Serum testosterone and testicular hemodynamics before and after infection with SARS-COV-2 (pilot study)
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/urology.2021.5.5-9
Kh.S. Ibishev, E.A. Mamedov, Z.R. Gusova, A.I. Palenyy, Y.O. Prokop
Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Introduction. The current epidemiological situation dictates a detailed study of the effect of a new coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) on various anatomical, histological, physiological and biochemical parameters of the human body, which has become an integral part of many medical research, including urology, andrology, endocrinology.
Objective. To study serum testosterone levels and testicular hemodynamics before and after infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Materials and methods. 20 patients were examined, before and after suffering SARS-CoV-2 infection (who fell ill at the beginning of 2020). Average age 37.8 years (min=27, max=50). The level of total testosterone (Тs) in the blood serum and hemodynamic parameters of the testicles (maximum and minimum blood flow velocity and resistance index) were studied.
Results: When studying the level of Тs 3 months after the transferred SARS-CoV-2, its decrease from the initial value was noted (r=0.47; p=0.35), and after 6 months (r=0.98; p<0.007) there was no recovery of the target level of Ts before infection with SARS-CoV-2. Regarding the hemodynamics of the testicles, there was also a decrease in Vmax and Vmin, and an increase in RI, which indicates a deterioration in the blood flow of the testicles (p<0.001).
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 affects the level of Ts in the blood serum and the parameters of the hemodynamics of the testicles. The extent to which SARS-CoV-2 affects patient performance depends largely on the severity of the disease and to a lesser extent on baseline performance.
Keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, testosterone, testicles, hemodynamics of testicles
About the Autors
Corresponding author: Kh.S. Ibishev – doctor of medical sciences, professor of the department of urology and human reproductive health with the course of pediatric urology-andrology at the Federal State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health, Rostov-on-Don, Russia; e-mail: ibishev22@mail.ru