COVID-19 Infection Significantly Reduces Sperm Quality in Men, finds study

Researchers have discovered in a new study that COVID-19 infection is highly related to a reduction in sperm quality among men, indicating that the virus can negatively affect male reproductive health. The research reached the conclusion that men who contracted COVID-19 had lower quality semen compared to those who had not been infected, and changes were statistically significant. The study was conducted by Lulu Yuan and fellow researchers published in the journal of Scientific Reports.

The study constituted two large elements: a cross-sectional study that included 604 male participants and a longitudinal study that comprised 140 COVID-19-infected men and 149 uninfected natural controls. The cross-sectional analysis included men who donated semen specimens following a proven COVID-19 infection. The longitudinal arm of the study followed semen samples from the same patients prior to and subsequent to infection. To provide comparison, the control group for the longitudinal study was composed of uninfected men who provided two semen specimens over the same duration.

Researchers measured both conventional and high-tech sperm quality indicators, such as total sperm count, percentage of grade A sperm, progressive and total motility, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and chromatin maturity.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, men with COVID-19 had lower sperm quality compared to uninfected controls:

  • Total sperm count: 159.58×10⁶ vs. 185.42×10⁶; P = 0.042

  • Percentage of grade A sperm: 5.37% vs. 8.45%; P = 0.009

  • Progressive motility: 24.74% vs. 28.73%; P = 0.023

  • Total motility: 32.04% vs. 36.91%; P = 0.022

  • Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI): 17.50% vs. 11.75%; P = 0.030

In the longitudinal study, in which participants were examined before and after infection, a consistent pattern of sperm quality deterioration was seen:

  • Total sperm count: decreased from 173.63×10⁶ to 131.80×10⁶ (Δd = -20.49×10⁶); P = 0.018

  • Grade A sperm percentage: decreased from 8.50% to 2.61% (Δd = -3.18%); P < 0.001

  • Progressive motility: decreased from 24.88% to 19.82% (Δd = -5.07%); P < 0.001

  • Total motility: decreased from 32.25% to 26.64% (Δd = -5.62%); P < 0.001

  • DFI: increased from 26.49% to 32.10% (Δd = 5.61%); P = 0.039

The research presents strong evidence that COVID-19 infection can seriously undermine sperm quality in men and, potentially, fertility. With a high percentage of infected patients showing loss in sperm concentration, motility, and DNA integrity, the findings support the importance of fertility evaluations for men who have recovered from COVID-19. The findings also emphasize the significance of fertility monitoring over the long term in male patients after infection.

Reference:

Yuan, L., Sun, W., Dong, Z. et al. COVID-19 infection was associated with poor sperm quality: a cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical observation study. Sci Rep 15, 11380 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94570-5

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Subjective Cognitive Decline Affects Over Half of Hemodialysis Patients: Researchers Call for Early Interventions

China: A recent study, published in BMC Nephrology has shed light on the prevalence and associated factors of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), emphasizing the clinical significance of early assessment and intervention. The cross-sectional study found that more than half of patients receiving MHD experience SCD, with frailty emerging as a key contributing factor.

The researchers identified associations between SCD and employment status, sex, reduced grip strength, poor nutritional status, and frailty, collectively explaining 38.8% of its variance. Conducting early cognitive assessments in MHD patients may help mitigate long-term cognitive deterioration.

Subjective cognitive decline is prevalent among adults and is a known risk factor for long-term cognitive impairment. However, its impact on patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis remains understudied. The connection between frailty and SCD in this population is also not well understood. To bridge this gap, Huaihong Yuan, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, and colleagues aimed to identify factors influencing SCD in MHD patients and explore its association with frailty.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2023 to April 2024, recruiting 171 patients from West China Hospital of Sichuan University through convenience sampling. Demographic and sociological characteristics were assessed using a general information questionnaire. Subjective cognitive function, frailty, nutritional status, and grip strength were evaluated using SCD-Q9, TFI, SGA, and a grip dynamometer, respectively. Univariate analyses identified factors linked to SCD, while linear regression examined their relationships. Spearman’s correlation assessed the association between SCD and frailty.

The study led to the following findings:

  • The average subjective cognitive decline score among 171 MHD patients was 4.00.
  • SCD was present in 95 patients (55.56%) with scores greater than 3.
  • Linear regression analysis identified sex, work status, grip strength, nutritional status (SGA), and frailty as key influencing factors, accounting for 38.80% of SCD variation.
  • Spearman’s analysis showed a significant positive correlation between SCD and frailty (r = 0.431).

The researchers highlighted that subjective cognitive decline is prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis patients, with sex, employment status, grip strength, nutritional status, and frailty as key contributing factors. Given its impact on long-term cognitive function, early assessment and targeted interventions are crucial.

