SARS-CoV-2 vs. human gametes, embryos and cryopreservation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to global health measures impacting various medical procedures.
• Infertility management, including in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), has adapted protocols in response to the pandemic.
• While direct negative effects on IVF outcomes are not definitively proven, SARS-CoV-2 may impact male fertility and potentially gamete function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 on gametes and embryos.
• To discuss how the virus may affect cryopreservation procedures in assisted reproductive technology (ART).
• To highlight the importance of virus-free cryopreservation for gametes and embryos.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical reports and scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 and its potential effects on reproductive systems.
• Analysis of potential viral entry mechanisms into testicular somatic cells and possible impacts on sperm and oocytes.
• Consideration of potential contamination routes for culture media and cryopreservation materials (e.g., liquid nitrogen).

Main Results:

• Clinical reports suggest SARS-CoV-2 can impact male fertility via specific receptors (e.g., ACE2) on testicular cells.
• There's a theoretical risk of SARS-CoV-2 affecting sperm function and oocyte performance.
• Potential for airborne contamination of IVF culture media and theoretical risk of cryopreservation material contamination exist.

Conclusions:

• The potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 on gametes and embryos warrants careful consideration in ART.
• Ensuring virus-free cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is crucial to mitigate infection risks.
• Further research is needed to clarify the direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 on fertility outcomes and ART procedures.