Evaluation of Levels of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Sex-related Hormones in Males Recovered from COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The first case of COVID-190 infection was verified and recorded in December 2019, and since then, COVID-19 has spread all over the world. Testes, comprising spermatogonia, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, were shown to have high expression levels of angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into target cells. There is currently no evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can harm a man’s ability to reproduce.
Methods: In this investigation, the sex hormones of 50 males in their reproductive years who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared to those of 50 men who were healthy and of a similar age.
Results: In the patient group, the mean serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level was (7.2 ± 3.3 mIU/ml). The mean serum testosterone level was significantly lower (3.2 ± 1.7 IU/ml) in the patient group as compared
to the control group. There was also a strong correlation between the levels of ACE2 and serum testosterone in the patient group, according to a multivariable regression analysis.
Conclusion: This work offers the first scientific evidence of COVID- 19’s effects on male sex hormones, underscoring the significance of monitoring gonadal health among SARS-CoV-2-infected patients,
especially in males of reproductive age.

How to cite this article:
Farman HA, Sadiq JF. Evaluation of Levels of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Sex-related Hormones in Males Recovered from COVID-19. J Commun Dis. 2023;55(3):34-39.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202335