Androgens and COVID-19

Abstract

Background The humans have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The novel coronavirus or the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread across the globe. Androgens have been suggested to have a role in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Objective The objective of this review article is to study the link between androgens and COVID-19.

Methodology PubMed and Google Scholar search was performed to retrieve literature related to the topic. Review articles, clinical trials, retrospective studies, observational studies, and case–control studies were considered for the review.

Results Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected men are more inclined to be hospitalized for intensive care unit (ICU) as compared with women. This difference in the ICU admissions provides some clue for possible influence of androgens in the severity of COVID-19. The contribution of androgen and androgen receptor in COVID-19 disease and its severity, as well as the numerous medications targeting androgen and its receptor for lowering COVID-19 disease severity, are discussed in this review. Available literature suggests the role of androgen in the pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19. Sensitivity for androgen may be an important factor in regulating the severity of COVID-19 disease.

Conclusion There is a scope for the development of COVID-19 treatments based on androgen suppression. Clinical trials may furnish pivotal data and add more evidence-based options for the management of COVID-19.