men 18-50 years of age - Already attending hospital for another reason - Low risk of prior COVID-19 infection(EITHER Negative positive COVID-19 PCR test result within last 4 weeks OR no history suggestive of COVID-19 illness) - High risk of prior COVID-19 infection(EITHER Prior positive COVID-19 PCR test result OR history suggestive of COVID-19 illness) Exclusion Criteria: - Men with current symptoms of COVID-19 infection - Men currently self-isolating as per UK government advice for COVID-19 infection - Needle-phobia - Impaired ability to provide full consent to take part in the study - History of co-morbidity likely to affect male reproductive function e.g. undescended testes, removal of testes, testicular cancer, drugs such as corticosteroids or testosterone therapy. |
Резултат
Първични изходни мерки
1. Semen parameters [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
2. Sperm Parameters [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
3. Sperm Parameters [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
4. Hormones measurement [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
5. Hormones measurement [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
6. Hormones measurement [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
Вторични изходни мерки
1. Seminal Reactive oxygen species [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]
2. Sperm DNA fragmentation rate [3 visits (up to 75 days apart)]