Scientists Reveal Covid Effect on Sperm at Cellular Levels

scientists reveal covid effect on sperm at cellular levels

Background

Since the surge of Covid in 2019, there have been reported issues about its consequences on respiratory health. With the new variants of coronavirus, there were different symptoms and side effects.

The scientists and researchers continuously had new revelations and conclusions as they continued to study the virus. Well, we again have a disclosure by the joint study of IIT Bombay and Jaslok Hospital’s Fertility Centre on the SARS-COV 2 Virus.

The news this time is about Covid’s impact on Male Fertility. 

Let’s Hash Out. Is it serious? Does it lead to Male Infertility? Is it curable with Infertility Treatment?

Continue for a good read to get complete insights. 

The Research Insights

According To The Study, SARS-COV 2 affects the male reproductive system.

The first of its kind study has its base on the article published in the ‘Journal of the American Chemical Society.’ It says the research team analyzed the samples of 27 men to find if covid impacts fertility or not.

17 out of 27 were the ones who recovered from Covid and10 who were free from any kind of disease. They all had no medical history of infertility and were aged 20 to 45 years. 

The results of those who suffered from covid had lower sperm counts and motility. Also, some men had deformed sperm shapes. 

After a detailed study, Dr. Firuza Parikh from Jaslok Hospital and Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava, the head of the proteomics laboratory from IIT Bombay, revealed that the coronavirus adversely alters protein content in sperms.

The virus entered into the body dysregulates the genes and proteins present in the male reproductive system. Hence, the reproductive system diverts from its regular functioning.

Dr. Srivastava confirmed the study involved the use of Big Matrix to analyze 1000 proteins per patient. After a thorough analysis of the samples using Advanced Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics, the results said some proteins were at a higher level, and others were at lower levels.

In short, the protein in the semen of the covid recovered men was diverted from original levels. The male fertility-related proteins Prosaposin and Semenogelin 1 were reduced to half of their normal levels.

The medical experts conclude that this rearrangement might not show immediate effect but “could indicate long-term damage.”

The Results

However, the study is based on the samples of recently recovered covid patients, or we can say the investigation is still in the initial phase.

Doctors conducting research say that they would keep monitoring the semen samples for further study and associated results.

In support of the study, Dr. Shashank Joshi, a Member of the Maharashtra Government’s Covid Task Force, confirms Covid infection increases the concentration of ACE2 in cells resulting in a higher impact of corona in men.

He also said Covid led to Gender Predilection in its initial days. 

Conclusion

Although the study in its initial phase confirms the effect of SARS-Cov-2 on the male reproductive system in its initial stage, it needs further evaluation.

Only detailed research considering proper sampling at different recovery stages with clinical findings can only confirm this initial study about Covid’s impact on male fertility.

Stay Tuned For More Updates on Facts About Male Infertility, Female Infertility, Top Gynecologists in India, IVF Treatment in India, and Much More. Crysta IVF is continuously progressive in keeping you updated and taking you a step ahead on your Parenthood Journey.