Bioinformatic and mouse model reveal the potential high vulnerability of Leydig cells on SARS-CoV-2

Zhang, Jiawei1,2,3; Wu, Yuqi1,2,3; Li, Shulin1,2,3; Wang, Xiaobin1,2,3; Wang, Rui1,2,3; Wang, Xiangwei1,2,3,4,5

2021-04-01

10.21037/atm-21-936

Annals of Translational Medicine   影响因子和分区

2305-5839

2305-5847

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China and spread rapidly since the end of 2019. Previous studies have confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells via binding to angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). Methods: To explore the expression of ACE2 and the potential risk of infection in testis, we performed a bioinformatic analysis based on public databases, and conducted a pilot study using a mouse model. We also collected clinical follow-up date on male patients who had recovered from COVID-19 for 6 months. Results: The results showed that the RNA expression of ACE2 was higher in testis compared with other organs. Single-cell analysis and immunocytochemistry further indicated that Leydig cells were at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Green fluorescence was only detected in the Leydig cells after intratesticular injection of pseudovirus SARS-CoV-2 in the mouse model. In the clinical follow-up, serum total testosterone level was statistically lower in patients who had recovered from COVID-19 compared with healthy men (P=0.010). Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate the potential vulnerability of Leydig cells. It is important to monitor the reproductive system and its complications in male COVID-19 patients. Further studies are still needed on SARS-CoV-2-associated reproductive complications.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testis reproductive system bioinformatic

SCI

英语

通讯

Oncology ; Research & Experimental Medicine

Oncology ; Medicine, Research & Experimental

WOS:000646153700010

AME PUBL CO

Web of Science

1.Shenzhen Univ, Gen Hosp, Dept Urol, Shenzhen, Peoples R China
2.Shenzhen Univ, Gen Hosp, Carson Int Canc Ctr, Shenzhen, Peoples R China
3.Shenzhen Univ, Clin Med Acad Ctr, Shenzhen, Peoples R China
4.Southern Univ Sci & Technol Hosp, Dept Urol, 6019 Liuxian St,Xili Ave, Shenzhen 518000, Peoples R China
5.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Perioperat Med, Shenzhen, Peoples R China

Zhang, Jiawei,Wu, Yuqi,Li, Shulin,et al. Bioinformatic and mouse model reveal the potential high vulnerability of Leydig cells on SARS-CoV-2[J]. Annals of Translational Medicine,2021,9(8).

Zhang, Jiawei,Wu, Yuqi,Li, Shulin,Wang, Xiaobin,Wang, Rui,&Wang, Xiangwei.(2021).Bioinformatic and mouse model reveal the potential high vulnerability of Leydig cells on SARS-CoV-2.Annals of Translational Medicine,9(8).

Zhang, Jiawei,et al."Bioinformatic and mouse model reveal the potential high vulnerability of Leydig cells on SARS-CoV-2".Annals of Translational Medicine 9.8(2021).