COVID-19 Mediated by Basigin Can Affect Male and Female Fertility

Document Type : Letter to The Editor

Authors

1 Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

6 Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

7 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevalence has caused many problems in society and disrupted many
regular aspects of life. COVID-19 contains major structural proteins that among them, S protein can promote
fusion of the viral and cellular membranes and facilitate the entry of coronavirus into the host cells. Basigin
(BSG) is one of the most important receptors for COVID-19 that mediates its entry to host cells. Also, Basigin
has an important role in male and female reproduction. Basigin is expressed in the uterus and plays an
important role during embryo implantation and needed for successful implantation. Therefore, disruption or
inhibition of Basigin causes to a weakness in embryo implantation. Therefore, if a woman or a man is infected
with COVID-19, it is recommended that they do not attempt to conception until their treatment is complete. It
is also recommended tests for COVID-19 be performed on infertile couples before using assisted reproductive
technology (ART).

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