Possible Potential Outcomes from COVID-19 Complications on Testes: Lesson from SARS Infection

Coronavirus infection disease-2019 (COVID-19) gained worldwide fame after deadly outbreak in China and its subsequent spread to many countries. So far, COVID-19 is not fully contained, and new cases are arising on daily bases in various countries. Due to zoonotic nature and human-to-human spread, COVID-19 is considered pandemic with more causalities in developing countries. Full genome analysis revealed its resemblance with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus with minor variation in non-structural proteins. Both viruses use the common angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor to attach to the epithelial cells of the target organs. Currently, COVID-19 patients are treated with drugs that are used for lungs infections. However, ACE2 has high expression in other human organs such as kidney and testes. Thus, it is assumed that, like SARS, it may have adverse effects on other vital organs, which have dominant expression of ACE2. In testis, SARS affected patients displayed peritubular fibrosis, extensive germ cell disruption, damage of blood-testis barrier integrity and more frequent occurrence of apoptosis. Here, we critically discuss the possible adverse effects of COVID-19 on the testes of patients along with future precautions to overcome the complications of reproductive organs. Key Words: COVID-19; SARS; ACE2, Testes.