Affiliation:
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
2. The First Clinical College China Medical University Shenyang China
3. Reproductive Medicine Center General Hospital of Northern Theater Command Shenyang China
4. Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University) National Health Commission Shenyang China
5. NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University) National Health Commission Shenyang China
Abstract
AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has experienced a global pandemic, and currently, the emergence of its variants has posed challenges in terms of prevention and treatment. Nonetheless, the effect of COVID‐19 infection on female reproductive function is unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate for the first time the causal effect of COVID‐19 on female reproductive function. Genetic correlations were assessed using linkage disequilibrium score regression. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using summary statistics of two variables, including COVID‐19 severity and eight female reproductive traits. The three degrees of severity had genetically significant associations with sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations (rg = –0.153, p = 0.004; rg = –0.187, p < 0.001; rg = –0.180, p = 0.003). Additionally, MR showed that SHBG (β = –0.020, p = 0.040) and total testosterone levels (β = –0.061, p = 0.009) followed a decreasing trend, as the COVID‐19 infection higher. No significant genetic association was found between COVID‐19 infection and total estradiol concentrations, menstruation, and female infertility. Simultaneously, MR found no causal relationships between COVID‐19 infection and total estradiol concentrations, menstruation, and female infertility (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, COVID‐19 was causally associated with lower SHBG and total testosterone concentrations, offering invaluable insights that will help guide clinical decision‐making.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation