Viruses and Endocrine Diseases

Viral infections have been frequently associated with physiological and pathological changes in the endocrine system for many years. The numerous early and late endocrine complications reported during the current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinforce the relevance of improving our understanding of the impact of viral infections on the endocrine system. Several viruses have been shown to infect endocrine cells and induce endocrine system disturbances through the direct damage of these cells or through indirect mechanisms, especially the activation of the host antiviral immune response, which may lead to the development of local or systemic inflammation or organ-specific autoimmunity. In addition, endocrine disorders may also affect susceptibility to viral infections since endocrine hormones have immunoregulatory functions. This review provides a brief overview of the impact of viral infections on the human endocrine system in order to provide new avenues for the control of endocrine diseases.

Automated summary

Viral infections have long been associated with physiological and pathological changes in the endocrine system. The current pandemic of COVID-19 has revealed numerous endocrine complications, highlighting the need to better understand the impact of viral infections on the endocrine system. Several viruses can directly damage endocrine cells or indirectly disrupt the system through the activation of the host antiviral immune response, leading to inflammation or organ-specific autoimmunity. Furthermore, endocrine disorders can also impact susceptibility to viral infections due to the immunoregulatory functions of endocrine hormones.