%0 Journal Article
%T Review of Sertoli cell dysfunction caused by COVID-19 that could affect male fertility.
%A Niazi Tabar A
%A Sojoudi K
%A Henduei H
%A Azizi H
%J Zygote
%V 0
%N 0
%D Jun 2021 28
%M 34176527
%F 1.818
%R 10.1017/S0967199421000320
%X Spermatogenesis is a complex and elaborate differentiation process and is vital for male fertility. Sertoli cells play a major role in fertility and induce spermatogenesis by protecting, nourishing, and supporting germ cells. It has been speculated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could directly affect the male reproductive system, and therefore heredity and fertility. The similarity of SARS-CoV-2 to SARS-CoV could confirm this hypothesis because both viruses use angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) as the receptor to enter human cells. ACE2 is expressed by Sertoli cells and other testicular cells, therefore COVID-19 has the potential to impair fertility by destroying Sertoli cells. This hypothesis should be evaluated and confirmed by monitoring fertility in patients with COVID-19.