Sex differences in severity and mortality from COVID-19: are males more vulnerable?

ABSTRACT: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shown high infection and mortality rates all over the world, and despite the global efforts, there is so far no specific therapy available for COVID-19. Interestingly, while the severity and mortality of COVID-19 are higher in males than in females, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this review, we explore sex-related differences that may be contributing factors to the observed male-biased mortality from COVID-19. Males are considered the weaker sex in aspects related to endurance and infection control. Studies show that viral RNA clearance is delayed in males with COVID-19. A recent study has indicated that the testis can harbor coronavirus, and consequently, males show delayed viral clearance. However, the role of testis involveme

SUBMITTER: Pradhan A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7498997 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature