BREAKING! Medical Researchers Warn That COVID-19 Promotes Development of Testicular Tumors!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 20, 2025 1 day, 22 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: A concerning new study conducted by researchers from Kırıkkale University in Kırıkkale, Turkey, and Van Yüzüncü Yıl University in Van, Turkey, is raising alarm bells about the potential role of SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—in the development of testicular tumors. Through a detailed immunohistochemical analysis of tissue samples from men diagnosed with testicular cancer before and during the pandemic, the researchers uncovered a surprising link between COVID-19 infection and changes in testicular tissue that could promote cancer.
Medical Researchers Warn That COVID-19 Promotes Development of Testicular Tumors
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), the most common cancers in young men, have long been associated with various risk factors such as undescended testes, hormonal imbalances, and genetic mutations. But this
Thailand Medical News report sheds light on a novel contributor: viral infections. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 seems to be infiltrating key supporting cells in the testicles—namely, Leydig and Sertoli cells—and disrupting their normal function. This disruption could create the perfect environment for cancer to take root.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers analyzed 32 testicular tumor cases. Sixteen of these were diagnosed between December 2019 and November 2023—during the COVID-19 pandemic—while the other 16 served as a pre-pandemic control group, diagnosed between 2014 and 2019. The tumors included seminomas and mixed germ cell tumors (MGCTs), both common types of TGCTs.
Using a laboratory technique called immunohistochemistry, they looked for the presence of two key proteins: the nucleoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and the ACE2 receptor—the main cellular doorway the virus uses to infect cells.
The findings were eye-opening. SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein was found more frequently in the post-pandemic group, and this presence was especially strong in Leydig cells, which produce testosterone, as well as in Sertoli cells and some immune-related plasma cells. Out of all the samples, 11 cases showed intense viral protein presence, with the majority occurring during the pandemic years. The difference in viral presence between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods was statistically significant.
The Role of ACE2 and Testicular Vulnerability
ACE2, a receptor that SARS-CoV-2 binds to when infecting human cells, was found in all tumor samples. This receptor was particularly concentrated in Leydig and Sertoli cells. However, no ACE2 was detected in the spermatogonia—immature sperm-forming cells. This suggests the virus may not directly attack sperm-producing cells but instead affects the surrounding support environment crucial for healthy sperm development.
While ACE2’s main biological role is to regulate blood pressure and inflammation through the renin-angiotensin system, its presence in the testicles—especially during a SARS-CoV-2
infection—may take on a more sinister role. The virus uses ACE2 as a key to enter cells, and once inside, it may trigger chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can impair testicular function.
A Deeper Look at the Viral Impact
Beyond simply being present, SARS-CoV-2 appears to be damaging Leydig and Sertoli cells, disrupting hormone production and immune regulation. One recent experiment even showed that the virus’s nucleocapsid protein directly affects testosterone levels. This disruption can lead to a hypogonadal state—where the body produces insufficient testosterone—a condition associated with impaired sperm production and increased cancer risk.
The study found that none of the tumor tissues themselves expressed SARS-CoV-2 proteins, but their surrounding cells did. This suggests the virus may not directly cause mutations in germ cells but instead creates a hostile, inflamed, and hormone-deficient environment that promotes cancer formation or accelerates the growth of pre-existing microscopic tumors.
Interestingly, a few older cases from 2015 and 2018 also showed signs of viral proteins, prompting speculation about earlier, undetected coronavirus exposures or cross-reactivity with other viruses. One such case aligned with a documented avian flu outbreak, which has also been linked to male reproductive damage in other studies.
COVID-19 May Not Start Tumors but It Might Help Them Grow
This study doesn’t prove that COVID-19 directly causes testicular cancer. However, the virus seems to act as a powerful “co-factor,” creating conditions—chronic inflammation, reduced testosterone, and cellular damage—that can help tumors develop and progress.
The researchers also noted parallels with increased prostate cancer diagnoses during the pandemic, possibly driven by similar mechanisms. Both testicular and prostate tissues express TMPRSS2, another enzyme that facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry. Inflammatory responses to infection can alter gene regulation, DNA repair, and immune function, all of which can contribute to tumor growth.
Why This Matters for Men's Health?
Men have consistently shown higher death rates from COVID-19 compared to women, and this may be partly explained by the higher levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in male reproductive tissues. This study adds another layer of concern, showing that even if the virus doesn’t kill, it might leave lasting effects on the reproductive system, including an increased risk of cancer.
Moreover, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in spermatozoa up to 90 days post-infection, despite the fact that sperm cells don’t actively replicate viruses, hints at persistent viral traces possibly trapped by immune mechanisms like extracellular traps (ETs). These immune features, while protective, could also maintain a pro-inflammatory environment that encourages tumor development.
Conclusion
The findings from this Turkish study add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 is more than just a respiratory virus—it’s a systemic disruptor with the potential to influence cancer biology. Although the virus does not appear to directly mutate germ cells or embed itself in tumor tissue, it significantly affects the testicular environment. Leydig and Sertoli cells, which are essential for hormone production and germ cell nurturing, are especially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Once compromised, these cells may contribute to low testosterone levels, impaired immune surveillance, and chronic inflammation. This chain of events creates the perfect storm for testicular tumor formation or the progression of early, dormant lesions. While more research is needed to confirm these effects and uncover the exact mechanisms, this study strongly underscores the need for long-term monitoring of male reproductive health following COVID-19 infection. Clinicians should be aware of these risks, and men recovering from COVID-19 should seek regular check-ups to detect any changes in their reproductive health early on.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Clinical Medicine Insights: Oncology.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/11795549251347339
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to
Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-hijacks-testicular-cells-to-fuel-its-replication-and-worsens-male-hormone-imbalance
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-causes-testicular-inflammation-leading-to-testicular-tissue-damage-and-decreased-fertility
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-study-unveils-the-impact-of-inflammatory-cytokines-on-testicular-cells-in-covid-19-male-fertili
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-groundbreaking-danish-study-shows-than-men-with-mild-covid-19-infections-still-ended-up-with-impaired-testicular-function
Share
Tweet
Share