“While our study offers valuable insights, its single-center, small-sample nature and lack of biochemical analysis limit generalizability. Future multi-center cohort studies with random sampling and expanded biochemical evaluations are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and refine intervention strategies for improving cognitive health in MHD patients,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Li, J., Gao, Y., Li, X. et al. Prevalence, associated factors and clinical implications of subjective cognitive decline linked to frailty in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nephrol 26, 92 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04020-7

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Support Growing for Medication Abortion and Alternative Care Models Post-Dobbs: JAMA

Recent study focused on investigating changes in national support and personal interest in advance provision (AP) and over-the-counter (OTC) access to medication abortion following the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. The researchers conducted two nationally representative surveys before and after Dobbs, targeting AFAB individuals aged 15 to 49 years. The results showed a significant increase in national support for AP and OTC access to medication abortion after Dobbs, indicating growing interest in alternative models of abortion care. Specifically, support for AP increased from 48.9% to 55.1%, and support for OTC access rose from 49.4% to 55.2%.

Promising Approach to Abortion Care

The study highlighted the potential of AP and OTC models to offer a promising approach to abortion care, especially for individuals living in states with abortion bans. Personal interest in AP and OTC access also increased after Dobbs, with the OTC model being particularly appealing, especially among marginalized populations facing obstacles in accessing reproductive healthcare services. The findings pointed to the importance of expanding access to medication abortion through these alternative models, emphasizing the benefits of earlier access, convenience, and privacy.

Factors Influencing Support

Significant demographic and health-related factors influenced individuals’ views on AP and OTC access. The study identified variations in support based on ideological perspectives, age, political party affiliation, religion, history of abortion, and experiences of medical mistreatment and barriers in accessing healthcare services. Overall, both AP and OTC access models received positive feedback, with individuals recognizing advantages such as earlier access to abortion, privacy, and convenience, as well as concerns about incorrect pill usage and lack of answered questions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study emphasized the increased national support and interest in expanded access to medication abortion through AP and OTC models. These findings suggested a shift towards less medicalized models of abortion care, particularly in response to restrictive abortion policies. The researchers recommended further research to explore the safety, acceptability, and feasibility of implementing these models, highlighting the importance of policy support and insurance coverage to make these approaches widely available to the public.

Key Points

– The study investigated changes in national support and personal interest in advance provision (AP) and over-the-counter (OTC) access to medication abortion post the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization case.

– There was a significant increase in national support for AP and OTC access to medication abortion after Dobbs, indicating a growing interest in alternative models of abortion care. – Support for AP increased from 48.9% to 55.1%, and support for OTC access rose from 49.4% to 55.2%.

– The study highlighted the potential of AP and OTC models to offer a promising approach to abortion care, especially for individuals in states with abortion bans.

– Significant demographic and health-related factors influenced individuals’ views on AP and OTC access, including ideology, age, political affiliation, religion, abortion history, and experiences with healthcare services.

– The findings pointed to a shift towards less medicalized models of abortion care and recommended further research to explore the safety, acceptability, and feasibility of implementing AP and OTC models, emphasizing the need for policy support and insurance coverage.

Reference –

M. A. Biggs et al. (2025). Changes In Support For Advance Provision And Over-The-Counter Access To Medication Abortion. *JAMA Network Open*, 8. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54767

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Low-Grade Inflammation Increases Risk of Psoriasis, Especially in Severe Cases: Study Finds

Denmark: A large population-based study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, involving more than 100,000 individuals, has found that low-grade systemic inflammation is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis, especially in moderate-to-severe cases.

Inflammatory markers—such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (HR 1.78), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR 1.56), and C-reactive protein (HR 2.83)—were identified as independent predictors of psoriasis, underscoring their potential role in its pathogenesis. Traditionally linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, these biomarkers now appear to play a key role in the development of this chronic inflammatory skin condition.

Biomarkers of low-grade systemic inflammation are often elevated in individuals with psoriasis compared to healthy individuals. However, it has remained unclear whether this inflammation plays a causal role in the development of psoriasis or is simply a result of the disease. To address this, Charlotte Näslund-Koch, Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleagues aimed to determine whether low-grade systemic inflammation—assessed through indicators such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP)—serves as an independent risk factor for the onset of psoriasis.

For this purpose, the researchers analyzed data from the Copenhagen General Population Study, enrolling adults aged 20–100 between 2003 and 2015. Participants underwent physical exams, completed lifestyle questionnaires, and provided blood samples to measure SII, NLR, and CRP. Psoriasis cases were identified using ICD codes from national health records. Associations were assessed using Cox regression models, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, education, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • The study included 105,418 individuals with a median age of 58 years, 55% of whom were women.
  • Higher levels of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis.
  • Individuals with values above the 90th percentile for SII, NLR, and CRP had multivariable adjusted hazard ratios of 1.78, 1.56, and 2.83, respectively, compared to those with lower levels.
  • These associations remained consistent, though slightly reduced, when considering cases of mild psoriasis treated with topical calcipotriol (alone or with corticosteroids).

Low-grade systemic inflammation—reflected by elevated levels of systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein (CRP)—was found to be independently associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis in a large population-based study. The risk was particularly pronounced in individuals with moderate-to-severe disease.

“These findings strengthen the hypothesis that chronic low-grade inflammation may actively contribute to the development of psoriasis, rather than being merely a result of the condition,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Bojesen, S. E., Skov, L., & Kobylecki, C. J. Low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with risk of psoriasis in a general population study of more than 100,000 individuals. British Journal of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf147

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Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation Shows Promise for Treating Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas: Study

A recent study suggests that ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) may be an effective and safe treatment option for aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). No cases of gastric or adrenal puncture were reported among patients, and most achieved either complete or partial biochemical cure following the procedure. The trial, which was performed in three UK centers, demonstrated that this method resulted in biochemical or clinical improvement in a high proportion of patients, with no serious complications. This study was conducted by Guilia A. and fellow researchers published in The Lancet journal.

Unilateral APAs are potentially treatable causes of hypertension but often necessitate adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy, both invasive procedures that are not appealing to many patients. Because the left adrenal gland is close to the stomach anatomically, investigators sought to determine whether EUS-RFA a method that uses a fine-needle catheter under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound could provide localized thermal ablation without damaging surrounding organs or the remainder of the adrenal gland. The objective was to assess this adrenal-sparing strategy for safety and possible efficacy in lowering hormone overproduction and blood pressure levels.

This feasibility study enrolled 28 participants between February 2018 and February 2023 in three UK centers. Patients eligible were 18 years or older, diagnosed with primary aldosteronism according to Endocrine Society criteria, and had PET-CT or AVS-documented left-sided APAs. Molecular imaging was obtained twice—diagnosis once, and post-treatment to evaluate ablation once. With a 19G radiofrequency ablation catheter, all APAs were ablated in short bursts of 10–20 seconds under ultrasound guidance in real time. Safety, in the form of serious complications 24–48 hours following the intervention, was the main outcome. Secondary outcomes comprised decreased PET-CT uptake, improved aldosterone-to-renin ratios, and improvement in blood pressure after 6 months.

Results

  • Of the 44 screened individuals, 28 were enrolled—21 men (75%) and seven women (25%), with a mean age of 57.7 years.

  • Racial distribution included 16 White (57%), 11 Black (39%), and one Asian (4%) participant.

  • A total of 35 ablations were performed, with seven patients requiring two sessions.

  • All APA nodules seen on PET-CT were identified and treated. Critically, none of the serious adverse events listed prior to the procedure (e.g., hemorrhage, infarction, or organ perforation) were seen after the procedure, suggesting a high degree of procedural safety.

  • By 3 months after treatment, localized decrease in radiotracer uptake in the treated adrenal nodules was observed.

  • Biochemical cure or partial cure—defined by normalization or improvement in aldosterone-to-renin ratio—was observed in 21 of 28 subjects (75%, 95% CI 55–91).

  • Clinically, 12 patients (43%, 95% CI 24–61) had complete or partial remission of hypertension.

  • In four instances, the APA entirely resolved on imaging, and these patients had blood pressure less than 135/85 mmHg without any antihypertensive medication.

EUS-RFA was a safe, adrenal-sparing alternative to the conventional adrenalectomy for the treatment of left-sided aldosterone-producing adenomas. With a large majority of patients obtaining biochemical and clinical improvement and even some of them being fully cured this new technique can transform the treatment of primary aldosteronism.

Reference:

Argentesi, G., Wu, X., Ney, A., Goodchild, E., Laycock, K., Lee, Y.-N., Senanayake, R., MacFarlane, J., Ng, E., Kearney, J., O’Toole, S., Salsbury, J., Carroll, N., Gillett, D., Tadross, J. A., Marker, A., Godfrey, E. M., Goodchild, G., Bestwick, J. P., … FABULAS study group. (2025). Endoscopic, ultrasound-guided, radiofrequency ablation of aldosterone-producing adenomas (FABULAS): a UK, multicentre, prospective, proof-of-concept trial. Lancet, 405(10479), 637–647. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02755-7

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Autism not linked with increased age-related cognitive decline, finds study

There is no difference over time in the spatial working memory of older people who have autistic traits and those who are neurotypical, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

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Global South cities hold key to unlocking health care solutions, studies show

Most people living in cities in low- and middle-income countries can reach primary care clinics within 30 minutes—yet average quality of care remains poor with clinicians failing to make correct diagnoses or implement appropriate treatments, new studies reveal.

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Can technology transform health science? The promise of exposomics

Every breath we take, every meal we eat, and every environment we encounter leaves a molecular fingerprint in our bodies—a hidden record of our lifelong exposures. In this week’s edition of the journal Science, leading researchers in the field of exposomics explain how cutting-edge technologies are unlocking this biological archive, ushering in a new era of disease prevention and personalized medicine. The scientists lay out a roadmap to overcome technical and logistical challenges and realize the field’s full potential.

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The effects of smoking, drinking and lack of exercise are felt by the age of 36, new research indicates

Bad habits such as smoking, heavy drinking and lack of exercise must be tackled as early as possible to boost the odds of a happy and healthy old age.

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Medically tailored meals improve nutrition, reduce readmissions for heart failure patients

A study published in BMC Nutrition demonstrates that providing medically tailored meals (MTM) to patients with heart failure (HF) and malnutrition risk following hospital discharge significantly improves their nutritional status and keeps hospital readmission rates well below local and national averages.

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