Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

May 27, 2021  17:23

Low testosterone levels in men increase the risk of contracting coronavirus and developing severe forms of COVID-19, the US scientists noted.

According to TASS, numerous studies have confirmed that the coronavirus is more likely to affect men.

Experts attributed this fact to the fact that the cells of the lungs of men contain more molecules of the ACE2 receptor, with the help of which the virus attaches to the host cells.

However, a more detailed analysis revealed certain inconsistencies. The authors of the new study studied the hormonal profile of approximately 150 men and women with severe forms of coronavirus infection, revealed levels of testosterone, estrogen, insulin, and other hormones. As it turned out, hormonal status did not particularly affect the course of infection in women. But for men, it all came down to testosterone levels.

The study showed that if a man's testosterone concentration was fixed at the lower thresholds, his risk of premature death and getting into intensive care in men was the highest. This was especially true for men, whose testosterone levels fell rapidly as the infection progressed (the risk of being admitted to intensive care increased 8-10 times).

According to scientists, in such patients, a decrease in testosterone concentration was accompanied by an increase in the concentration of the protein IL-6 and other pro-inflammatory molecules, as well as changes in the behavior of immune cells.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive
 
  • Most read
 
  • Find us on Facebook
 
  • Poll
Are you aware that in 2027 medical insurance will become mandatory for all Armenian citizens?
I’m aware, and I'm in favor
I’m not aware, and I'm against
I'm aware, but I'm still undecided
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm in favor
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm against
It doesn't matter to me