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The role of androgens in COVID-19

Fatemeh Moradi1, Behnaz Enjezab2, Akram Ghadiri-Anari3

  • 1Midwifery Consultant, Isfahan, Iran.

Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome
|October 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Male COVID-19 patients face higher risks due to androgens, which influence immune response and viral entry. Further research into hyperandrogenism and COVID-19 severity is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global health crisis.
  • Male patients exhibit a higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications compared to females.
  • The underlying causes for this gender disparity are multifactorial and not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of androgens in COVID-19 severity.
  • To explore the link between hyperandrogenism, hair loss, and COVID-19 outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review of 42 articles published between 2008 and 2020.
  • Keywords included androgens, hormonal factors, hair loss, and COVID-19.
  • Searches were conducted across major medical research databases.

Main Results:

  • Androgen-regulated genes like TMPRSS2 are expressed in lung tissue, potentially increasing male susceptibility.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), a SARS-CoV-2 receptor, is influenced by male hormones, facilitating viral entry.
  • Hyperandrogenism conditions like PCOS are associated with increased respiratory issues.

Conclusions:

  • Androgens may play a significant role in the increased severity of COVID-19 observed in males.
  • Further research is recommended to compare COVID-19 symptom severity in patients with other hyperandrogenism conditions versus controls.
Abstract

Keywords:
AndrogensCOVID-19Hair lossSex hormones

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