Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
08:41
Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
3.2K
The Impact of SARS-Cov-2 Virus Infection on the Endocrine System
Noel Pratheepan Somasundaram1, Ishara Ranathunga1, Vithiya Ratnasamy2
1Diabetes and Endocrine Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Journal of the Endocrine Society
|July 31, 2020
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, impacts the endocrine system, potentially causing issues like hyperglycemia and affecting patients with existing endocrine disorders. Management strategies are crucial for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a global pandemic with unclear effects on the endocrine system.
- Previous research on SARS-CoV-1 indicated potential endocrine organ involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential endocrine consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To provide insights into managing endocrine disorders in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature survey of medical databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, MedARXiv) using keywords related to COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and endocrine system.
- Screening of bibliographies and citations for additional relevant articles.
- Review focused on literature up to April 28, 2020.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 may affect the pancreas, leading to hyperglycemia and diabetic emergencies.
- Patients with adrenal insufficiency require hydrocortisone dose adjustments.
- Cushing syndrome patients may face poorer outcomes due to immunodeficiency and coagulopathy.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility or severity.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 presents significant endocrine challenges, particularly for individuals with pre-existing endocrine conditions.
- Management requires careful consideration of factors like adrenal insufficiency, Cushing syndrome, and vitamin D status.
- Developing robust strategies for managing endocrinopathies in COVID-19 is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:10An Overview of the Endocrine System
12.5K
The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...
The endocrine system collaborates...
12.5K
01:29The Endocrine System
1.1K
The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that...
1.1K
00:46What is the Endocrine System?
419.3K
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
419.3K
00:59Structures of the Endocrine System
11.0K
The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
11.0K
01:45Endocrine Signaling
67.1K
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
67.1K
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
1.3K
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
1.3K