European journal of clinical investigation
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SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, primarily affects the respiratory system by targeting the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2. However, these receptors are also present in other organs, including the testes, where a higher concentration of ACE2 receptors has been observed. This raises concerns about the potential impact of the virus on male fertility. ⋯ The results indicated that all of the mentioned parameters were significantly affected during COVID-19 infection (PCR-ct, CRP, WBCs LH, FSH and testosterone levels, p-value = .0001). Furthermore, the study assessed TC, TM and sperm morphology in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and found that these parameters were also significantly influenced during the infection, (p-value = .0001; Morphology, p-value = .0004). We observed significant alterations in sperm count and morphology during infection, suggesting a potential negative impact on sperm quality. Additionally, lower hormone levels were observed during COVID-19 infection, possibly due to increased inflammatory cytokines. However, both hormones and inflammation markers returned to normal following recovery. Our findings indicate a statistically significant change in total sperm count, motility and morphology post-infection, which aligns with previous studies. Discussion, COVID-19 have a transient impact on sperm parameters and fertility, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into the long-term implications.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2024
LetterPneumococcal pneumonia and endotoxemia: An experimental and clinical reappraisal.
Circulating endotoxins could result from bacterial digestive translocation during sepsis, thus contributing to uncontrolled systemic inflammation, leading in turn to organ dysfunction. We addressed this issue in the setting of severe pneumococcal pneumonia. ⋯ Seemingly, endotoxins do not drive the overwhelming inflammation associated with severe forms of pneumococcal pneumonia.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2024
Association of aortic stiffness early post myocardial infarction with left ventricular remodelling.
Adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling after myocardial infarction is associated with heart failure. We investigated whether aortic stiffness during acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is associated with LV remodelling at long-term follow-up. ⋯ gov. Unique identifier: NCT03984123, 30/04/2020.