SARS-CoV-2 and the male reproductive system: mechanisms, consequences and related factors

The article discusses the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has proteins in the form of spikes resembling a crown. These spikes are split and with the help of the subunits of which they consist, attachment to the ACE II receptor and further penetration into the cell occurs. The article deals specifically with spermatozoa and the male reproductive system, which are exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, since they have receptors on their surface. Due to the virus entering the reproductive system, the processes of spermatogenesis are disrupted, DNA breaks appear, cell fertility is disrupted, which ultimately can cause infertility.