COVID-19-The Shift of Homeostasis into Oncopathology or Chronic Fibrosis in Terms of Female Reproductive System Involvement

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 11;24(10):8579. doi: 10.3390/ijms24108579.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains a global public health concern due to the systemic nature of the infection and its long-term consequences, many of which remain to be elucidated. SARS-CoV-2 targets endothelial cells and blood vessels, altering the tissue microenvironment, its secretion, immune-cell subpopulations, the extracellular matrix, and the molecular composition and mechanical properties. The female reproductive system has high regenerative potential, but can accumulate damage, including due to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is profibrotic and can change the tissue microenvironment toward an oncogenic niche. This makes COVID-19 and its consequences one of the potential regulators of a homeostasis shift toward oncopathology and fibrosis in the tissues of the female reproductive system. We are looking at SARS-CoV-2-induced changes at all levels in the female reproductive system.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; endometrial cancer; female reproductive system; malignant tumors; oncogenic viruses; tissue microenvironment; tumor microenvironment; uterine fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Genitalia, Female
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2