The impact of viral infections on the human endocrine system

In a recent study published in Microorganisms, researchers briefly outlined how viral infections trigger endocrinopathies in humans. Viruses can transiently or permanently damage endocrine organs by directly attacking endocrine cells or via indirect mechanisms. It activates the antiviral immune response in the host organism, leading to local or systemic inflammation or organ-specific autoimmunity resulting in certain endocrinopathies. Aggregating more data on viruses-induced endocrinopathies could open new avenues for the control of endocrine diseases. The researchers curated data on the effects of six different viruses on the human endocrine system. First and foremost, they compiled data on how human coronaviruses (hCoVs), mainly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and SARS-CoV damage the endocrine system. These two viruses share 80% identity and enter host cells by binding their spike (S) protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), highly expressed in several endocrine glands, such as the hypothalamus, the pituitary, the thyroid, and the adrenal glands. These...