Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Follicular Fluid and Cumulus-oocyte-complexes in COVID-19 Patients

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: COVID; Infertility; IVF
• Interventions: Diagnostic Test: Blood sample

• Registration Number: NCT04425317
• Lead Sponsor: CRG UZ Brussel

Brief Summary

Recently, the world was shaken awake by a pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). In most nations drastic isolation measures were taken to minimize the further spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Being the first pandemic sparked by a Coronavirus, little was known on COVID-19 and its implications on general health. Our understanding on the virus and its potential effects on health is growing. In Belgium, the situation is stabilizing, and doctors and healthcare workers are slowly recommencing routine work and consultations. As also fertility treatments were abruptly interrupted, many patients are in need to resume their treatment. The limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy seems to be rather satisfying1, but practically nothing is known about the possible impact of an active SARS-CoV-2 infection on female gametes. Viral transmission occurs predominantly through respiratory droplets, but transmission to gametes cannot be ruled out.

Since the onset of the pandemic, knowledge about the molecular details of SARS-CoV-2 infection rapidly grew. Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses. For a virus to deliver their genome into the host cell, attachment and entrance into that cell is a crucial step. The coronavirus surface protein spike (S) mediates entry into target cells by binding to a cellular receptor and subsequent fusing of the viral envelope with a host cell membrane. The SARS-CoV-2-S protein (SARS-S) utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for host cell entry. Host proteases such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are then needed to cleave the viral S protein, allow-ing permanent fusion of the viral and host cell membranes2. Expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 has been shown in testicular, uterine and placental cells. Based on available transcriptomic data, co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 is also seen on oocyte level, but the possible impact on reproduction is unknown. The BSG (basigin or CD147), a receptor on host cells, was also identified as a possible route for viral invasion.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2020-05-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-06-09
• Study First Posted: 2020-06-11
• Study Start: 2020-09-10
• Primary Completion: 2021-06-01
• Study Completion: 2022-01-01
• Status Verified: 2022-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-02-16
• Last Update Posted: 2022-02-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 16

Inclusion Criteria

• Female
• Undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment
• Planned for an oocyte retrieval
• PCR positive of SARS-CoV-2 or high suspicion for COVID 19 based on CT scan
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• None

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Diagnostic arm	Blood sample	Blood sample and endometrial biopsy Collection of follicular fluid, immature oocytes and cumulus cells

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 in follicular fluid, cumulus cells, immature oocytes and endometrium	1 day	Identification of viral RNA in cumulus-oocyte-complexes, exclusively looking at the material that is considered waste material in a normal oocyte retrieval

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Presence of ACE2, TMPRSS and BSG receptors in cumulus cells, immature oocytes and endometrium	1 day	Presence of receptors, identified as possible steps in the entry pathway for SARS-CoV-2

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Uz Brussels; 🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium